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Place Des Arts with Two Open Houses

September 6, 2010 By Jon 3 Comments
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Most of us haven’t made a lot of art since we were kids, perhaps it’s time for that to change. This Thursday, September 9th, Place des Arts will hold their inaugural adults-only open house and gala exhibition reception, Ignite … an affair with art.

Ignite is a free event, sponsored by Rigamarole Winery, the Tri-City News, and us! It’s an elegant evening out for adults to explore the world of art.

The public is invited to enjoy a complimentary glass of wine, listen to music performed by a top piano student, and view exhibitions by artists Cam MacDonald, Dawn Emerson, and Place des Arts teachers and staff.

You’ll also get the chance to put down your glass of wine and try a variety of visual arts techniques. Fiber arts, drawing, painting, mixed-media, ceramics, photography and jewelry making will all be demonstrated. If you find your inner artist ready to burst forth, attendees who register for an adult class during the event receive $10 off the registration fee.

Top notch door prizes include six pairs of tickets to Vancouver Opera’s production of Lillian Alling and a pair of tickets to Place des Arts 2010-11 Faculty Concert season.

We’re actually quite lucky here in the Tricites to have Place des Arts right here in our own backyard. Their well-equipped studios are home to many incredibly skilled teachers, who can help you find that artist inside of you that may have been missing for a few years. If music is your thing, there are lessons for every age and skill level.

Here’s the skinny:
Ignite…an affair with art!
Thursday, September 9th, 7-9pm
Place des Arts, 1120 Brunette Ave, Coquitlam

Now two days later, there will be the annual Family Open House. Lots of hands-on demonstrations for the kids. Music, Dance, Fibre Arts, Pottery, Crochet Jewelry Making with our friend Amanda, Face Painting, and cake!

More skinny!
Discover Place Des Arts Family Open House
Saturday, September 11th, 2-4pm
Lots more info at the event page on the Place Des Arts website

If you haven’t yet made it out to Place des Arts in Maillardville, two fantastic events to take advantage of. Hope to see you there!

For more information, visit www.placedesarts.ca or call (604) 664.1636

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Place des Arts holding Ensembles Auditions

August 23, 2010 By Jon Leave a Comment
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Do you know a young musician looking to step up their game? Place des Arts’ Saxophone Ensemble, and String Quartet are holding auditions for new members at the beginning of September.

Ensembles develop players’ musical and technical skills while providing performance opportunities in a variety of settings. Participants meet new people and develop community connections through local performances.

The String Quartet provides accomplished string players with the chance to further develop their performance and technical skills through the intimate language of chamber music. Accuracy in rhythm and intonation and interaction between musical players are just some of the learning benefits from playing in a small ensemble.

The Saxophone Ensemble is under the direction of Steve Kaldestad. Steve earned a MMus and BMus in jazz performance from McGill University. He has worked with such international artists as Jamie Cullum, Michael Bublé and Slide Hampton and currently performs with the award winning Jodi Proznick Quartet, the Jill Townsend Orchestra and leads his own quartet. Check out some video…

The Saxophone Ensemble’s material will reflect the instrument’s versatility, from classical music to contemporary jazz pieces. Students will be introduced to improvisation and learn the basic concepts of building a solo while developing their small ensemble performance skills. This group is ideal for students aged 10-16 years who have been playing for a minimum of 2 years.

Place des Arts is also offering two new string ensembles for beginner and intermediate level players in 2010/2011, the PdA Fiddlers and the Violin Ensemble: Intro. These groups provide young players with performance opportunities in a friendly, non-competitive environment. These groups do not require an audition and are currently accepting members for the 10/11 year.

The PdA Fiddlers is a fun introduction to the world of Celtic music. Students will develop a repertoire of simple jigs, reels and airs and perform at Light up the Square on December 4.

The Violin Ensemble:Intro provides young violinists aged 7-12 years with a fun introduction to ensemble playing while learning a variety of music. Students should have minimum 2 years private lessons or have completed RCM grade 2 or Suzuki book 2.

Call Place des Arts’ music program coordinator, Melanie Burner, at 604.664.1636 ext 38, or by email at mburner (at) placedesarts.ca to arrange an audition for the two audition groups, or check out the ensembles website at www.placedesarts.ca

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Fair in the Square time at Place des Arts

July 5, 2010 By Jon 1 Comment
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Place des Arts 10th Annual Fair in the Square is coming up on July 10 and 11 from noon to 4PM. They have some fabulous performers lined up, including Uzume Taiko, Mr. I and the Rainbow Singers and Twister the Clown.

Check out the video of Uzume Taiko in action…

Activities include the Nylon Zoo where kids and adults alike can don a costume and parade to a giant inflatable theatre for fun, interactive storytelling with performer Angela Brown. Historical characters will rove the site, egging on visitors to partake in the annual watermelon eating contest or old-time competitions such as hay-bale pitching and egg-and-spoon races.

Mackin House Museum will be hosting antiques identification with local expert Al Bowen on Saturday from 1 to 4pm. On Sunday from noon to 4, vintage cars will fill the parking lot. All weekend the Mackin House turn of the century kitchen will be cranking out traditional baked treats.

While the Fair in the Square turns 10, the Gare de Fraser Mills station is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the station house. There will be some free birthday cake (as long as the cake lasts, as we’re still way behind on developing the never-ending cake machine.)

All this, plus carnival games, heritage hat making, cotton candy, and the always awesome Hunky Bill perogies. What’s not to love?

So load up the kids and leave a little room in your stomach, for more information, visit their website at www.fairinthesquare.ca

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Village International de la Francophonie 2010

February 8, 2010 By Jon 1 Comment
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The Festival du Bois has been a staple of the Maillardville social calendar for 21 years. Normally held in early March, this year the festival is doing something a little different. The event has been moved up to welcome locals and visitors alike during the Winter Games, and rebranded as Francophone Village 2010.

The events run this Saturday, February 13th and Sunday, February 14th in Mackin Park, 1046 Brunette Avenue, across the Lougheed Highway from Ikea.

From the press release…

Located in the heart of BC’s largest francophone community, Francophone Village 2010 promises something for the whole family to enjoy. Under the roofs of the massive Grand Chapiteau (Main Tent), Petit Chapiteau (Children’s Tent) or the popular Tente des Ateliers (Workshop Tent), audiences can listen, sing along and even dance to a vibrant and eclectic range of non-stop music, storytelling and other entertainment. Visitors can sample delicious treats like tourtière, maple taffy on snow, maple sugar pie and poutine from on-site vendors, learn fascinating facts about the history of Maillardville, join in games and revel in the warm and welcoming atmosphere that is a hallmark of the festival.

Music will be heard throughout the day under the three tents, with evening headlining concerts. Headlining the Saturday evening concert will be Alpha Yaya Diallo with his Juno Award-winning African and World Music, and Swing, with their modern take on traditional fiddle music. Here’s a video of Alpha Yaya Diallo.

Sunday evening will be the music and storytelling of Jocelyn Bérubé and Dominique Breau. Now the entire performance is in French, so if your French is as good as mine, you’d probably enjoy the earlier musical performances a little more.

Place des Arts is joining in the festivities with an exhibit by André Michel that pays homage to Hudson Bay blankets.

The entire schedule of events can be found at The Village Francophonie schedule.

For more information, visit the event website at www.village2010.com

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Place des Arts Welcomes Rosie Carver

December 18, 2009 By Amber Leave a Comment
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Place des Arts is pleased to welcome violin instructor and fiddler Rosie Carver to the music faculty in January, 2010. Rosie will lead a brand new fiddling class, PdA Fiddlers, for young violin students wishing to gain more performance experience and expand their technical skills.

A fixture in the local music scene, Rosie has performed and recorded with the Celtic group Blackthorn for over 20 years. She is trained as a classical violinist, is an Associate of the Royal Conservatory of Music and is a member of the BC Registered Music Teachers’ Association. She is the associate director of the Vancouver Corelli Strings and founder and director of the West Coast Fiddle Heads.

Rosie believes that with proper training and musical awareness a student can venture into whichever style he or she chooses. Her class, PdA Fiddlers, will offer a fun introduction to the basics of Celtic music for intermediate level violinists aged 10-15 years. Students will develop a repertoire of simple jigs, reels and airs and perform them each term.

PdA Fiddlers is just one of the new classes at Place des Arts beginning in January of 2010. Other offerings include Group Guitar, Group Violin, Singing Fundamentals for Adults, String Quartet Junior and classes for homelearners. For more information, or to register, visit Place des Arts online or call 604.664.1636.

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Craft Fairs, Art Shows and Movies, Oh My!

November 11, 2009 By Amber Leave a Comment
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Today is Remembrance Day. If you want to attend one of the ceremonies in the Tri-Cities, check out our post Remembrance Day in the V3H.

I am trying valiantly to deny it, but in spite of my protests the holiday season is fast approaching. The events calendar here in the V3H is filling up, and all signs show that things will only get busier as the year draws to a close. Here are some of the events going on this week.

The Place des Arts Christmas Boutique opens on Thursday, November 12, and runs through December 18. The boutique promises something a little different to brighten up your holiday shopping experience this year. There will be elegant jewellery and ceramic, wood and stone carvings, glassware, and delicate, hand-blown Christmas ornaments. The Christmas Boutique has something for every budget and taste. So be sure to stop by Place des Arts to do a little holiday shopping and support local artists and artisans at the same time [map].

The Evergreen Cultural Centre will be running another Connoisseur’s Night on Thursday, November 12 from 7-9pm [map]. This is a chance to join the Art Gallery curator for an evening of culture, including a tour of the current exhibition, The Tree: From the Sublime to the Social. There will be wine, appetizers, and a fun, social mingling of minds. For more information or to purchase tickets call 604.927.6555.

From Friday, November 13 to Sunday, November 15 there will be a pottery sale happening at Straight Up Studios in Port Moody [map]. From 1-6pm each day there will be locally-crafted pottery for sale, including seconds and discounted items. For more information call 604.637.7087 or email info@clivetuckerceramics.ca.

The Crossroads Coffee House is back on Friday, November 13 at The Gathering Place in Port Coquitlam [map]. Doors open at 7pm, and the open stage starts at 7:30pm. Feature performers Chapter 11 take to the stage at 9pm. Chapter 11 artist Bob Collins and Rob Sheridan have spent over 25 years developing a contemporary style. Pure music and entertainment with a sense of humour. Tickets are $5 at the door, and everyone is welcome. For more information call 604.949.2270 or 604.949.2274.

The Port Moody Film Society is presenting No Man’s Land on Friday, November 13 at 7:30pm at Inlet Theatre [map]. The film is in Bosnian with English subtitles, and depicts Bosnian and Serb soldiers who find themselves trapped in a trench in between their lines. The film won an Oscar in 2002 for ‘Best Foreign Language Film’, and boasts another 26 wins & 14 nominations. For more information call 604.469.4571 or email info@pmfilm.ca.

The Port Moody Art Association is presenting its 42nd Annual Show and Sale this weekend at Port Moody’s Social Recreation Centre [map]. The opening happens on Friday, November 13th from 7:30-10pm, and the sale continues on Saturday and Sunday from 10am-5pm. The show features over 200 paintings from 50 artists. The works will be in all sizes, frames and unframed, and range in price from $10 to $1000. For more information email portmoodyart@hotmail.com.

Terry Fox Library and Wilson Centre are teaming up to present a Fall Affair and Book Sale on Saturday, November 14 from 10am-2pm at the Wilson Centre [map]. There will be displays, demonstrations, music, entertainment and a huge new crafts and bake sale. It’s a great chance to see what goes on at Wilson Centre. Meanwhile, in the lobby of the Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex, the Terry Fox Library will be having their annual book sale, offering bargain basement deals on used and near new books. For more information call 604.927.7974 or email chetneya@portcoquitlam.ca.

Saint Laurence Anglican Church is running its 16th Annual Quality Fair on Saturday, November 14 from 10am-3pm [map]. You can expect to find home baking, preserves, collectibles, toys, puzzles, jewelry and more. There will also be a silent auction, and a raffle for two large gourmet food baskets. And as if that weren’t enough, there will be free coffee and tea, and homemade soup and hot dogs available.

On Saturday, November 14 from 1-3pm there will be a Kung Fu Panda Swim at Hyde Creek Recreation Centre in Port Coquitlam [map]. Bring your friends down for a ‘karate chopping good time’! For more information call 604.927.7946 or email parksrec@portcoquitlam.ca.

The Pacific Digital Photography Club presents Photomotion on Saturday, November 14 at Inlet Theatre [map]. There is a matinee at 2pm, and an evening show at 7pm. This year’s presentation features a selection of juried audio-visual presentations approximately 3 to 4 minutes in duration. The show includes commentary, refreshments, door prizes and an opportunity to meet many of the contributing photographers. For more information, or for tickets, call 604.929.7860 or 604.574.3429.

And, of course, as we discussed last Friday the Place des Arts Faculty Concert is happening on Saturday, November 14.

The Pacific Symphonic Wind Ensemble presents Symphonies of Winds on Saturday, November 14 at 8pm at the Evergreen Cultural Centre [map]. It’s a concert in the grand symphonic tradition, with large scale music that takes you on the journey of a lifetime. The evening features a solo performance by Ron Mann, 18, winner of the Youth Soloist Competition. He’ll be playing the Mozart Oboe Concerto, first movement. For more information or to purchase tickets call 604.927.6555.

The Hyde Creek Salmon Festival is running on Sunday, November 15 from 11am-3pm at the Hyde Creek Recreation Centre [map]. Join in celebrating as the salmon return to their spawning grounds. There will be activities for all ages including nature walks, hatchery information, demonstrations, site tours and a first-hand look at the salmon in the creek. For more information call 604.461.FISH or visit the Hyde Creek Education Centre online.

Here’s to another great weekend here in the V3H!

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Place des Arts Faculty Concert and Ticket Contest

November 6, 2009 By Amber 1 Comment
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Anna_JaneHayesOn Saturday, November 14 at 7:30pm, Place des Arts presents a faculty concert, Two Pianos in the Form of a Pear. The concert features Place des Arts instructor and pianist Anna Levy.

In celebration of the francophone culture of Maillardville, Anna and guests, pianist Jane Hayes and saxophonist Colin MacDonald, present hauntingly beautiful works by 20th Century French composers, including Erik Satie and Claude Debussy.

Anna received her Doctorate of Musical Arts from the Moscow Conservatory. She has appeared with orchestras and in solo recitals. Anna recorded her first CD in 2002, and has been featured on the CBC radio.

Jane Hayes is an acclaimed performer and recording artist who tours frequently across Canada, the United States and Europe. She studied with Bela Siki, Menahem Pressler, Pierre Sancan, and Patricia Parr. Jane can be heard frequently on CBC Radio.

Colin MacDonald is a freelance saxophonist and composer. He completed his B.Mus. at the University of British Columbia and teaches classical saxophone at Douglas College and St. George’s School.

Place des Arts has generously offered a pair of tickets to a lucky V3H reader. There are two ways to enter:

1. Join The V3H Email Club, by entering your email address in the handy box on our right sidebar. If you already belong to our email club, then you are already entered!
2. Become a fan of The V3H on Facebook. Once again, if you are already a fan, then you are already entered!

If you do both, then you will receive two entries. Easy, right? We will do the draw on Tuesday, November 10, so you have until then to enter. And, of course, if you don’t win, we encourage you to purchase tickets and attend the concert. It promises to be a fabulous evening!

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Family Day at Place des Arts

October 23, 2009 By Amber 3 Comments
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I have lived here in the V3H for over 6 years, and I’ve driven by Place des Arts in Maillardville countless times. I’d heard good things about it, and I was sort of curious about it, but I had never set foot inside. I enjoy art, but I feel sort of intimidated by it, too. Plus, I have a 4-year-old and a 1-year-old and the idea of bringing them into an art gallery is slightly … terrifying. So when we were offered a pass to Family Day at Place des Arts last Sunday I jumped at it. The event was billed as a non-intimidating, child-friendly, low-key way to interact with art. This sounded like it was right up my alley.

Outside the Place des Arts

The main event was local artist Eleanor Hannan, creating portraits using her sewing machine. Professional portrait model Monique posed, and the participants joined Eleanor in painting, colouring and sketching her portrait. I was very impressed by Monique’s ability to maintain her position and facial expression without moving for minutes at a time. And Eleanor was fabulous, demonstrating her work and interacting with the children.

Monique models while Eleanor Hannan demonstrates
Monique on the left, Eleanor Hannan on the right

Hannah drawing a portrait
My 4-year-old, Hannah, creating her own portrait

Leonore Peyton Salon
The Leonore Peyton Salon at Place des Arts

I have to say, I haven’t tried making a portrait of anyone in decades. I have an engineering degree, and I worked in high technology for 10 years. I’ve taken a lot of physics and math courses, and spent a lot of time in front of a computer screen, but not much time making my own art. It was really fun to explore my artistic side for the first time in living memory. And it was even better to share the experience with my husband and kids.

After some time working on our portraits, Place des Arts Event Coordinator Michael Fera led us in some theatre games. Michael is a co-founder of Hoarse Raven Theatre in Vancouver and worked with inner-city youth, using theatre as a tool to build character and self-esteem. He was great with the kids, and led us through all sorts of fun exercises.

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Micheal leads the participants in theatre games

Throughout the event, participants were encouraged to come and go as they wished. In the lobby, there was a pinhole camera craft, and puppet-making. It was really, really kid-friendly, as the little ones followed their own whims in exploring and interacting with art.

Puppet making
Puppet-making

Hannah creating a puppet show
Hannah performs with the puppet she made

Place des Arts is a great place to visit, at it turns out, regardless of your age. It is bright and open and inviting. There is a fabulous boutique with local art and handcrafts. In fact, the annual Christmas boutique will be starting up on November 12 and continuing until December 18, if you’re looking for some truly unique holiday gifts. And there are classes for all age groups and interests running all the time.

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Scenes from the Place des Arts atrium

There are a few more fun, family events coming up at Place des Arts that you might be interested in. On Saturday, October 31 Mr.I’s Slightly Spooky Songs and Stories will be running from 3-4pm. The fabulous and fun Light up the Square will be running from 4-7pm on Saturday, December 5 to kick off the holiday season. And the next Family Day is scheduled for Sunday, February 21, 2010 from 1:30-3:30pm.

To find out more about what’s going on at Place des Arts, you can drop in and visit yourself at 1120 Brunette Avenue in Coquitlam [map]. You can also call them at 604.664.1636, email them at info@placedesarts.ca, or visit them online at www.placedesarts.ca.

PS – If you are really curious, I talked a bit more about our day at Place des Arts, and shared my family’s artwork on my personal blog at Strocel.com.

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Arts, Chocolate and Volunteerism

October 14, 2009 By Amber Leave a Comment
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There is a lot going on this weekend here in the V3H. So read on, because I’m sure you’ll find something that will appeal to you.

The West Coast Chocolate Festival kicks off this weekend. The opening gala is taking place in Coquitlam, and there are many other events over the next few weeks here in the Tri-Cities. We wrote all about it a couple of weeks back, so check out our festival primer and enjoy the sweetness.

From October 15 to October 24 the Stage 43 Theatrical Society is presenting The Good Game at the Evergreen Cultural Centre [map]. The play was written by BC playwright Roy Teed, and it chronicles the adventures of four over-the-hill hockey players who re-unite after 30 years to play a championship game against much younger competitors. How will they cope with a sudden thrid-period calamity that threatens to scuttle the game? You’ll have to see the play to find out. Tickets are available online, or by calling 604.927.6555.

On Friday, October 16 Crossroads Hospice Society‘s Crossroads Coffee House is running at the Gathering Place in Port Coquitlam [map]. Doors open at 7:00pm, and there is an open stage starting at 7:30. Feature performer Sue Haberger takes to the stage at 9:00. This will be a hootenanny, so you are invited to bring your requests and be ready to sing and play along. For more info call 604.949.2270.

The Tri-Cities Volunteerfest is happening on Saturday, October 17 from 10am – 4pm at Coquitlam Centre [map]. More than 25 local organizations who need you to make a difference will be there. This is a great chance to find out how you can get involved in your community, and share some of what you have to offer. For more information email Community Volunteer Connections at cvcinfo@volunteerconnections.net.

A couple of events are happening at Place des Arts in Coquitlam this weekend [map]. The faculty concert, Hot Songs from Cool Places, takes to the stage at 7:30pm on Saturday, October 17. Soprano Leanne Koch and pianist David Rogers will present a lyrical and entertaining evening of song. Leanne will sing a broad repertoire ranging from Rachmaninoff to transatlantic cabaret. David will also play several solos, including music by Astor Piazzolla, Edvard Grieg and George Gershwin.

Place des Arts will also be the place to be for Family Day on Sunday, October 18 from 1:30-3:30pm. Hosted by the genial Michael Fera, everyone from kids to grandparents can take an art-filled journey of discovery in a warm, relaxed and non-threatening environment. Created as something for the whole family to do together, Family Day is an opportunity for all ages to learn more about art and engage in creative activities. Exhibiting artist Eleanor Hannan will give a tour of her exhibition and an artist talk, allowing participants to gain an intimate understanding of the background and creative process that went into creating each piece. There will also be drop-in workshops in which participants can make their own pin-hole camera, participate in a live portrait session, and discover the world of improvisation à la Theatre Sports.

Tickets for both events at Place des Arts are available in person at Place des Arts or by calling 604.664.1636.

I hope that you seize this opportunity to get out and enjoy the fall season here in the V3H!

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Place des Arts Open House

September 4, 2009 By Amber 1 Comment
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Place des Arts is a fabulous resource that we are lucky to have right here in the Tri-Cities [map]. The centre is located in Maillairdville, and offers innovative classes in music, dance, drama and visual arts. It also hosts exhibitions, festivals and special events throughout the year, as well as a gallery and gift shop displaying original works by local artists and artisans.

On Saturday, September 12 Place des Arts will be opening its doors from 2 – 4pm for its 4th Annual Open House. This free event features demonstrations by teachers and artists, arts activities for all ages, open rehearsals, and facility tours. There will also be door prizes, including tickets to upcoming events at Place des Arts.

If you are interested in taking a class the open house is a great time to sign up. If you register for a class you will get $10 off the fee. Or if you register for a satellite dance or drama class at Evergreen Cultural Centre you will get 2 free tickets to the Kevin Fox concert, Songs for Cello and Voice, on September 27.

The teachers on hand will be displaying a broad range of artistic pursuits. There will be pottery, animation, fibre arts, music, dance, and drama. It sounds like a fabulous day, and a really good chance to check out everything going on at Place des Arts. I know I’ve always wanted to take a pottery class, maybe it’s time I finally did just that!

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