Art is a two way-street. Chemainus inspires artists with its settings and people; artists inspire Chemainites with their works. This scene was painted by CVCAS member Art Carlyle.
The Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society ended 2024 on a high note with its Little Town Christmas event at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall on December 7. Children and their families had a great time shooting hoops at a giant basketball blowup, creating art, fishing for prizes, and, of course, having their pictures taken with Santa.
“It’s what the CVCAS is all about, bringing people together to celebrate community and the arts,” said Board Chair Bev Knight, whose band Sweet Harmony set the tone with a medley of Christmas songs. “We couldn’t do it without the dedication and generosity of our volunteers and supporters.”
Planning is already well underway for 2025, and there will be lots to celebrate in the new year. Be sure to bookmark CVCAS.ca/events so you don’t miss out on any of the activities and entertainment.
Things will get underway with the Convergence: Art + Literature show at Rainforest Arts. Writers and poets will be invited to submit literary takes, inspired by works that will be hung at the RFA in mid-January. The accompanying words will be added to the display in early February, and the show will continue through March. Convergence art cards will be available at the gallery.
Want to take your talent on stage? Open Mic sessions, held from 3 to 6 p.m. the first Saturday of each month in the downstairs lounge at the Chemainus Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, are your chance to strut your stuff, or shout it out, or belt it out.
Of course the biggest stage in Chemainus is the bandshell at Waterwheel Park. Plans are already afoot for another summer of Music in the Park, bringing blues, bluegrass, jazz, folk, classical, rock, and just about every other musical genre to appreciative audiences in shows and festivals on the slope under the cedars.
CVCAS is planning a day of partnership and honouring, Saturday, June 7, to acknowledge Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls (the official day of recognition—also known as Red Dress Day—is May 5) and in early celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day (official date is June 21). First Nations songs and dances will be performed in a show of respect and solidarity with the original inhabitants of the Chemainus Valley and area.
Programs and workshops will also be announced as plans are finalized, so stay tuned via CVCAS.ca/connect.