Southern Alberta landscape focus of exhibit opening at Casa
Southern Alberta’s topography offers an amazing variety of visual treats: lakes, mountains, rivers, hills, valleys. But sometimes we simply take it for granted.
Artworks can prompt us to take another look at some of these natural wonders, revealing features or aspects we haven’t really seen. Now we have an opportunity to experience that, with a series of exhibitions opening this evening at Casa.
Allied Arts Council curator Darcy Logan has layered “landscapes upon landscapes” for the multi-faceted show, running now until June 10. The artists are inviting viewers “to reconsider our landscape both physical and mental.”
“The Castle River and Porcupine Hills” are the focus for Lethbridge artist Blake Wilson and foothills resident Mike Judd. Their large canvas works underline the importance of the natural environment.
They’re sharing main-gallery space with “Pauses and Reflections” by Anne-Laure
Djaballah, a Master of Fine Arts graduate of the University of Lethbridge. Her nonrepresentational paintings offer glimpses of pathways, local landscapes and trash-strewn
urban alleyways. Lethbridge Weavers
(a.k.a. the Lethbridge Handicraft Guild) are one the oldest art groups in the city. But today's members have used timehonoured techniques to portray such local icons as the CPR bridge and the post office.
They’re on display in the Concourse Gallery, alongside “Icons and Curiosities.” Lethbridge artist Alexis Bialobzyski has used elements of painting, drawing and collage to create atmosphere, mood and colour.
Many of her works celebrate the female figure, in abstract as well as traditional explorations.
“We’re showing three different ways of painting,” Logan says — suggesting how versatile the medium can be in the hands of today’s artists.
The goal, he says, is to create an “Ah! moment,” showing how it can trigger excitement and imagination.
• • • Another long-running local organization — 94 years, actually — will be presenting lifetime memberships to six Lethbridgearea people who been involved for 25 years or longer.
Playgoers of Lethbridge will honour Donna Kalau, Eric Low, Sheila Matson, Jane Meaker, Rita Peterson and Lee Prindle for their years of dedication. Certificates of appreciation will also be presented to Neil Boyden and
Alan Matson — who are still working on their first 25.
Entertainment for the awards dinner on May 6 will be provided by the LCI Gold Jazz Band under the direction of Ken Rogers.
• • • Temperatures going up? That could be one of “100 Reasons to Go Outside,” an exhibition of so many ways southern Albertans can step outside and enjoy “nature’s company.”
The folks at the Helen Schuler Nature centre say it’s the 100th exhibit designed in-house since the facility opened in 1982. It will remain on view over the summer, while Schuler volunteers and staff members offer a wide range of programs aimed at “inspiring people to spend more time outside.”
Now is “a good time to help out community celebrate how good it is to just be WITH nature,” says centre manager Coreen Putman.
At 7 p.m. on Wednesday, the centre will present U.S. forest biologist Kent Woodruff and his film, “One Stick at a Time.” It’s an inspiring look at how restoration efforts in part of Washington State are mitigating some of the impacts of climate change.
• • • For another celebration of spring, the Troyanda Ukrainian Dance Club will offer their seasonal show on May 3, along with performances from two guest groups: the Mexicanos Sin Fronteras and the Filipino Dance Group. Seats are available through the Ticket Centre. • • •
The sounds and savour of Mexico will also be on tap Friday at the Multicultural Centre. Traditional dances, a mariachi singer and of course Mexican food will be part of the Fiesta de Cinco de Mayo, starting at 5 p.m.
• • • And next Saturday, the Lethbridge Folk Club’s season continues with Back Porch
Swing, at 8 p.m. at the College Cave. Tickets are available at Blueprint Records.
• • • Looking a little further ahead, the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra’s season will conclude May 8 with “Hymn of Praise,” in celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation. The concert, 7:30 p.m. at Southminster United, will feature the world premiere of a “sesquicentennial fanfare” as well as a preview of next season's programs. The Chinook Chamber
Singers, the Vox Musica choir and guest soloists will be the evening’s guests.
• • • And our weekly reminders: “Put a Little Love in Your Heart,” a concert in aid of the Interfaith Food Bank, is set for 2 p.m. today at McKillop United Church. Guest performers Cornucopia, the Bow City Underground, Juran Green, David Mikuliak and Don Ponech will join the Catch the Spirit music team with accompanist
John-Paul Ksiazek. The cover charge is $20 — or 20 pounds of food!
And next Friday, John-Paul will join with Graeme Roset in “Key it Up,” a no-charge First Friday concert set for 12:15 p.m. at Casa.