visual arts

 

Continuing to May 15

The ME Show

The Apartment Gallery

Featuring the eclectic comic creations of local artist Lyle Schultz. Wed-Fri 2-6pm; Sat+Sun 12pm-4pm or by appointment, 1016 A Fort St,778-430-5585, www.victoriaemergingart.com.

 

May 1-31

THREADED LINES

Fallen Tree Art Studio/ Gallery

A multimedia exploration by three artists who map their worlds through painting, drawing and stitching. Meet the artists May 5. Open 10am-5pm, Wed-Sun. Located at Russell Nursery, 1370 Wain Rd, N. Saanich, www.fallentreeartstudio.com.

 

May 2-July 7 

Postcard from Victoria

Art Gallery of Greater Victoria

An immersive exhibition that features video, artifact and works on paper. The video is the result of a 1983 Western Front Media Residency by Quebec artists Robert Morin & Lorraine Dufour, who travelled to Victoria to make a  time-based work that tells the eerie story of a visitor from England who is interviewed for the job of tour guide at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. Questions arise: of place, class, authenticity and belonging. An array of postcards of the Empress Hotel from as early as 1900 are included in the installation. www.aggv.ca.

 

May 3 & 4

Secret Life of Potters

Mahon Hall, Ganges

Spring Show of the Salt Spring Potters’ Guild. Opens May 3, 5-7pm; May 4, 10am-4pm. www.SaltSpringPottersGuild.com.

 

May 3-11

2013 MFA Thesis Exhibit

Visual Arts Building, UVic

Featuring works by Hilary Knutson, Chris Lindsay, Yang Liu & Paola Savasta. Opening May 3, 7-10pm. Weekdays 10-5 & weekends 1-5.

 

May 3-17

PICTURE THIS: DOODLE NIGHT

Slide Room Gallery

All supplies are provided. Doodles will be put on the wall of the gallery. 2549 Quadra St, www.slideroomgallery.com.

 

May 3-29

Goward House Artists

Goward House

Show and sale. Artists’ reception, May 5, 1:30-3:30pm. 2495 Arbutus Rd, www.gowardhouse.com/artshow.

 

May 3-26

Drawing Comics Like I Was 10

Xchanges Gallery

A presentation of comics and drawings by Miles Giesbrecht about work, growing up and daydreaming. The artist floats between embracing technology and becoming a hobbit. Opening May 3, 7pm. Otherwise Sats and Suns, 12-4pm. 2333 Government St, 250-382-0442, www.xchangesgallery.org.

 

May 3-31

Spring Fling in Linnyland

She Said Gallery

A new selection of Linny D. Vine’s Linnyland paintings. Artist reception: May 5, 1-4pm. Fernwood at Gladstone 250-361-3372, www.shesaidgallery.ca.

 

May 4 & 5

VICTOR LOTTO

Artist’s Studio

Recent paintings. Noon to 4:30pm, 2605 Cotswold Rd.

 

May 4-30

MAKING THE SCENE and

GOING FOR THE GOLD

Martin Batchelor Gallery

Graduates of the Victoria College of Arts programs. Opening reception for Diploma Graduates May 4, 2-5pm. Opening reception for Master level and post-Diploma Graduates May 18, 2-5pm. 712 Cormorant St, 250-385-7919.

 

May 4-June 2

ELEGANT EYE

Metchosin Art Gallery

A group show that highlights the unique aesthetic of the West Coast with an emphasis on influences from Japan. Featuring the works of Jennifer Waelti-Walters, Susan Underwood, Dale Horricks and Lorraine Douglas. Opens May 4, 2-5pm. Thurs-Sun 12-5pm. 4495 Happy Valley Rd, www.metchosinartgallery, 250-478-9223.

 

May 6-26

SHAKE IT UP! Pre-Fired Up!

Eclectic Gallery

A preview for Fired Up! (see story, page 40). Artists Reception May 9, 6-8pm. 2170 Oak Bay Ave, 250-590-8095, www.eclecticgallery.ca 

 

May 6-June 15

Coastal Magic

Eclectic Gallery

Vibrant paintings by Phillipa Hudson, who recently received a commission from the Fairmont Hotel/Chateau Lake Louise to create three 6 x 8-foot paintings. Reception with artist May 9, 7-9pm. 2170 Oak Bay Ave, www.eclecticgallery.ca.

 

May 8-31

ART & SOUL

Island Blue Art Store

Many of the participating artists struggle with mental health and/or addictions issues and have experienced an extended period of homelessness. Presented by Pacifica Housing, Island Blue Art Store and the Market on Yates. Opening May 8, 6-7:30pm, 905 Fort St, $10 (100% to Pacifica Housing’s tenant art program). 250-385-2131 ext 103.

 

May 9-30

Caite Dheere: ERASURE

Polychrome Fine Art

The inspiration for these paintings is drawn from organic patterning in nature, states of fluctuation in the urban environment, and how these demarcations relate to our internal and external world. The effect of the gradation of layers, both translucent and opaque, mirrors the intention of her themes. Opens May 9, 7-9pm. 977-A Fort St, www.polychromefinearts.com.

 

May 16-31

DREAM-TIME

Alcheringa Gallery

Small paintings by Kwakwaka'wakw artist Rande Cook. 665 Fort St, 250-383-8224, www.alcheringa-gallery.com.

 

May 17-27

VICTORIA ART FINALE

Slide Room Gallery

Grade 12 students from Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands participate in this juried exhibition. 2549 Quadra St, www.slideroomgallery.com.

 

May 17-June 10

W. Hough Wall Drawings

Open Space

Wendy Hough is Open Space’s artist-in-residence. Hough will create a large-scale drawing as part of her Wall Drawings series. The creation of the piece will be seen from its beginning through its erasure as the installation becomes a public performance that invites the viewer to each stage of its installment. Opening reception May 17, 7:30pm, 510 Fort St, www.openspace.ca.

 

May 18 & 19

Scattered Artists Tour

Studios in Saanich

For the 10th anniversary of this studio tour of 15 artists’ studios, an additional six artists from the Studio at the Art Centre at the Cedar Hill Recreation Centre will participate. Art includes pottery, wood sculpture, fused glass, textile, basketry, photography, printmaking, and painting. 12-5pm. Brochures at community centres or www.scattered-artists.ca.

 

May 28-June 29

play, fall, rest, dance

Open Space

Valerie Salez, Open Space’s artist-in-residence, invites willing participants to reconnect and come into alignment with larger forces through the use of music, videotaping, and photography. 510 Fort St, 250-383-8833, www.openspace.ca

 

May 24-26

29th annual Fired Up!

Metchosin Hall

Ceramics show. See story, page 40.

 

May 25 & 26

Mt Tolmie Studio Tour

Artists’ Studios

Featuring five painters, a photographer, a potter, a ceramist, and two silversmiths. See details at www.mtstudiotour.ca.

 

May 28-June 9

For the Love of Art

Cedar Hill Recreation Centre

MadArters is a group of Victoria area residents who explore ideas and philosophies of art, and create art together. This is their first exhibit. Opens May 30, 7-9pm, www.madarters.ca.

 

Ongoing

ONLINE EXHIBIT: Karl Spreitz

uvac.uvic.ca/gallery/spreitz

Caroline Riedel of UVic Art Collections curated this unique exhibit of over 100 digitized reels of 16 mm film by Karl Spreitz, “a pioneer and mentor in documentary and experimental film-making in BC as well as one of the founding members of the Limners Society, an art group that virtually defined the modern art scene here in the 1970s.” Born in Austria in 1927, in 1959, he moved to Victoria where his distinctive filmic and photography style began to flourish, as a staff photographer for “Beautiful British Columbia” magazine in the late 1960s and especially at the height of the underground film movement of the 1970s. See uvac.uvic.ca/gallery/spreitz/.

 

Ongoing

STINKING FISH STUDIO TOUR

www.stinkingfishstudiotour.com

After 12 years showcasing the work of 26 award-winning artists working in a variety of media for ten days in the summer and two days in the fall, Stinking Fish members have decided to give the public the opportunity to meet the artists at any time of the year. They’ve developed an illustrated guide of the studios that are open throughout the year, available at various locations and www.stinkingfishstudiotour.com.

 

 

theatre

 

Continuing to May 11

Better Living

Langham Court Theatre

An action-packed farce written by George F. Walker. 250-384-2142, www.langhamtheatre.ca.

 

Continuing to May 19

Let me call you sweetheart

Belfry Theatre

The world premiere of a new musical from Victoria’s Bruce Ruddell and Salt Spring Island’s Bill Henderson. Told she must leave her home in a seniors’ residence, 85 year-old Nora  resolves to follow her heart. 250-385-6815, www.belfry.bc.ca.

 

May 18

The Man Who Came to Dinner

Langham Court Theatre

Target Theatre presents a fundraising play in Old Time Radio Drama style, starring local celebrities Jack Knox, Barry Bowman, Michael Forbes, Lisa Marshall, String of Pearls. Expect hilarious miscues, 40s songs, refreshments, silent auction items. Reception/auction at 6:30pm, performance at 8pm. $30 at 250-590-6291.

 

May 22-June 1

16th UNO FEST

Metro Studio & Intrepid Theatre Club

Celebrating the best of independent theatre. This year’s offerings include Fringe Fest favourites Jayson McDonald, Tara Travis and John Grady, and profoundly moving stories from Canadian solo artists including Montreal’s Johanna Nutter, Vancouver lighting designer Itai Erdal, Toronto’s Chris Cardinal and Whitehorse puppeteer Brian Fidler. Ticket and program info at www.intrepidtheatre.com.

 

May 22 to June 1

GOOD TIMBER

Chemainus Theatre

Set against a multi-media backdrop of rarely-seen archival imagery, Good Timber is inspired by the logger poetry of Robert E. Swanson, the 'Bard of the Woods,' and celebrates the golden age of the forest industry. 1-800-565-7738, www.chemainustheatrefestival.ca. 

 

May 25-26

War of the Eagles

Fort Rodd Hill

Set in Prince Rupert during the turbulent years at the beginning of World War II, War of the Eagles investigates the consequent effects on First Nations and Japanese Communities on the remote BC coast. A world premiere from Kaleidoscope, www.kaleidoscope.bc.ca, tickets 250-386-6121, www.rmts.bc.ca.

 

May 30, 31 & June 1, 2

Godspell

St Matthias Church

 The Gospel According to St. Matthew is explored with skits and songs, told by a cast playing instruments while they sing and dance through the audience. 7:30pm, June 2 at 2pm, 600 Richmond Rd. 10% of all ticket sales will be donated to a local charity. www.epiphanyproductionstheatre.wordpress.com.

 

music

 

May 3 & 4

OPERA SHE SAW

Metro Theatre

An original vocal movement piece created and performed by Lynda Raino, Cathy Fern Lewis,  and Denise Lieutaghi. 8pm May 3 & 4, and 4pm May 4. $22 at Ticket Rocket, 250-383-2663. 

 

May 3-12

MISS SAIGON

McPherson Playhouse

Vic Operatic Society presents this epic pop opera set during the Vietnam War. 250-386-6121, www.rmts.bc.ca.

 

May 4

Saturday Night Juke Joint

Upper Deck Sports Lounge

Victoria Blues Society launches a series of blues concerts on the first Saturday of each month, starting May 4, when it will feature Suzie Vinnick, a six-time Maple Blues Award winner and Juno nominee. 250-592-5764, www.victoriabluessociety.ca. 

 

May 4 & 5

Via Choralis: Haydn’s Creation

Victoria/Sidney

Via Choralis’ 50 singers and 32-piece orchestra perform in this oratorio. May 4, 7:30pm at Alix Goolden Hall; May 5, 2pm at St Elizabeth’s Church, 10030 Third St. $10-30. Tickets from Tanner’s Books, Ivy’s Bookshop, Long & McQuade, Dollar Den (Brentwood Bay).

 

May 7

Crystal Singers

St Aidan’s United Church

Music from the 1960s. 7:30 pm, 3703 Saint Aidan’s St. $10-15, includes refreshments. 250-727-3538.

 

May 7

HILLARY'S RIDE BENEFIT CONCERT

Alix Goolden Hall

Roy Forbes, Valdy and Rick Scott help raise awareness around youth suicide. Co-sponsored by Need2. 7:30pm, $28/35. 250-386-6121, www.rmts.bc.ca.

 

May 8

Cantor Rob Menes in Concert

Congregation Emanu-El Synagogue

The Cantor plays sax, guitar and piano and will sing Hebrew melodies, traditional Jewish liturgy, and Broadway tunes—in celebration of Congregation Emanu-El’s 150th anniversary. With the Jewish Community Choir and Josie Davidson. 7:30pm, 1461 Blanshard St, $15 at Ivy’s Bookshop, Russell Books, Long & McQuade, Tanner’s, synagogue office and door. 250-382-0615.

 

May 11

“Divine” Sock Hop

St John the Divine Hall

An auction and dance for the Emergency Food Services of St John the Divine Anglican Church. Auction donations include a Leonard Cohen work of art! (value near $4300–on display and open for bidding at Avenue Gallery, till noon, May 10). Dance to the rock ‘n roll of Ruckus. $20 at St John’s church office, 1611 Quadra St.

 

May 11 & 12

EHNES PLAYS SIBELIUS

Royal Theatre

This acclaimed violinist with the Vic Symphony orchestra. www.victoriasymphony.ca.

 

May 11 & 12

Mother’s Day Garden Tour

Around the City

Glorious scents and wonderful music in 10 enchanting gardens and two public spaces with Master Gardeners on hand to answer questions. $30 at Thrifty Foods, gardening stores and Victoria Conservatory of Music or vcm.bc.ca, 250-386-5311. All proceeds support VCM.

 

May 12

Newcombe Singers Choir

St Mary’s Church

Annual Spring concert and tea. 2pm, 1701 Elgin St. $15 at Long & McQuade, door. www.newcombesingers.com.

 

May 15

The Arbutus Singers

St Elizabeth’s Church

Proceeds go to providing clean water for villages in Eritrea and South Sudan. 7:30 pm, 10030 Third Street, Sidney. $10/25 family, available at the door.

 

May 15

LINDEN SINGERS: “Alluluia!”

Lutheran Church of the Cross

Choral music. 7:30pm, 3787 Cedar Hill Rd. $20/$17/under 25 free. www.lindensingers.ca.

 

May 18

Latin Music

St Mary’s the Virgin Church

Maestro Pablo Diemecke leads the DieMahler String Quartet. 1701 Elgin Rd. $25 at door or Ivy’s Books. 

 

May 24

OFF THE GRID MUSIC & ART FESTIVAL

Fort Rodd Hill

Celebrating youth empowerment in environmental stewardship, with live music. www.offthegridfestival.ca.

 

May 25

Victoria Baroque Players

St John the Divine Anglican Church

Montreal-based violinist Chloe Meyers leads the VBP performing French Baroque Music. 7:30pm. $25/23/5, 250-383-7169, www.victoria-baroque.com.

 

May 28

PGI Plays the Belfry

Belfry Theatre

A benefit concert for Literacy Victoria’s 25th anniversary, with a star-studded line-up of Canadian talent. Proceeds directly support adult literacy in Greater Victoria. 6pm appetizers/cash bar/raffle; 7pm concert. $45 and $100 (VIP package), 250-385-6815 or www.belfry.bc.ca.   

 

May 29

A Celebration of English Music

Phillip T. Young Recital Hall, UVic

The Galiano Ensemble. 8pm. $33/30 at Ivy’s, Munro’s Books,250-704-2580 or door. www.galiano.ca.

 

 

readings & presentations

 

May 4

Paulo da Costa: BOOK LAUNCH

Church of Truth

This Commonwealth Book Prize Winner launches his second book of fiction, “The Green and Purple Skin of the World.” 3pm, 111 Superior St. Music by Dan Weisenburger and Ken Hall. Free. www.paulodacosta.ca. 

 

May 4

29th Annual BC Book Prizes

Government House

Lorna Crozier and Sarah Ellis have been named co-recipients of the 10th annual Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Literary Excellence, but many other awards will be presented as well. Hosted by author and broadcaster Grant Lawrence. $125 at www.bcbookprizes.ca.

 

May 14

READINGS

Russell’s Books

With authors Esi Edugyan, Steven Price and Marita Dachsel. 7:30pm, 734 Fort St.

 

May 17-October 14

Race to the End of the Earth

Royal BC Museum

Chronicles the epic adventures of Amundsen and Scott in their daring quests to be the first to reach the South Pole. 1-888-447-7977, www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca.

 

May 18-20

Historic walking tour 

Downtown

Celebrate Victoria Day weekend with family and friends on an entertaining walking tour through Historic Downtown with local author Danda Humphreys. $16, min 10.  250-382-8029. www.dandahumphreys.com. 

 

May 23

Gateway to Promise

James Bay New Horizons Centre

Retired teachers Ann-Lee and Gordon Switzer documented local Japanese graves and then studied Victoria’s Japanese community. Presented by Victoria Historical Society. 234 Menzies St. victoriahistoricalsociety.bc.ca.

 

May 23

At The Mike Mystery Night

Chronicles of Crime

Authors Phyllis Smallman, Cathy Ace, Kay Stewart and Chris Bullock. 7pm, 1048 Fort St. Free. 250-360-0829.

 

May 27

FictionKNITstas

Beehive Wool Shop

Authors Gillian Campbell, Stella Harvey, Nicole Dixon, Dede Crane. 7pm, 1700 Douglas St. Free. 250-360-0829.

 

May 29

In Amundsen's Footsteps

Maritime Museum of BC

Jay Ruzesky, whose ancestor Roald Amundsen was the first person to reach the South Pole, and who made his own pilgrimage to Antarctica, will read from his new book. 7pm, 28 Bastion Square. 250-385-4222.