Another year has started and I am sure that a lot of you made New Year’s resolutions that have already been thwarted.
Priority resolutions, according to the news networks, are reducing personal debt, eating less, exercising more and giving up smoking. Now here is a different resolution that is not as painful: Explore your artistic side. Yes, everyone has one, and it is not at all difficult to do.
What do you have to lose? There is only gain and enjoyment. You don’t have to be good at anything you choose, just have a good time. Step out of your comfort zone and you will be rewarded. Of course, you know where I am going with this. The Eagle Valley Arts Council has a lot of programs, all at the Red Barn Arts Centre. They don’t cost much, yet offer a good time, a chance to meet other people and forget about your daily worries.
At 1 p.m. on Mondays, you can learn to play the ukulele and join the 32 people who have already signed up for the Sicamous Three Chord Ukulele Band. It’s guaranteed you’ll be able to play along the first time you attend – just bring a ukulele. A sense of humour is essential.
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesdays, there is a meeting of people interested in art, and the group’s name, Wednesday Art For Everyone, says it all. In a relaxed atmosphere you can practise any art you like. From finger painting to oil, knitting to sculpting, you will find an environment conducive to creativity.
If photography is more your interest, the Eagle Valley Photography Arts Club meets every other Wednesday evening starting Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. From artistic pointers to technical help, workshops, instruction, etc., this group does it all.
On Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Eagle Valley Brush and Palette Club meets. You can enjoy an artistic welcome and help with your painting. The group also has instructional sessions and workshops to help guide you along.
If you are already singing or playing an instrument, now you have a chance to shine. On Jan. 18 (new date) from 7 to 10 p.m., there will be an open mic/coffee-house-style evening called the Red Barn Java Jam. Anyone can sign up at the door to go on stage. This is an evening of family entertainment so bring the kids. Admission is only $2 (children under 10 are free) and, most importantly, bring your instruments. All styles are welcome – acoustic, non-acoustic, rock, folk, rap, country or any other style. There will be a concession with refreshments. This venture is being organized by John Guilbeault. He has been in the music business for many years and owned Blue Water Music in Salmon Arm, and now the Music Man store here in Sicamous, where he also teaches guitar and drums. He is a member of the band Lead Painted Toys, in which his son Ryan also plays. He is also a member of the Dos Duo. John is looking for acts to make Jan. 18 – and every third Saturday of the month after that – a great night to get together. No need for anyone to drive the highways or brave the snow and cold to have a fun evening out.
For more information about the Red Barn Java Jam, you can contact John Guilbeault at 250-253-3645, or at the Music Man at 1201 Shuswap Ave. (the old bowling alley), or at bwmusic1@shaw.ca.
Bateman prize
Malakwa’s William Rowbottom won first prize in the videography category in this year’s Robert Bateman Get to Know arts contest.
This contest invites children and youths to get outside and create original works of art, writing, photography, videography and music.
The 16-year-old’s video submission, “A Walk in Nature,” features a variety of native flora and fauna.
Les Stroud of TV’s Survivorman judged the video category.