The sign on the door may say closed due to COVID-19, but Rainforest arts is still looking for ways to share art of the Chemainus Valley and Vancouver Island with patrons.
In Mid-April, with pandemic numbers spiking as the third coronavirus wave surged in B.C. the RFA board had to make the difficult decision to suspend operations.
But for the duration, anyone who wants to check out what’s on the walls can follow the Rainforest Arts on Facebook, where Manager Stephanie Allesia will be posting frequently, showcasing works on display.
Patrons interested in buying a work can make an appointment to view it at the gallery, or – if their minds are made up – to take advantage of the ‘curb-side service’ being offered by RFA.
“Rainforest arts and the Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society are doing their best to support artists and the community through these difficult times,” said Visual Arts Chair Peggy Grigor.
Find out more at RainforestArts.ca.
For music lovers the CVCAS has exciting news, too. Working with the Chemainus Theatre Festival, and Chemainus Classic Concerts, plans are being developed to produce and stream musical performances in the coming weeks and months.
Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley have been booked to pre-record a performance on the CTF’s stage to be streamed and made available by donation for public viewing May 1.
Working with the Chemainus Classic Concerts, plans are also underway to mount professionally recorded concerts in St. Michael & All Angels Anglican Church, a popular venue that has been shut down by COVID.
“We’re so excited to be able to be working with Classical Concerts and the Theatre Festival to make these music events possible,” said CVCAS Chair Bev Knight.
“COVID is challenging us to find new ways of reaching Chemainus Valley arts and music lovers.”
Plans are also afoot to present Art Interludes, musical, visual and literary clips to be posted on social media, giving Chemainus Valley and regional residents uplifting artsy hits. A song, painting, poem or dance… any kind of inspired performance or take will be featured in the series.
This is a COVID adaptation of the popular ReachOut! series which have featured local and regional artists in all disciplines on CVCAS.ca and social media.
If you want to keep up with these and other initiatives, aimed at supporting the arts through the COVID era, go to CVCAS.ca/connect and follow us on social media or by subscribing to Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society Updates.