Culture Days 2011 will be celebrated with dozens of events at two Chilliwack venues on October 1.
It’s the second year of what is becoming a growing national movement to raise the awareness, and engagement of all Canadians in the arts and cultural life of their communities.
Spiderlodge Studios, owned by Rick Genge and Lori Paul, will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 1, to provide a behind-the-scenes look at how they go about making art.
The husband-and-wife team is passionate about the arts and the artistic process, and looking forward to opening their studio on Yale Road East to the public.
“We plan to have performances and demonstrations of how we record songs, how to write a song, how to string a guitar and much more,” says Paul.
Everything is free and inclusive and accessible to all, and that’s the whole point of Culture Days.
The timing of the demos will depend on who shows up that day at Spiderlodge.
“Everyone has a birthright to be creative,” says the singer-songwriter and vocal coach. “The challenge is to follow your passion, and then find someone already working in that medium to learn from.”
The other local venue planning celebratory events is the Chilliwack Cultural Centre, where art lovers and families get an entire day, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. to explore the various cultural groups housed in the fabulous facility on Corbould Street.
Prepare to use all your senses. It’s an anniversary celebration for the Cultural Centre as well a way to mark Culture Days with interactive and hands-on activities.
It’s all about the power of imagination, says organizers of event they’re calling “Explore the Chilliwack Cultural Centre.”
It’s also a terrific a way to meet members of the local arts and cultural community face to face.
Chilliwack Academy of Music, Chilliwack Community Arts Council, Chilliwack Arts & Cultural Centre Society, Chilliwack Visual Artists Association, Chilliwack Players Guild, Chilliwack Symphony Orchestra, and BC Registered Music Teachers Association are all teaming up at the Cultch to bring a “Cultural Collaboration” on Culture Days.
A scavenger hunt is planned for the kids, as well as a kids’ art installation and art show in the Fine Arts Studio.
Check out Vince Makuska’s art exhibition, Nuance, Suggestion and Definition.
There will be live demonstrations of different kinds ranging from pottery, to spinning and weaving, or dancing in the lobby.
An “instrument playground” will be set up to allow folks to try out musical instruments.
From 7 to 9 p.m. young pianists will take in a masterclass with famed performer and teacher Ian Parker.
The Irish Rovers will be performing that same evening in the main theatre.
For more information about Spiderlodge events call 604-795-9523 or for events at the Cultural Centre call 604-392-8000.