Alberni Art Rave

Thanks to everyone that joined us for the social last night at Char’s. Thanks to those of you re-newing your memberships. Your support makes it all worthwhile. And a special thanks to the new members, people who have heard about Art Rave and want to join to support the arts in Port Alberni.
Some feedback from last night… people want to gather to make things. We’ve listened and we agree. So …

• Art Rave is meeting in March to discuss the next collaborative luminary project with Erin Ryding. This usually involves several gatherings and were a great hit last year.
• Art Rave will facilitate a puppet making workshop to assist the Art Matters Society with it’s performances. Details to be confirmed.
• Art Rave will facilitate a workshop making low relief panels to be used as the basis for a rubbings table, part of Art Raves “Art On The Street” contribution to the Solstice Arts Festival. Details to be confirmed.
  Will keep you updated.

And consider joining the Art Rave Society of Alberni, 2016. Every penny of the $10 membership fee goes to supporting the arts.

Art Rave Membership Social: Tuesday, February 2, 7:00 p.m., Chars Landing, Argyle St.
Membership invitation and renewal.
Come meet the new board, learn about Art Rave’s projects for 2016 (Shaw show, Call to Artists, Solstice Festival, public art project) and discuss ideas for the arts in our community.
Please take this opportunity to renew membership and participate in the advancement of all arts in the Valley.

Port Alberni is about to get a brand new Arts Festival to celebrate the start of summer. The Solstice Arts Festival will take place in Port Alberni’s Uptown over three days, June 17 to 19, 2016.

The Solstice Arts Festival brings four Alberni Valley arts groups together under one umbrella for an unforgettable weekend of art exhibits, music, theatrical performances and street entertainment fun for the whole family. Seed funding for the Festival was distributed by the Rotary Arts District Grant program amongst four groups.  The Community Arts Council of the Alberni Valley spearheaded the Festival, which is joined by Portal Players Dramatic Society, The Art Rave Society and the Art Matters Society in bringing this new community event to the Rotary Arts District.

Rollin Art Centre is the kick-off venue for an official reception on Friday night, June 17. This free reception will be one of the Art Rave components of the festival, and will showcase local artists.  There will also be a vendor’s showcase of booths in the Rollin Gardens, with entertainment on the bandstand at different times throughout the weekend.

On deck at The Capitol Theatre during the Solstice Arts Festival will be entertainment in the fringe-style, brought in by the Art Matters Society. Portal Players will also feature various performances, including a live band on Friday evening, and late-night improv on Saturday.

Local artisans demonstrating their skills and crafts outside of Char’s Landing as well as free art activities for children as coordinated by the Art Rave Society.

Entry to all venues and activities will be by wristband, which will be available to purchase soon. Wristbands will sell for $20 for adults and $15 for seniors/students. A discounted family wristband purchase is available and children get in free when accompanied by an adult wristband holder. This is an outstanding value at these prices for the entertainment offered over the three day Festival.

In preparation for the Solstice Arts Festival, organizers are holding a competition for the event poster image. Artwork can be in any media, but must be supplied as a digital image sized 11″ x 17″ at 300 dpi and e-mailed to alberniSolstice@gmail.com  Deadline for entry is February 7.

Details are still coming together as organizers prepare the 2016 Solstice Arts Festival; keep watching local arts spaces and websites such aswww.portalberniarts.com and www.avenue.zone , or call the Rollin Art Centre at 250-724-3412.

The 2015 festival started with the Reception at the Capital Theatre.  Art from ADSS students lined the isles and the front of the stage.

A shout out to Art Rave volunteers who who under the direction of Erin Ryding, donated over a 120 hours to create Luma, the wonderful mermaid luminary currently on view at Char’s Landing. Thank you all for this wonderful public art piece that can be shared with the community.

There’s a repeat of this summer’s Mermaid portage as late this week, Luma will travel up Argyle to Rollin Gallery.
Luma will be featured at the centre of the luminary labyrinth at Rollin Gallery’s Celebration of Lights

Date: Saturday, December 5, 2015 – 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Venue: Rollin Art Centre
Contact: (250) 724-3412

CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS
Enjoy an evening of the global symbol of peace and hope: LIGHT, at the Rollin Art Centre, Sat. December 5th from 4-8 p.m. Enjoy an evening of wandering the gardens that will be filled with lanterns and luminaires that local children created along with ACAWS and Community Living. Entertainment for the evening begins with Santa and Mrs. Claus, available for “Santa Selfies” ($2 min donation), TIMBRE! Choir will sing holiday favorites, along with other special guests. Garden lights will remain on for the month of December, so please help fund this event by entering with a suggested admission donation of $2.

Art Rave sincerely thanks Arrowsmith Rotary and it’s R.A.D initiative for this year’s grant and for it’s on-going support of the arts in Port Alberni.
Art Rave was one of several non-profit groups who received grants at last night’s reception at the Capitol Theatre.
Art Rave intends to use the funds to support it’s “Art On The Street” contribution to the 2016 Solstice Festival scheduled in June.

A gentle reminder that the Mermaid’s TLC Workshop will be held at Char’s Landing on Thursday, August 20th, from 7 to 9pm. Hope to see you there!