Cultural Days at Chilliwack Arts Centre

Feature Story Sunday October 9, 2011

Artistic Community

Centre presents an array of genres and perspectives during Cultural Days

Craig Hill/Voice photos

t's been said that the only rule in art is what works. Never was that more apparent in Chilliwack than on Culture Day.

The Chilliwack Arts and Culture Centre (CACC) was a work of art unto itself during their open house Saturday, October 1, as part of the second national Culture Days celebration.

This year was the first for CACC, who joined in the fun and festivities with their own exclusive event that showcased local artists, musicians, dancers, weavers, potters and just about anything that has to do with art and the expression of it.

The CACC's day helped métiers in the community with exposure while giving residents insights into a wide array of the art and music programs available at the Centre.

A steady flow of people drifted through the "Artist Village" stopping at exhibits or to mingle with people working on projects at tables.

In the main lobby, a pianist played soft euphonious melodies, followed by a group of belly dancers led by Susan Reed who demonstrated lively Middle Eastern styles. Further down the lobby, people gazed at video monitors and huddled around interactive displays a few feet away Albery Studio's wood turner Michael Clark demonstrated lathe techniques.

In the art gallery, a young woman painted a lush forest scene while next to her another painted rocks. Over in a corner, photographers Jim and Lorraine Bitton hovered above an interesting optical display using colored papers, glass and corn syrup. Two women sat at a spinning wheel in the centre — the hub of the activity.

Local painter Barry Morris, was at a table, a cross-hatch sketch in progress. He spoke about how important it is to preserve visuals of old heritage buildings before they're lost. He does that through his detailed drawings and paintings. His show, Fraser Valley Reflections, is on now at the Chilliwack Museum until November 9.

Upstairs, Tin Pan Alley was in full swing. The Tayosei and Festival Choirs sang in one room, while kids blew trumpets and strummed guitars in Tom Lee Music's Instrument Playground next door.

Photo: Artist Barry Morris

The Chilliwack Academy of Music, Chilliwack Community Arts Council, Chilliwack Arts & Cultural Centre Society, Chilliwack Visual Artists Association, The Players Guild, Chilliwack Symphony Orchestra, and BC Registered Music Teachers Association all worked in dedicated harmony to put on the Culture Day event.

Related Links

For more information about Culture Days in Chilliwack visit: www.culturedays.ca

For information on art classes visit: www.chilliwackculturalcentre.ca

Contact Michael at Albery Studio by e-mail here.

Contact Jim and Shirley Britton by e-mail here.

See more photos below.