As we move into the winter and festive season, the Hearth reflects on growth over the last 12 months and looks forward to a culturally enriching year ahead.
There is much to celebrate: we’ve had another incredible year connecting with our community and building arts and culture on our island. Over the past year we welcomed more than 16,000 visitors to the Gallery; we presented 11 exhibits and the second annual Bowen Studio Tour and showcased the work of more than 170 artists. We’ve presented, co-produced or sponsored more than 12 performances and we’ve offered a dozen or so arts classes and workshops. We continue to work with the Bowen Island Municipality and advocate for a community centre, with a 180-seat performing arts space, and to top it off, we are busy networking with dozens of local and off-island groups.
None of what we have achieved could be done without the support of our members and volunteers. They are imperative to the work we do in building community on Bowen. We welcome community members to join our team of volunteers to keep the arts council and the gallery running smoothly.
It’s A Wrap! is on now at the gallery and the annual exhibit and sale features one-of-a-kind treasures created by more than 30 local artists and artisans. We’re open Wednesday through Monday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., right up to December 30. As a special treat, on Dec. 5 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and we’ll be open late to accommodate late night shoppers as will Connie Wright, Squirrel and Catching Stars.
Everyone is invited to the 32nd Annual General Meeting on December 8 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Cove Commons. Following a short business meeting and elections, join us for a reception to bid farewell to Jacqueline Massey, outgoing executive director. Enjoy live music presented byAmber and Randy, along with festive refreshments.
We are excited to announce a new musical collaboration with Kay Meek Performing Arts Centre in West Vancouver. We’ll be co-presenting a series of world-class concerts at the Cove Commons. The 2020 series gets underway on January 18, with Quarteto Nuevo, followed by Caro Pierotto on February 23. Tickets are on sale for these fabulous concerts, which we expect to sell out.
What a perfect gift for anyone on your list!
Discounted ticket prices will apply for Hearth Members in good standing for these two concerts.
Plans are already underway for the 2020 Annual Mini Gala exhibit, and live auction set for Feb. 29, 2020. This is the largest fundraiser for the Gallery, and always a fabulous way to spend an evening.
We invite artists to create a mini-masterpiece for the event. Participants can pick up a canvas or frame, courtesy of our sponsor, Opus Framing & Art Supplies, at the Gallery. Participating artists will receive a ticket to the festive event.
Throughout the year, the Hearth sponsors groups and organizations presenting the quality performances we are blessed with on Bowen. This includes the Bowen Island Community Choir, who will perform their Winter Concert at Cates Hill Chapel on Dec. 14, with two shows at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. We’re also sponsoring Christmas Tales, Songs and Stories of the First Christmas. Come enjoy stories, music and songs with Shari Ulrich and friends at Tir-na-Nog Theatre on Dec. 21 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the Gallery, at Phoenix and online at bigtreeshows.eventbrite.com.
