Arts Alive Article - February 2009
Posted February 23, 2009
Arts Alive!
Beat the February Blahs with Art, Music and Theatre
By Christina MacLachlan and Ina Jackson
February 19, 2009
The winter doldrums have officially set in and cabin fever is a reality for many of us. I have a cure - a sure fire way to beat the blues. This month and next, we can indulge in the arts.
Start at Ballygiblin's - that wonderful restaurant with amazing food at 151 Bridge Street. Spend an evening treating your palate to the gourmet fare offered and take in the art on the walls. Until the next Flippin' Art Night on Thursday, March 19, you have a chance to see the work of two fabulous local artists - photographer Richard Ellis and painter Lorrie Beaton. Richard is a member of a local camera group called Photography Matters. He presents three main subjects in this show: theatre, flowers and the Canadian North. Richard describes himself as a work in progress. Four years ago, he took up the camera and took some shots of a dancer. Encouraged with the result, he has continued with theatre and dance subjects. In "Dancers-Blue and Red", Merida Mexico, Richard uses the movement of the dancer’s costume to create dramatic linear patterns that give a real sense of the body in motion. In "Yellow Flower with Bee", the photographer has treated a small subject as something monumental and at the same time made it small again by showing a bee on it. It's a wonderful paradox that makes this piece very striking. I found myself especially moved by the images of the Skaglak fiord, the result of a recent trip by the photographer. The majestic northern landscape is bathed in a warm light that makes it glow.
The work of Lorrie Beaton (aka Hannah von Eden) is quite a contrast. Who is this Hannah von Eden anyway? - I'll let Lorrie explain it herself - "The character of Hannah Von Eden was born during a long and gruelling rehearsal for a play that I was directing many years ago. I was grumpy and made some unkind comments to the actors in the heat of the moment. Hannah von Eden became my directing alter ego, and brought a great deal of humour to the rehearsal space with her nasty comments! I started taking on the character of Hanna von Eden while painting. It was fun, because I was able to blend together my theatre background and my love of visual arts. While in character, Hannah allows me to explore ideas, create a mood for the piece, and indulge in all those dark and lovely places." Hannah's work is both abstract and realistic in its elements. Some of the pieces speak on a decorative and rhythmic level. "Gabbia Dorata/The Gilted Cage" has a wonderful three-dimensional quality and interesting use of print and gold borders. Other pieces are very message oriented and speak loudly. "La Scrittura Sulla Porete (The Writing on the Wall)" is very graffiti like and communicates with each viewer on a very personal level. Don't forget March 19 to see what goes on the walls at Ballygiblin's. A special treat, Claudia Coutu Radmore will be there, reading some of her fabulous poetry and writings.
Speaking of Claudia, she will be signing copies and reading from Arctic Twilight at Read's Book Shop, 6.30 p.m. tonight, Thursday, February 19. An Arts Carleton Place member and supporter, she is an artist, internationally published writer, member of the League of Canadian Poets, Haiku Canada and Kado Ottawa. Congratulations!
After being at Read's, head down to hear classic jazz at St. James Gate Pub, with Peter Brown and friend playing 7-10 p.m. Note the new time change.
On Saturday February 21, it's Opening Night for Saturday Night Music...Live at the Gate! Every Saturday starting at 8 p.m. there will be an evening of acoustic music. Kirk and Curtis Armstrong are the opening featured performers. The owners, Stan and Francine Clarke, are hoping the community comes out and supports our talented local performers. A new menu the "5 and dime" has been created with items $5 or $10. This new venue will bring out a listening audience that appreciates live music in an intimate setting. On February 28, Live at the Gate features two acts: Joe Chalmers/original folk/roots music and Lisa Kopil performing cover tunes. Book a table with your friends and enjoy!
The Mississippi Mudds Youth Theatre Group is presenting the musical Bugsy Malone Jr. Performances: Thursday, February 26 and 27, 7-9 p.m., Saturday, February 28, 2 p.m. Tickets: $12 at Lux, 613-253-2299. Bring the family to live theatre and support this talented, energetic troupe as they hit the stage at the Town Hall.
A call to artists: Brush Strokes is having a one-day $100 or less Art Sale, on Sunday, March 29, 1-4 p.m. Each piece sold: 50% goes to the artist, 20% to children's art classes, 20% to Brush Strokes, 10% to Arts Carleton Place. Call 613-253-8088 to register.
So venture out into the cold, dark night and take in some of the bright lights that are shining in Carleton Place this month. I guarantee that it will banish those winter blues.
Beat the February Blahs with Art, Music and Theatre
By Christina MacLachlan and Ina Jackson
February 19, 2009
The winter doldrums have officially set in and cabin fever is a reality for many of us. I have a cure - a sure fire way to beat the blues. This month and next, we can indulge in the arts.
Start at Ballygiblin's - that wonderful restaurant with amazing food at 151 Bridge Street. Spend an evening treating your palate to the gourmet fare offered and take in the art on the walls. Until the next Flippin' Art Night on Thursday, March 19, you have a chance to see the work of two fabulous local artists - photographer Richard Ellis and painter Lorrie Beaton. Richard is a member of a local camera group called Photography Matters. He presents three main subjects in this show: theatre, flowers and the Canadian North. Richard describes himself as a work in progress. Four years ago, he took up the camera and took some shots of a dancer. Encouraged with the result, he has continued with theatre and dance subjects. In "Dancers-Blue and Red", Merida Mexico, Richard uses the movement of the dancer’s costume to create dramatic linear patterns that give a real sense of the body in motion. In "Yellow Flower with Bee", the photographer has treated a small subject as something monumental and at the same time made it small again by showing a bee on it. It's a wonderful paradox that makes this piece very striking. I found myself especially moved by the images of the Skaglak fiord, the result of a recent trip by the photographer. The majestic northern landscape is bathed in a warm light that makes it glow.
The work of Lorrie Beaton (aka Hannah von Eden) is quite a contrast. Who is this Hannah von Eden anyway? - I'll let Lorrie explain it herself - "The character of Hannah Von Eden was born during a long and gruelling rehearsal for a play that I was directing many years ago. I was grumpy and made some unkind comments to the actors in the heat of the moment. Hannah von Eden became my directing alter ego, and brought a great deal of humour to the rehearsal space with her nasty comments! I started taking on the character of Hanna von Eden while painting. It was fun, because I was able to blend together my theatre background and my love of visual arts. While in character, Hannah allows me to explore ideas, create a mood for the piece, and indulge in all those dark and lovely places." Hannah's work is both abstract and realistic in its elements. Some of the pieces speak on a decorative and rhythmic level. "Gabbia Dorata/The Gilted Cage" has a wonderful three-dimensional quality and interesting use of print and gold borders. Other pieces are very message oriented and speak loudly. "La Scrittura Sulla Porete (The Writing on the Wall)" is very graffiti like and communicates with each viewer on a very personal level. Don't forget March 19 to see what goes on the walls at Ballygiblin's. A special treat, Claudia Coutu Radmore will be there, reading some of her fabulous poetry and writings.
Speaking of Claudia, she will be signing copies and reading from Arctic Twilight at Read's Book Shop, 6.30 p.m. tonight, Thursday, February 19. An Arts Carleton Place member and supporter, she is an artist, internationally published writer, member of the League of Canadian Poets, Haiku Canada and Kado Ottawa. Congratulations!
After being at Read's, head down to hear classic jazz at St. James Gate Pub, with Peter Brown and friend playing 7-10 p.m. Note the new time change.
On Saturday February 21, it's Opening Night for Saturday Night Music...Live at the Gate! Every Saturday starting at 8 p.m. there will be an evening of acoustic music. Kirk and Curtis Armstrong are the opening featured performers. The owners, Stan and Francine Clarke, are hoping the community comes out and supports our talented local performers. A new menu the "5 and dime" has been created with items $5 or $10. This new venue will bring out a listening audience that appreciates live music in an intimate setting. On February 28, Live at the Gate features two acts: Joe Chalmers/original folk/roots music and Lisa Kopil performing cover tunes. Book a table with your friends and enjoy!
The Mississippi Mudds Youth Theatre Group is presenting the musical Bugsy Malone Jr. Performances: Thursday, February 26 and 27, 7-9 p.m., Saturday, February 28, 2 p.m. Tickets: $12 at Lux, 613-253-2299. Bring the family to live theatre and support this talented, energetic troupe as they hit the stage at the Town Hall.
A call to artists: Brush Strokes is having a one-day $100 or less Art Sale, on Sunday, March 29, 1-4 p.m. Each piece sold: 50% goes to the artist, 20% to children's art classes, 20% to Brush Strokes, 10% to Arts Carleton Place. Call 613-253-8088 to register.
So venture out into the cold, dark night and take in some of the bright lights that are shining in Carleton Place this month. I guarantee that it will banish those winter blues.
