NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER — What’s on in November

As the days shorten and the winter rains settle in, November brings a vibrant parade of genre-defying events to draw audiences toward the warm ArtSpring lights. Get ready for a month packed with music, reflection, and powerful visual art!

We’re kicking the month off in style with a Halloween Community Dance on November 1st! Creepy crafts, treats, and a costume contest await those who are not ready to say goodbye to spooky season. Break out those dancing shoes for a night of creepy crafts, treats, a costume contest, and live music from Local Motion and Shelder the Electric Clamfish.

November’s musical offerings span eras and genres, ensuring there is something on stage for everyone. 88 Strings: Crossover pulls together Chinese, Persian, and Western plucked instruments to immerse audiences in “plucked string heaven.” Two-time Polaris Prize winner Jeremy Dutcher brings us “moment-defining” sound that moves between grand piano, operatic tenor, jazz, and traditional Wolastoqey song. Then, Take This Waltz: Celebrating the Music of Leonard Cohen dances our audience through a dynamic artistic journey featuring theatrical reimaginings of iconic songs like “Hallelujah” and “Dance Me to the End of Love.”

Following up on last year’s powerful Remembrance Day portrait series, What These Eyes Have Seen–Witness to War takes over the gallery to spotlight veterans with strong Salt Spring ties. This exhibition features two special remembrance events, with an opening night of storytelling on November 6th and an evening of documentaries and live music on November 9th.

Also in the gallery, Vox offers a snapshot of how ten contemporary Canadian photographers employ portraiture, landscape, and social commentary to interpret life in uncertain times.

Finally, two MET Operas will light up our screen live from New York this month. Puccini’s La Bohème takes us to bohemian Paris on November 8th, and Strauss’ classic romantic comedy Arabella sweeps us off our feet on November 22.

Between all of this, our calendar is filled with exciting community and off-island presentations from the Salt Spring Forum, Salt Spring Island Foundation, Salt Spring Film Festival, Viva Chorale!, Makana Youth Choirs, and Vetta Chamber Music.

We’re so excited to share this month of art with you. See you soon at ArtSpring!

Howard R. Jang

Executive & Artistic Director

ArtSpring

OCTOBER NEWSLETTER — What’s on in October

Happy October! Our 2025/2026 ArtSpring Presents season is in full swing, and this month’s calendar is jam-packed with film, theatre, and music from our 100% Canadian lineup.

After two sellout years in a row, the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival returns on October 10 and 11 with a fresh collection of films packed with adventure and stunning landscapes from around the world. This festival has too many amazing films to settle for just one screening–that’s why we’re hosting two showings with completely different sets of films including award-winners and audience favourites.

On October 14, classical piano master Angela Cheng will dazzle us with her show Prisms. As one of the most highly acclaimed pianists in Canada, Cheng performs regularly with virtually every orchestra in the country and instructs across the globe. Don’t miss this special opportunity to see a national treasure in our intimate setting.

Then, on October 17, actor-dancer-director Hiromoto Ida returns to our stage with his play, Vacant Lot. This piece centres on a long-married couple visiting the empty lot where their family home once stood, inviting audiences to reflect on the ache of impermanence, the fragile passage of time, and what it means to exist despite it all. (ArtSpring audiences might remember Ida from his play, Birthday Present for Myself, which featured in our 2023 season.)

For our last ArtSpring Presents show of the month, we have comedian and author Michael McCreary’s Funny, You Don’t Look Autistic on October 24. Part storytelling, part stand-up, this show takes the audience on a hilarious and poignant journey through McCreary’s life on the spectrum–a touching story of personal triumph with a deadpan delivery.

Beyond our main season, you can also catch exciting performances from local and off-island artists this month. The Great Divide: Canada’s Tribute to The Band will get the house rocking, while The Geezers’ Expect Delays promises to take us on a comedic joyride through the literal and metaphorical potholes of island life.

Salt Spring Film Festival’s Best of the Fests series opens on October 1 with Home is the Ocean, which follows the adventures of a family raising six daring, precocious kids on a sailboat in the open ocean. Then, on October 29, Have you Heard Judi Singh? spotlights the compelling life and career of Judi Singh. This Canadian jazz trailblazer of mixed Black and Punjabi heritage broke the mold playing to sold-out crowds in 1950s/60s Edmonton, but the music industry failed to elevate her to the level of stardom that she deserved.

The Met Opera’s Live in HD season opens on October 18 with Bellini’s La Sonnambula, starring soprano Nadine Sierra as the titular sleepwalker. Tickets are now on sale for all six of this year’s Met Opera performances. As always, warm quiche awaits at intermission.

In the gallery, the Salt Spring National Art Prize (SSNAP)’s Parallel Art Show (PAS) is on display until their closing gala and awards ceremony on October 18. After SSNAP, the Salt Spring Spinners and Weavers Guild will take over with their annual fall exhibition and sale, featuring a colourful and eclectic array of textile art by Salt Spring’s premier fibre aficionados.

We’re too excited about this announcement to wait for next month’s newsletter! On November 1, we are hosting a Halloween Community Dance alongside the Salt Spring Arts Council and StageCoach Theatre School. Keep your costumes out, because this party kicks off with a costume parade before Shelder the Electric Clamfish and Local Motion take the stage to help us dance the night away. With an all-ages costume contest, spooky crafts, and lots of treats, get ready for a frightfully fun night of Halloween hijinks.

ArtSpring is on the lookout for more volunteers! Currently, we are especially in need of pre-show box officers and concession managers. Volunteering with us is a great way to meet people, support our community, and see some fantastic shows. To join the team that brings every performance to life, please reach out to Megan Warren (Front of House Manager & Coordinator of Volunteers) at foh@artspring.ca.

See you soon at ArtSpring!

Howard R. Jang

Executive & Artistic Director

ArtSpring

SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER — What’s on in September

As we head into the Labour Day Long Weekend, there is something in the air with the start of September. Back to school. Back to getting organized and new beginnings — including at ArtSpring.

Our fresh new 2025/26 Season Event Launch was yesterday, and it officially goes on sale for members Tuesday September 2, and then for the public Tuesday September 9. It’s not too late to renew or purchase your Membership by August 31 to enjoy the immediate benefit of one week advance ticket pre-sales.

This may well include tickets to ArtSpring Presents’ first concert of the season — the wonderful Charles Richard-Hamelin, one of Canada’s most celebrated pianists. He is the first in a line-up of ALL CANADIAN ARTISTS this season. Please note ticket prices of $42 for adult and $10 for youth have been updated to now include GST so everything is more simple and convenient when purchasing tickets.

Also new, a legacy of our 25th Anniversary Celebration, ArtSpring’s RoundTable Committee is debuting its first season of six community-based showcases, dance parties, learning and talent nights. Organized by a robust volunteer group of local artists and advocates, the committee enhances ArtSpring’s public programming by engaging with and celebrating community spirit through the arts in welcoming ways.

Its first presentation is this September featuring a celebration of Indigenous and Métis artists in the Sweetgrass Arts & Music Indigenous Showcase. Tickets now on sale, and we hope you join us for this exceptional presentation. The RoundTable Committee is always looking for new vibrant volunteers with ideas and commitment to enhance our community.

September is also the time for new exhibitions, Salt Spring Forum, a visiting Tom Petty tribute and the sounds of Morocco and Flamenco from Caravan World Rhythms. Vetta is back with a beloved season launch, and Makana Youth Choirs opens its doors to a new season of vocal practice and harmonic fun for grades 2-9. Register by September 12.

This year, we are so pleased to announce co-Season Partners Island Savings and Ganges Village Marketplace as our lead sponsors in supporting ArtSpring in its mission to enrich, uplift, and connect the community through arts and culture. Thank you!

See you for a new season at ArtSpring!

Howard R. Jang

Executive & Artistic Director

ArtSpring

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AUGUST NEWSLETTER — What’s on in August

August is here, and it is now a bit of a summer breather for ArtSpring Presents as the last show of the season was the Treasure Fair concert — Zachary Stevenson’s “Dead Ringer,” a high-energy, sold-out, dancing-in-the-aisles celebration to close the 2024/25 Season.

Thanks to our generous donors and auction bidders, the Treasure Fair raised $105,000 this year, and we are so pleased Carol Brown’s beloved Steinway piano found a new home here on Salt Spring.

As we gear up for next season, August showcases the best of local painters, photographers, and artists in lobby and gallery exhibitions, as well as a Salt Spring Forum presentation of author and speaker John Valliant addressing his case study of the Fort McMurray wildfires.

Now is the time to buy or renew your ArtSpring Membership as you will want to be first in line to buy your favourite seats for the 2025/26 Season. Our launch event is August 28, where I will walk you through the highlights of the season. and our brochures will be hot off the presses. Tickets open to members September 2, then open to the general public September 9.

The event is free, and we will be sending out an invitation to join us.

See you at ArtSpring!

Howard R. Jang

Executive & Artistic Director

ArtSpring

See you at ArtSpring!

Howard R. Jang

Executive & Artistic Director

ArtSpring

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JULY NEWSLETTER — What’s on in July

Of course the big ArtSpring event of July is our much-anticipated annual Treasure Fair Fundraiser July 16-19, with the online catalogue going live on July 2. With donated items at another all-time high, the community has responded with enthusiasm and generosity to towards supporting our fundraising goals. Thank you.

This year the headliner item sure to get attention is the generous donation from Carole Brown of her 2004 Steinway & Sons Grand Piano. It was an emotional and difficult decision for her to part with such a beautiful and meticulously maintained piece, and we are truly honoured she decided to contribute it to our cause. A very meaningful gift indeed, and we hope it finds a home where it can shine.

We encourage everyone to register to bid, and by doing so, you are invited to our Sneak Peek Preview Gala just prior to the auction going live. Every year, our tremendous Treasure Fair committee of volunteers work tirelessly to assemble a museum-quality exhibition of all items up for auction in the ArtSpring Gallery.

This year, the committee has decided to bring back a “blast from the past.” Ten new items per day from July 17-19 will only be available by silent auction in ArtSpring’s Jankura Lounge through old-fashioned paper bidding. Visit the display, linger for coffee, place your bid, re-visit in time for final bids, and the winner is declared at 3pm each day.

The rationale from the committee? In this digital world, let’s bring back a human connection component. A reason for people to meet and mingle and discuss. To welcome bidders who may not have access to or feel comfortable with technology. We are creating an opportunity to help include everyone.

ArtSpring is also excited to announce our not-to-be-missed Treasure Fair concert “Dead Ringer” on Friday July 18, starring Zachary Stevenson. Those of you who remember his sold-out Buddy Holly tribute in our 2023/24 Season will recall what nostalgic fun that concert was. We invite you to return again and dance in the aisles.

From community and visiting productions, ArtSpring welcomes Land & Lineage on July 4 from The Imaginelle Mystery School and Naomi Jason and our local Painters Guild is back with their beloved Summer Show and Sale.

See you at ArtSpring!

Howard R. Jang

Executive & Artistic Director

ArtSpring

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JUNE NEWSLETTER — What’s on in June

June celebrates a change of pace as we ease into the summer season on Salt Spring.

Except for Treasure Fair’s July 18 marquee concert Dead Ringer starring Zachary Stevenson, the ArtSpring Presents 2024/25 Season has officially come to a close.

Don’t miss getting your tickets to Dead Ringer, as Zachary was a sold out hit at ArtSpring in 2023 with his Buddy Holly show. This time the repertoire widens to include Jerry Lee Lewis, Hank Williams, and other nostalgic favourites for a fun and memorable evening.

In June, the spotlight is on school and community-driven performances from GISS Dance, an original theatrical play from local Wendy Judith Cutler, a hot-topic speaker forum, an original comedic cabaret from our own technical director Cimmeron Meyer with an all-star local cast, and arts programming that celebrates National Indigenous History Month.

We are also pleased to announce we have our headliner Treasure Fair item, generously donated by Carol Brown — a beautiful, meticulously maintained 2004 Steinway & Sons Grand Piano that is looking for a new home with music lovers who will truly appreciate it. If you have inquiries in advance of the auction, please contact us and we’d be happy to help.

See you at ArtSpring!

Howard R. Jang

Executive & Artistic Director

ArtSpring

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MAY NEWSLETTER — What’s on in May

Save for the Treasure Fair concert in July with Zachary Stevenson, May is the final month of ArtSpring’s official 2024/25 season for performances.

What a season! From Cliff Cardinal’s provocative and polarizing Land Acknowledgement one-man-show and Snotty Nose Rez Kids to Order of Canada pianist Janina Fialowska and people dancing in the aisles to Juno-winning Haitian musician Wesli, it’s been a season of tremendous range, trying new things, and attracting new audiences.

On May 6, that theme continues with Julie Kim, one of Canada’s top stand-up comedians of the last decade in what is looking like a sold out show. She recently toured North America doing 40 theatre shows with Ronny Chieng (Crazy Rich Asians, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah) and we are happy to have a local act open for her from Gabriola, Scarlet Chen.

On May 13, ArtSpring is proud to present Raven Spirit Dance from Vancouver and its conptemporary three-act production of “Braiding the Land.”  The evening traces “the connections between vast ancestral landscapes and our bodies.” Also featured is Steppin’, an energetic contemporary Métis jig solo by Jeanette Kotowich. A talkback with the dance company will follow the show.

The final two Met Operas Live in HD, Strauss’ Salome and Rossini’s Il Barbiere di Siviglia (Barber of Seville,) arrive May 17 and 31 with the customary Saturday morning tradition of gathering for world-class opera and the famous quiche intermission island opera lovers enjoy.

From May 18-30, in the main gallery, is a very special exhibition we are pleased to have coordinated for islanders and visitors alike. Confluence: The Bateman Collection is the first and likely the last-of-its-kind experience for the public to see the private home collection of art and artifacts Birgit and Robert Bateman have treasured over a lifetime of artistry, world travel, advocacy, and philanthropy. It coincides with Robert’s 95th birthday, and it is truly a full-circle moment as the Batemans were the ceremonial ribbon-cutters to open ArtSpring more than 25 years ago.

ArtSpring is also bursting at the seams with community offerings. StageCoach’s Matilda Jr. continues its run into the beginning of May. 100 Women Who Care meet and vote, Makana Youth Choirs take to the stage with their Spring Concert, GISS Music and GISPA present talented teens in musical and theatrical productions, Vetta closes out its season, and in the lobby, a photography exhibition by Danielle Ackins.

See you at ArtSpring!

Howard R. Jang

Executive & Artistic Director

ArtSpring

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APRIL NEWSLETTER — What’s on in April

April is as colourful as ever with five ArtSpring Presents performances for the ages and from the ages – Renaissance to reggae, contemporary Indigenous folk to historic interpretations of Bach, and some serious piano shenanigans in the mix.

Right out of the gate on April 1, ArtSpring gets heisted by Piano Heist, a fun, fast-paced piano duel between two life-long friends who put their keyboard musicianship to the test followed by a very different and beautifully distinct performance from award-winning Canadian pianist Sarah Hagen and her interpretation of Bach’s famous Goldberg Variations.

Reaching even further back in history is a rare and fascinating glimpse of the music, instrumentation and court dances of the 15th and 16th century from France’s Ensemble Doulce Mémoire.

On April 17, we then turn up the heat with world music Juno award-winner Wesli and his show-stopping band. Finally, on April 20, contemporary Indigenous sibling folk and roots duo Sechile Sedare share some very touching personal stories created during the 2021 lockdown.

For visiting artists, ArtSpring welcomes back The Completely Creedence band honouring the music of CCR and from Duncan, Warmland Dance Company presents its adult contemporary dance creation “Unfolding: Humanity in Motion.”

From within the community, Salt Spring Forum tackles what’s happening south of the border, and StageCoach Theatre’s youth theatre performance of Matilda is sure to enchant, a perfect family-friendly platform to support our young artists.

Our April Exhibition in the Gallery is “Undiscovered Country,” a collection of seven local artists and their response to Hamlet’s “To Be or Not to Be,” and in the lobby, “Femme Frequency,” a collective of seven local female artists, showcase their creative perspectives in multiple mediums.

It’s a great month to see the breadth of talent from our own backyard. As always, ask about our $15 Theatre Angel ticket program, making the arts accessible to all.

See you at ArtSpring!

Howard R. Jang, Executive & Artistic Director

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MARCH NEWSLETTER — What’s On in March

Spring arrives at ArtSpring with a fresh line-up of contemporary ballet, chamber music, virtuosic piano, classical guitar, opera, and a host of vibrant community and visiting presentations.

As for this month’s performances, on March 2, Ballet Edmonton visits ArtSpring for the first time with its much-anticipated Sunday afternoon performance. Comprised of three original modern ballet creations, this poetic and energetic production involves the entire company of dancers and the first tour for new artistic director Kirsten Wicklund from Vancouver.

For the first time since 2018, the Penderecki String Quartet (PSQ) returns to ArtSpring on March 13 for a powerhouse performance. Salt Spring’s own Peter Hatch has written a world-premiere piece for the quartet, and Peter and the group will also be heading over to the composition class at GISS for some much-anticipated mentorship.

On March 16, ArtSpring welcomes the Montréal Guitar Trio, one of the finest ensembles in the country. In this special performance, the guitarists are presenting a tribute concert in memory of the legendary film composer Ennio Morricone then on March 30, a Sunday matinee to enjoy — concert pianist Janina Fialkowska, who has enchanted audiences and critics around the world.

March also sees community programming such as Bach on the Rock, the Salt Spring Painters Guild Workshop Lobby Show, and Vetta is back with its fourth out of five daytime concerts. In partnership with ArtSpring, StageCoach is offering two camps over spring break – Musical Theatre with Sue Newman and Acting for Film and TV with John-David Hutchison. And, watch out – visiting tribute band RELICS deliver a Pink Floyd experience for the ages.

ON AN ADDED NOTE: Recently a patron with a hearing impairment reached out to share a difficult experience they had at an ArtSpring performance. It was not a matter of our speakers or sound system, as was suggested, but rather the patron did not know — as many may not — we have five hearing-enhancement sets that can be requested at the Box Office or from the Duty Manager. If you need a unit set aside, request one in advance when you purchase or pick up tickets or ask upon arrival if any are available. Feedback is always welcome to help us ensure everyone has the best experience possible.

See you at ArtSpring!

Howard R. Jang

Executive & Artistic Director

ArtSpring

FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER — What’s On in February

Both ‘classic’ and ‘fresh’ are the themes this February at ArtSpring, which is full of sizzling jazz, film, theatre, young symphony talent, and a first for ArtSpring Presents – a powerful spoken word/slam poet artist.

The virtuosic Borealis String Quartet from Vancouver returns on February 8 to take chamber music by storm with both a contemporary composer’s work (Michael Conway Baker) as well as classic pieces from Shostakovich and Grieg.

Jazz fans are in for a real treat this month with two masterful performances. The Tom Keenlyside Quartet conjures up the magic of Dave Brubeck’s 1959 masterpiece “Time Out” just in time for Valentines, followed by 40-year jazz veteran Remi Bolduc and his ensemble’s take on a venerable who’s-who of classic jazz masters.

We know how much our community loves theatre, and there are many wonderful local productions that take to the stage. ArtSpring Presents has faced challenges bringing in touring productions, but we are so pleased to be able to present “Heirlooms and Baggage ” from Delta Stageworks this February. If you love theatre and want to encourage it, we’d love to see you there.

We are beyond the moon to be presenting internationally-recognized Canadian slam poet Shane Koyczan on February 25. It’s a new genre for ArtSpring, and we know audiences will be as deeply affected by the experience as millions of people around the world have been.

On February 23, talent from the Victoria Conservatory of Music’s Young Artists Collegium Program take the ferry to ArtSpring for a special chamber music concert. It’s a wonderful opportunity for local musical youth to see what could be ahead of them, as well as parents and grandparents.

February also sees community programming such as Salt Spring Film Festival’s two “Best of the Fest” presentations, an exceptional photographic Lobby Exhibition of Canada’s Polar Landscapes through the lens of a geologist, and we welcome back 100+ Women Who Care’s tri-annual meet-up.

For all ArtSpring Presents shows, affordable access includes the $5 youth and $15 Angel ticket prices.

See you soon at ArtSpring!

Howard R. Jang

Executive & Artistic Director

ArtSpring