Port Alberni Arts District
August 6, 2013
Alberni Art Rave Society
Wesley Bloxham c/o Islands Gallery,
5060 Argyle Street, Port Alberni, B.C. V9Y 1V4, ph: 778-421-0090,
AlberniArtRave@gmail.com
PORT ALBERNI ARTS DISTRICT : It’s a flurry of activity down at ‘Art Rave Central,’ also known as Islands Gallery on the corner of 2nd and Argyle, as members of the Alberni Art Rave Society launch the first annual Alberni Art Rave Festival August 17th and 18th.
The Alberni Art Rave Festival, located in and around the historic train station at Kingsway Crossing, hosts a juried exhibition, demonstrations by artists, an all ages art tent, a sound stage, and refreshments. Sixteen prominent local artists have been selected for exhibition in the recently revitalized train station gallery with support from the City of Port Alberni, the Alberni Valley News and many local businesses including Connie Watts, Dave Parsanishi, Derek Cowan, Gallus, Glaswegian Blonde, Gordon Dick, Gwen Curry, Julian Growcott, Katharina Zalatnai, Krystyna Jervis, Mike Semkiw, Peter Kiidumae, Richard Sandstrom, Rod Sayers, Todd Robinson, and Shane Lloyd.
“The Art Rave jurors chosen pieces that have spoken to them. Come and see what you hear,” enthuses Art Rave President Wesley Bloxam.
In addition, local businesses all along the Arts District have opened their doors to take part in the Alberni Art Rave initiative, Artists Paired With Businesses. Art Rave artist members collaborate with local businesses to exhibit their work, hold workshops, and be present to meet with the community through the month of August including Gale Cyr at Chars Landing;George David at The Place furniture store; Will Shannon at Salmon Berries Gift Emporium; Tod Robinson at Laurence Photography; Ann McIvor and Susan LaForge at Canvas Cup; Shelly Penner at Swale Rock; Clint Reynolds at Ineo and Sarah Bunda at All Mixed Up.
The Alberni Art Rave Festival is a grassroots initiative in which people have come together to celebrate and draw attention to the abundant creative talent we have in the Alberni Valley. With projects and venues blossoming all across town such as Alberni Fringe Festival, Char’s Landing, and recent public art initiatives, the Alberni Art Rave aims to connect and celebrate the creative diversity and talent in the City, and highlight the potential of the arts to enhance daily life in the community and attract opportunity, visitors, and growth.
Membership to the Art Rave Society is $10 per person, and supports local arts promotion and celebration including the annual Art Rave Festival. The Art Rave will be held at Kingsway Crossing August 17th and 18th; everyone is welcome. ###