ArtSpring Newsletter — What’s on in May 2023
The sun is finally shining and so is our line up for May. On May 3, artist Kunji Ikeda brings us Sansei: The Storyteller which examines one of Canada’s darkest moments. On December 7, 1941, the attack on Peral Harbour triggered the internment and dispossession of tens of thousands of Japanese Canadians living along Canada’s west coast. Through an engaging blend of dance, spoken word, historical audio, family interviews and unexpected humour, Ikeda weaves an illuminating tale that is profoundly personal. Please also join us for a post show pane with members of the Japanese Canadian community and author Brian Smallshaw to discuss lived experiences and local history.
Youth voices will be on stage May 27 with the Makana Youth Choirs in their Spring term concert followed the next day by a matinee from the prize-winning The next afternoon, prize-winning ensemble Elektra Women’s Choir returns to ArtSpring for a matinee performance from its 45-voice Vancouver-based female chorus.
May also sees a strong line up of community engagements including “Electrify Salt Spring” with CBC’s Bob McDonald Friday May 5 to talk about the future of energy, The popular Salt Spring Singers bring us their Broadway Gold show tunes May 6 and 7, Dogs in the Moonlight have booked its Thematic Rock Concert for six days, and 100+ Women Who Care gather in the theatre to select their next charity to support.
Archipelago: Contemporary Art of the Salish Sea continues its international exhibition with visual art from the San Juans through May 24 and the lobby features the paintings of local artist Pamela Thornley.
Finally, ArtSpring’s Treasure Fair is gearing up for July, with calls for volunteers. Treasures are being accepted for donation as of May 1. Hope you can be a part of all the excitement that’s happening here this month.
With thanks,
Howard R. Jang
Executive & Artistic Director
ArtSpring
IN THE THEATRE
Vetta presents: Wartime Masterpieces
Mon May 1| 7:30pm
Join Joan Blackman, violin, Jane Hayes, piano, and VSO principal cello, Henry Shapard for a journey back to the first half of the twentieth century and three composers deeply affected by world wars.
ArtSpring Presents Sansei: The Storyteller
Wed May 3 | 7:30
Through an engaging blend of dance, spoken word, historical audio, family interviews, and unexpected humour, Kunji Ikeda weaves an illuminating tale about his family’s experience with the Japanese internment during WWII.
Salt Spring Community Energy presents “Electrify Salt Spring” with CBC’s Bob McDonald
Fri May 5 | 7:00pm
CBC Quirks and Quarks Host Bob McDonald leads a talk from his book “The Future Is Now” about the new green revolution. Includes Q&A.
Salt Spring Singers presents: Broadway Gold
Sat May 6 | 7:30 pm
Sun May 7 | 2pm
Celebrating 50 years, Salt Spring Singers perform a medley of classic Broadway songs and memorable melodies.
Good Company Entertainment presents: Dogs in the Moonlight: A Thematic Rock Concert (6 nights)
Fri May 12 – Sat May 13 | 7:30pm
Wed May 17 – Sat May 20 | 7:30pm
An homage to Don Henley, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Carly Simon, The Beatles, and more. From the people who brought you Timepiece and Peter on the Brink.
100+ Women Who Care presents: May Mingler and Vote
Thurs May 25 | 6:30pm
Time to meet, mingle, and vote for one of three charities who will be presenting live. This is for members of 100+ Women Who Care.
ArtSpring Presents
Makana Youth Choir: Spring Concert
Sat May 27 | 7:30pm
The Kids (grade 2-5) and Youth (grade 6-9) Choirs show off what they have learned this term in a show that spans pop, folk, classical, and music from all over the world.
ArtSpring Presents Elektra Women’s Choir
Sun May 28 | 2:30pm
Since 1987, this award-winning powerful 45-voice choir has been known for its adventurous programming, seeking out music written specifically for women.
EXHIBITIONS & GALLERIES
Pamela Thornley | ArtSpring Lobby
May 1 – May 30
Daily 10am-4pm until May 24, then regular ArtSpring hours Tues-Friday.
“My paintings have been inspired by my life and travels throughout the beautiful Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island. It is my hope that people will see & experience the natural world as I see it.”
Archipelago: Contemporary Art of the Salish Sea | ArtSpring Gallery
Sat April 22-Wed May 24 | 10-4pm daily
ArtSpring is proud to present its first international visual art exhibition, as part of a unique cultural exchange between two of North America’s most feted arts communities – the Southern Gulf Islands and the San Juan Islands. ArtSpring presents six acclaimed San Juan artists Danielle Dean (photography,) Joe Miller (painting,) Glenn Hendrick (printmaking,) Raven Skyriver (glass) and Tom Small (stone sculpture.) Don’t miss seeing this remarkable exhibition! In collaboration with San Juan Museum of Art and Salt Spring arts.
