The Art of Graham Pettman

Graham

Pettman was born in 1938 at Fort Vermillion, Alberta, to a Cree mother and a British father. Being nomadic most of his life, Graham has been traveling with his work between BC and Alberta. Many of his works end up in sculpture collections outside of Canada, and his work is acknowledged to be the originator of a new style now in common use among many indigenous sculptors, not unlike the indigenous painter, Norval Morrisseau famed for creating the contemporary eastern woodland style of indigenous painting.

This exhibition at the Cowichan Public Art Gallery is about the Mimigewsiwak or the Cree “Little People” which Graham has illustrated in marvelous stone sculpture. Twenty or more “Little People” sculptures will be presented along with other artwork in this powerful exhibition. The exhibition is a master class in observation www.cowichangallery.ca

Encouraged by a friend and his brother to work in soapstone, he started carving fulltime in 1982. More of Graham’s Cree background and Native heritage is depicted with the integration of the symbols that nature displays. His inspiration comes from the existing shape of the stone before he commences carving.

Graham feels fortunate to live in an area where he can participate in the Native culture, invigorating, enlivening, and illustrating re-emerging ancient traditions relating to the Creator. He enjoyed sketching as a youngster and met and was influenced by A.Y. Jackson (a founding member of the Group of Seven) as a youth in Yellowknife and was later inspired to attend the Alberta College of Art in 1965. Graham presently lives in 100 Mile House in the Cariboo region of British Columbia Canada where he enjoys the company of his three children: Demian, Mikara, and Aaron.

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Tuesday - Friday 11am - 4pm Saturday 10am - 3pm

Cowichan Valley Fine Arts Show

Cowichan Valley Fine Arts Show, May 5 – June

2: Now in its 50th year, the Fine Art Show features the work of 140 artists in every imaginable medium that can possibly be displayed in our galleries! None of the works have exhibited before, all are for sale and admission is free. Include the Fine Arts Show in your Mothers’ Day plans – for beautiful, one-of-a-kind gifts and a perfect family outing.

Opening Night Fine Arts Show, May 4, 7 pm: We’re kicking off the 2023 Fine Arts Show with an Opening Night. You’ll enjoy strolling the show and connecting with the artists to chat about their work. This is also the night the jurors announce the prize winners.

Artist Demos – Ongoing: We’ll be welcoming artists, with their gear, to demonstrate their techniques.

About Us

It’s an opportunity for laypersons and artists for insights into the how and why of the artistic process. Scheduling underway – watch the website for details.

Mother’s Day Tea, May 13, 2 – 3:30 pm: White linen, fancy crockery, sweets, tea & full service set amongst artworks from throughout our region. A perfect Mother’s Day. Artists will be on hand to chat about their work.

Art Attack, May 26, 7pm: Ten artists compete in timed sessions & the audience selects finalists for the ultimate “paint off” to determine the winner! It’s tons of fun and participating artists make some pieces available for sale. Audience tickets are $10 & sell out every year -get yours soon.

A “Classy” Invitation: We’re booking artists to give personalized tours to classes … including CVAC’s popular scavenger hunt! Teachers contact CVAC to make arrangements. A nice activity as school wraps up.

Call for Emerging Artists: We’re seeking artists for the “Introducing …” exhibition. Contributors must have recently completed studies that require studying & producing art - such as a mentorship program or a degree in fine arts or art education. Please share the word – a wonderful opportunity for emerging artists.

Connect with the Cowichan Valley Arts Council for details & registration for these and all our activities.

www.

cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca

CVAC operates two community art galleries, hosting up to 30 shows annually at its art space in the Cowichan Community Centre in Duncan. Founded in 1971, CVAC programs workshops for youth and adults in its studio space. 2687 James Street, Duncan www.cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca

Cheryl Painter

Cheryl Painter was born and raised in the beautiful Cowichan Valley, and yes, as ironic as it may seem, ‘Painter’ really is her surname!

Trained as a graphic designer, Cheryl began her career as a fine artist in North Vancouver. After relocating to the Cowichan Valley in 2013, Cheryl and her husband opened and operated “Chocolate Pearl”, an artisanal chocolate shop located in Downtown Duncan. As successful as that venture became, Cheryl decided to step back from chocolate making to focus full time on her true passion: painting.

Her subject matter is varied and includes landscapes, florals, still life and critters. She strives for a very painterly or impressionistic effect, intentionally showing her brushstrokes and creating more of an experience rather than an exact depiction. “I often try to capture things the eyes can’t see… the wind in the sky, the motion of a bird’s wing or a moment when the light hits the subject just right”.

The painting Sweet Pea Notions was inspired by the sense of nostalgia that sweet peas seem to evoke. Depicted in the painting are sewing notions, which are a tribute to Cheryl’s mother, who quilts and Grandmother, who sewed. “I haven’t encountered anyone who doesn’t love the scent of sweet peas and the memories they remind us of”.

Iris in Dappled Light was painted in defiance of our long and dark winters. “One day when my garden was covered in snow I decided to bring to life a cluster of happy irises.”

Pink & Orange Bouquet was also painted to thwart the winter blahs. “It was a joy to work on when the weather outside was terrible.”

Cheryl’s studio is always open by appointment and she has pieces showing at Excellent Frameworks Gallery in Duncan. She will also be participating in various summer art fairs including the 4th Annual Shades of Green show, July 8 & 9th.

Cheryl Painter Studio

250.510.7899 www.cpainterartist.ca instagram: @cpainterartist

BREAKFAST I LUNCH I DINNER PANINIS • SOUPS • SALADS

HOT & COLD BEVERAGES • SMOOTHIES

Dine In, Take Out, Order Online

The Women of Lockerbie

The Mercury Players production of The Women of Lockerbie was set to open on March 19th, 2020. It was postponed, postponed again and then cancelled. Most of the cast has returned for a new and different production of The Women of Lockerbie.

On December 21, 1988

PanAm Flight 103 crashed onto a residential street in Lockerbie, Scotland. Seven years later “The Women of Lockerbie” are struggling to come to terms with the tragedy. This is a fictional play inspired by the Lockerbie Laundry Ladies who laundered the passengers’ clothing so that it could be returned to the families of the dead. The play is presented with a chorus in the Greek Style of Theatre at the Duncan Showroom, 133 Station Street.

Madeline and Bill travel from New Jersey to Lockerbie, Scotland. Madeline, played by Megan Bourns, hopes to find some physical piece of evidence that her son died in Lockerbie. Bill, played by Adrian Ingham, tries to cope with the death of his son and his wife’s unending grief. Madeline and Bill roam the Lockerbie hills where they encounter “The Women of Lockerbie”.

Jan Ovans is Olive, a spry senior who has come into conflict with the officious American George Jones played by Dan Leckey. Hattie, a feisty cleaning lady, is played by Lori Appleton. The Chorus is played by Lisa Read, Bethanny Brooks, Margie Pringle and Shauna Clinging.

Director Sylvia Swift is excited to be working with the Greek Style of theatre where the chorus helps to clarify the story and connect with the audience. To quote a director of the play “Evil only triumphs when you allow it to. The best way to combat it, is with fierce love, great acts of kindness and strength of community.”

Show dates and times: May 26, Friday 7:30pm, May 27 & 28, Saturday & Sunday 2:30pm, Jun 1, 2 & 3, ThursdaySaturday 7:30pm, June 3 & 4, Saturday & Sunday 2:30pm

Ticket Info:

Ticket Prices: $25 General Admission $20 Seniors/ Students Tickets are available at Ten Old Books or online at eventbrite.ca or www.mercuryplayers.org.

Brass Camel Comes to Crofton

OnSaturday, May 20th, Vancouver’s Brass Camel will be performing at Crofton’s Osborne Bay Pub as part of their first national tour. This will be their first appearance in the Cowichan Valley and the group will be bringing along their full stage production which has contributed to them being a can’t-miss act in Vancouver.

“This Vancouver based triad of musical masterminds have crafted an album which will without failure stand the test of time”. -

RED Rock Magazine

Brass Camel is a unique rock group who recently released their debut album, mixed by multiple Juno-winner Ben Kaplan. Made up of five experienced twentysomethings whose collective accomplishments include performing at New York’s Apollo Theatre, jamming with guitar icon Les Paul and hundreds of studio sessions, their sound is unique but one can hear the influence of titans such as Supertramp, Rush, Herbie Hancock and Yes. The group’s last three shows in Vancouver, as well as recent performances in Revelstoke and Kamloops, have sold out and last year Gordie Johnson of Big Sugar named Brass Camel as his favourite Canadian band. Other highlights include performing two back-toback sold out shows at Vancouver’s HR MacMillan Space Centre’s Omnimax star theatre and organizing/hosting “Floodstock” in December 2021. This charitable fundraiser featured 10 notable Vancouver-based acts and raised money for Fraser Valley flood relief - the event had a total effect of $21,000 in donations to the Canadian Red Cross flood relief initiative. In May/June of 2023 the band is embarking on their first national tour which runs to Montreal and includes an industry showcase performance at Canadian Music Week in Toronto. A second album is planned for early 2024 and Brass Camel looks forward to the relentless pursuit of expanding their audience.

Brass Camel will appear live at Osborne Bay Pub 1534

Joan Avenue, Crofton, on Saturday, May 20th. Show from 8:00-10:30PM. Tickets www.eventbrite. ca/e/brass-camel-liveat-osborne-bay-pubtickets-613555269327

Daniel Cook Trio

Duncan United Church Hall

246 Ingram St. Duncan

$5 Members / $10 non Members www.cowichanfolkguild.ca

Seniors And Smartphones

Owning a smartphone really is like having a phone, a computer, and a camera all in one device. The camera feature is a great tool for the individual who is finding mobility or eyesight is becoming challenging. Using the smartphone with the camera taking a pic on a timer is a great way to see what is either just below or above your easy reach, easy read range! Practicing phone calls and camera use regularly are the first steps in polishing the ‘new-ness’ off the smartphone and turning it into a useful tool.

Learning to use the contact book to act as a personal ‘assistant’ for future years is another great feature of the digital device. Not only can you store the important address and phone information, but there is a lot of additional information that you can add to help you in later years as your memory and social patterns begin to change.

www.westviewlearning.ca

250 701-3359

Backyard Sessions

Most grateful for the eight months of Nature Connection gatherings, where families and folk of all ages and skill level, have come together around the fire as a village to learn and connect.

Sunday May 7th, an extended day long event, celebrating our first year of Backyard Session and be of service for the upcoming Community Q’ushintul Gathering.

Local Quw’utsun Elder Robert George and Nature Mentors, will offer knowledge, teachings, stories and skills in preparing, skinning, processing and using all parts of the sacred Deer and Salmon. If you feel inspired, please join us.

May 7th, 9 am start - Potluck Lunch. Lila Music Centre, www.joythroughmusic.com

Contact Cari for questions250 710 4174

Join Us For Basket Of Stories

Over the past five months, folk from the region, near and far, have gathered in a fire lit yurt, in the Quw’utsun Village to listen to ancient folk stories and to collectively weave 45 framed baskets from locally harvested plants of Ivy, Cottontail, Willow, Yellow Iris and Crocosmia.

We have one remaining session on May 21st, where we will complete our baskets, listen to a folk story by Tad Hargrave and be guided by Quw’utusun Elder Robert George in a ceremony to prepare these uniquely woven baskets for the Give Away to Elders on July 1st, as part of the upcoming Q’ushin’tul Ancestors Walk.

What is most special about these baskets, is that each one was created by six different people who arrived at the gathering, perhaps not knowing how to weave, nor which basket they would create and wholeheartedly, found a basket and wove with intention, commitment to learning new skills, patience, willingness and an kind heart of offering, knowing that they were contributing to a gift they may never see again, that would be offered in kind to an Elder, filled with gifts.

We are putting a Call Out for anyone from the community, who feels the call, to drop off “Giveaway Gifts” to fill these hand woven baskets with local gifts. A Giveaway Gift, is a traditional offering, made from the host nation to the visitors upon arrival. Suggested gifts to fill the baskets include: homemade jams, candles, smudges, cans of salmon, dried meats, sausages, earrings, beautiful napkins, pot holders, flowers, plants, gas gift cards, gift cards of $20 for groceries/ eating out, etc.

If you are called to join us for our last session of The Basket of Stories, pre register on Eventbrite:The Basket of Stories. Sunday May 21st , 2pm - 5pm, in the Lila Music Centre Yurt.

www.joythroughmusic.com

Happy Mother’s Day!

Crustless Quiche

Courtesy Cowichan Co-operative Marketplace adapted recipe from wellplated.com

Ingredients

6 large eggs

2/3 cup whole milk

½ tsp sea salt

¼ tsp black pepper

1tbp Dijon mustard

1 ½ cups chopped spinach, beet greens or baby kale

½ cup green onions or thinly sliced leeks

2/3 cup grated mozzarella

2/3 cup chopped ham (optional)

3 Tbsp chopped fresh herbs of choice - parsley and thyme are in season now!

Method

Preheat oven to 350F.

Grease 9” pie dish. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, half-and-half, salt, pepper, Dijon.

Fold in vegetables and ham. Pour the egg mixture into the dish. Top with grated cheese and herbs. Bake until the center is set, about 35 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes.

Local Foods, Just in Time for Mother’s Day

We are lucky that Mother’s Day is in May, because there are a number of wonderful things just coming into season in the Cowichan Valley, including farm fresh bouquets, greens and herbs grown with love by local farmers, and super special local teas.

Let’s show the mothers in our lives how much they mean to us with a Mother’s Day Brunch Celebration! We are thinking: floral bundles of seasonal ranunculus, lupines, and tulips that will make a cheery gift to brighten the table.

Start with a cup of tea - Did you know that May marks the beginning of tea harvesting on Vancouver Island? The Spring leaves from the evergreen tea shrub (Camellia sinensis) contain a highly sought-after flavour profile that is unique to this time of year. Give mom a tin or gift set of locally grown tea from Canada’s only tea grower, Westholme Tea Farm located in North Cowichan. Return the favour for all the home-cooked meals Mom has made you, and serve up a delicious brunch of quiche using local ingredients, with yogurt from local cows at Promise Valley Creamery, and scrumptious organic pastries from True Grain Bread.

For more great Mother’s Day gift ideas from Cowichan Valley producers, visit www.cow-op.ca. Sign up for our weekly email for updates on seasonal offerings.