With September most arts groups resume meeting after taking a summer break.
A group that I belong to, the Deep Cove Weavers and Spinners, have begun their regular Tuesday morning meetings from 9:30 to noon at Holy Trinity Church Hall on Mills Road. Anyone interested in spinning, weaving, basketry, felting or like activities is welcome.
Look for the guild’s show, Hanging By a Thread at the Sidney Historical Museum on Beacon Avenue for the month of October.
Saanich Peninsula Arts And Crafts Society meetings begin on Oct. 3, 7:30 p.m. at the Mary Winspear Centre. This group meets monthly. Ruth Steinfatt has volunteered to organize a series of outstanding painting teachers for club members. The first in the series this year will be Stephen Quiller followed in 2012 by Skip Lawrence and Tom Lynch. Classes fill quickly and are open to SPAC members.
Steinfatt is also helping with a concert that she would like me to bring to your attention. Country music lovers can enjoy the group Country Blend in concert at the Shoal Centre Oct. 16 at 1:30. Partial proceeds go to the Shoal Centre.
For information on art classes or tickets for the concert email Steinfatt at steinfatt@telus.net.
Have you been to see the remarkable First Nations and Métis show at Tulista Art Centre? Coordinator Donna Cottel, assisted by Heather Corbitt and Virgil Sampson, are very excited over the response and over the variety of work: wood carving, fabric arts, glass, jewelry and pottery. This is a cross section of some of the most outstanding artists in the area. The show runs 10 to 4 daily at the Tulista Community Art Centre until Oct. 23.
The jurying of the Sidney Fine Art Show is complete. There was great excitement and expectations as 1,200 creative pieces were delivered to the Winspear Centre. A team of volunteers received the work and set it up for jurors Peter Shostak, Mary Reid and Don Farrell who made the selections to be shown Oct. 14, to 16.
Not only is painting featured but also sculpture, wood work, jewelry, fibre arts and pottery. To be juried into this show often represents a major step in an artist’s career so feelings are high on opening day.
Now in its second year, the ArtSea Festival picks up on the festive air of the art show and has now become a week-long celebration of the arts in Sidney.
Beginning with the Fine Art Show then ending the following weekend Oct. 22 and 23 with the Studio Tour, artists will be demonstrating in Sidney shops, there will be a mini film festival at the Star Cinema, and a concert 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16 at St. Elizabeth’s Church on Third Street featuring Via Choralis and the Viva Youth Choir.
This concert will launch conductor Nick Fairbanks’ Sea Contata.
In addition there will be literary readings at the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre by Anny Scoones and Susan Mayse. ArtSea is certainly growing into a major cultural celebration in Sidney.