Submitted by ArtSpring
It’s a busy time of year at ArtSpring! We are hurtling into November with a packed schedule that includes a raucous Halloween Community Dance, a concert by an international and multi-genre string quartet and a deeply moving gallery exhibition that shines a spotlight on veterans with local ties. As the winter rains begin to pour, we invite our community to join us as we fill these longer nights with art, music and connection.
Halloween Dance
Saturday, Nov. 1, 6 to 9 p.m.
Why wear your costume for only one night? On Nov. 1, ArtSpring is the place to go to keep the holiday spirit(s) alive. StageCoach Theatre School, Salt Spring Arts Council and ArtSpring’s Roundtable Committee are thrilled to be hosting a Halloween Community Dance guaranteed to keep the spooky times rolling.
The music kicks off with Shelder the Electric Clamfish warming up the crowd with eclectic art-folk tunes that emanate “deep-sea folk punk energy.” Then, eight-piece rock powerhouse Local Motion takes over to belt out blues and rock n’ roll essentials from legendary bands like Led Zeppelin, Janis Joplin, and Aretha Franklin — plus a few Halloweeny hits — and dance us into the night.
Come ready for a night of Halloween hijinks, including a costume contest, trick-or-treats for the kids and a creepy craft table led by the Salt Spring Arts Council’s Crafting Connections initiative. The GISS Renaissance Studies class will also be on hand, keeping partygoers fed at the concession counter. Entrance is by donation.
88 Strings: Crossover
Tuesday, Nov. 4, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
In 88 Strings: Crossover, Canadian quartet 88 Strings creates an intercultural fusion of sound. Pulling together traditional Chinese, Persian and Western plucked instruments, the group takes audiences on musical adventures that transcend geography and genre, seamlessly pairing classical and world music to immerse audiences in what has been called “plucked string heaven.”
The quartet consists of Chinese-Canadian musician Joy Yeh on the harp, Chinese-Canadian musician Dailin Hsieh on the guzheng, Canadian musician John Oliver on guitar and Iranian-Canadian musician Ali Ramzi on the tar and setar. Formed as an initiative of the Vancouver Inter-cultural Orchestra, 88 Strings has an eclectic repertoire that includes new music by Canadian composers, unique arrangements of traditional songs from Asian and Persian heritage and special arrangements of classical music from around the world.
88 Strings: Crossover is part of the ArtSpring Presents series.
What These Eyes Have Seen: Witness to War
Wednesday, Nov. 5 through Wednesday, Nov. 12
ArtSpring’s Roundtable Committee partners with local filmmaker and photographer Alan Bibby to present With What These Eyes Have Seen – Witness to War, a powerful display that spotlights veterans with strong ties to Salt Spring. With this exhibition, Bibby offers a chance to reflect on the weight of witnessing conflict and the price veterans continue to pay even a lifetime after the last shot has been fired.
This is a follow-up to last year’s exhibition, in which Bibby curated large colour portraits of veterans that he took over the course of 14 Remembrance Days on Salt Spring Island. This year’s collection features new portraits, rare archival family photographs and a compelling collection of historic artifacts and memorabilia contributed by local families and community members.
The exhibition officially launches on Thursday, Nov. 6 at 6 p.m. with an evening of storytelling and connection. Veterans and their families are especially invited to share memories and reflections.
Lastly, on Nov. 9 at 7 p.m., come to the gallery for a special evening of locally produced documentary short films and live music. This unique night of remembrance features performances from Valdy and guest artists to honour our veterans.