Don't miss the opportunity to attend the Peace Valley Folk Festival this year, as it aims to enhance people's lives through diverse art forms such as music, visual art, and even food! This marks their third annual event, featuring a range of local artists from British Columbia and across Canada. You can find the artist lineup at this link. Gather your entire family and join us at the Pearkes Arts & Events Center, located at 10801 Dudley Dr., Hudson's Hope, B.C. V0C-1C0, Canada, from July 21 to July 23. Make sure not to miss this incredible experience and secure your tickets now! To find out more about the festival click here.
Celtic Fire: Season 18 Episode 26
Coming up on this episode: Mary Jane Lamond is showcased along with the extremely talented Morgan Toney. Also tune in for Mary Smith, Natalie MacMaster and more!
Face-to-Face: #NotA + Spectrum Exhibition
Come check out the exhibition “Face-to-Face“ on May 26th - June 21st at Island Mountain Arts, Wells-Barkerville, BC.
The gallery hours are:
Thursday to Sunday 11AM-6PM, or by appointment.
About:
Presented in the exhibition "Face-to-face," two distinct series of portraits capture the viewer's attention with their unique qualities. Created by Northern BC Artists Troy Lindstrom and Samantha Wigglesworth, these series delve into the nuances of initial impressions and preconceived notions.
Lindstrom's #NotA series confronts implicit biases aimed at individuals with disabilities. By examining these illustrations, viewers are prompted to reflect on their own thoughts when interacting with disabled individuals. They are encouraged to question whether their initial perceptions involve negativity, such as fear, repulsion, or pity. This series serves as Lindstrom's contribution to fostering a dialogue about the perception of people with disabilities in Canadian society.
Wigglesworth's Spectrum presents acrylic portraits that depict a small fraction of the diverse range of individuals within the 2SLGBTQI+ spectrum. The series also aims to initiate conversations about the interconnectedness of gender and sexuality. Each portrait shares an equal size and shape, yet the vibrant backgrounds and three-dimensional features emphasize the uniqueness of each artwork and person represented.
As visitors navigate the exhibition, they have the opportunity to assign assumptions and labels regarding the gender and sexuality of each depicted individual. However, the crucial question arises: can one accurately determine these aspects based solely on the representation in the portraits? How does one truly know without engaging in further understanding and dialogue?
Galleria "Fear of Missing Out"
The Two Rivers Gallery is inviting you for an artist talk and opening reception featuring Olamipo Bandele on Thursday, May 25th at 7:30pm. During this event, Bandele will share insights into her design process and delve into the profound influence of Nigerian culture on her work. It is an inclusive occasion, free of charge, and open to everyone who wishes to attend.
Some Backstory:
Olamipo Bandele has a fear of missing out, stemming from her immigration to Canada from Nigeria. She yearns for the comforts, rhythms, and familiar faces of her homeland. To address this longing, Bandele embraces her expertise in fashion, reconnecting with her culture through this art form. Two Rivers Gallery is excited to present Bandele's first solo exhibition, titled "Fear of Missing Out," where her work will be showcased. This exhibition at Galleria will be accessible to the public from May 18th to June 2nd.
Bandele's designs are visually captivating, offering a delightful spectacle. They feature voluminous ruffles and richly textured fabrics, each garment and accessory serving as a tribute to the vibrant colors and styles of Nigeria. Bandele collaborates with other creative individuals to bring her artistic vision to life.
Olamipo Bandele, originally from Nigeria, has chosen to reside in her home country to bring her distinctive designs to life. Through this decision, she not only contributes to Nigeria's economy but also reduces dependence on fast fashion while maintaining her cultural connections. Bandele firmly believes that the best way to appreciate fashion and counter its excessive consumption is to fully immerse herself in the design process, and she practices what she preaches.
In her exhibition, Bandele's designs are beautifully accompanied by her writing. She shares her longing for home and explores the power of gratitude and authenticity as coping mechanisms through poetry and prose. This written component sheds light on Bandele's perspective as she builds a new life in Prince George while staying rooted in Nigeria. It offers viewers a glimpse into her challenging yet rewarding journey. Kait Herlehy, the Acting Curator, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate Olamipo Bandele, recognizing her passion and skill that shine through in all her endeavors. The exhibition aims to share Bandele's work and perspective with the community.
Bandele relocated to pursue a master's degree at the University of Northern British Columbia. After completing her studies, she now resides in Prince George, working as a content writer and designer. Visitors interested in her designs can find some of them available for purchase at the Two Rivers Gallery Shop.
You may also visit the gallery during the following hours:
Tuesdays to Saturdays 10am - 5pm, Thursdays 10am - 9pm and Sundays 12pm - 5pm. Closed Mondays. Admission to exhibitions is always free.
Indigenous Peoples Day and Indigenous Arts Festival
Come out on Wednesday, June 21st, Thursday, June 22nd, and Friday, June 23rd to celebrate Dune Lhuhuwezdel, Indigenous Peoples’ Gathering.
It will start off with the drum circle on June 21st @9:30AM at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park. Later on you will be able to enjoy live entertainment 11AM-8PM on June 21st and 12PM-8PM on June 22nd at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park. The entertainment will include 2RMX movable feast, cultural activities, workshops, artisan & food vendors. On June 23rd feel free to stop by Omineca Arts Centre for the continuation of the festival with workshops, open mic, and live entertainment 12PM-8PM.
The event will be livestreamed, so you can check it out online.
The Indigenous Exhibition will take place June 1-30 at Omineca Arts Centre.
Air Pollution in Smithers
A wood pellet company in Smithers misleads the government and the general public into thinking that their future operations are sustainable and would improve air quality in Bulkley-Valley region.
Every year Bulkley-Valley experiences the smokey air resulting from thousands of unused slash piles being burned. These conditions are unhealthy and may result in serious lung & heart ailments.
The pellet mill proponent, NewPro, has told that the mill will help reduce “slash burning“ in the Smither’s area by using the slash to make the wood pellets. NewPro has applied for and received a permit amendment under the Environmental Management Act. Nevertheless, the slash burning did not decrease since 2018, the year when the mill was opened.
Len Vanderstar, the co-founder of Bulkley-Valley Clean Air Now, has mentioned that “We are extremely concerned at what has unfolded. Despite the company’s assertions, the slash burning continues and our airshed continues to be choked with smoke for months on end. Instead of chewing through slash, the local pellet mill is chewing through whole logs.”
This situation has gathered an opposition, such as Bulkley-Valley Clean Air Now and Conservation North. They have asked the government to suspend the pellet mill’s permit, as well as require the current owner of the mill - the United Kingdom’s Drax Group - to disclose the information about the usage of logs and logging slash. “We also want to see the Environmental Management Act amended so that it is clear that permits will be cancelled outright if companies make misleading claims in support of their applications,” says Vanderstar.
After receiving the amendment permit, NewPro’s ownership was transferred to Pinnacle Renewable Energy, and later on the ownership was again transferred to Drax. In North Yorkshire, England, Drax manages the world's largest facility for wood pellet consumption, a massive thermal electricity plant. This plant utilizes wood pellets as fuel, burning them to produce steam that powers the facility's turbines, generating electricity. Drax now has a near complete monopoly over the pellet mills in BC by owning 12 mills as of today.
The large quantities of logs are turned directly into wood pellets in Smithers, Quesnel, Houston, and Burns Lake, as shown by the data of BC government.
Len Vanderstar remarks, "It is evident that the Smithers pellet mill has not brought about a significant decrease in slash-burning within our airshed. Regrettably, slash-burning remains the primary and most detrimental source of air pollution in our valley."
Source - Press Release: BV Clean Air Now
Wrestlers Weigh In Heavily
St. Vincent de Paul Society received over $4600 in funds raised by Primetime Wrestling, which recently resumed its activities in the city. Apart from delivering thrilling wrestling matches, the troupe, led by Davy Greenlees and Stuart Brown, demonstrated their commitment to community charities.
At their last event held at the House of Ancestors, Primetime Wrestling generated proceeds amounting to $4,684.50, and they happily presented a check to the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Canadian Tire, a two-time event Title Sponsor, played a vital role in enabling this donation by choosing the St. Vincent de Paul Society as the recipient of Primetime's contribution. Additionally, attendees of the wrestling events collectively donated 30 pounds of non-perishable food items.
Greenlees emphasized their dedication to the community, stating, "Community is really what we're all about." While they take pride in bringing exciting live entertainment to the town, they also recognize the significance of supporting causes that have a significant impact on the community.
Since Primetime Wrestling established itself in Prince George in October of last year, the professional wrestling league has donated more than $10,300 to local organizations. Previously, they fundraised for the Northern B.C. Crisis Prevention and Intervention Centre.
Brown revealed that wrestling will make its return to Prince George in September with two more action-packed nights. He acknowledged the challenges of scheduling indoor events during the summer when people prefer outdoor activities or vacations. Moreover, the in-demand wrestlers they bring to Prince George often have busy schedules booked several months in advance.
Pride Picnic
Come join the Northern BC Queer Connection Society on Sunday, July 9th at the Rainbow Park, 3pm-8pm for a Pride Picnic!
You’ll be able to enjoy food trucks, meet the vendors, listen to some live music, and play some games. Free admission. Bring your family and friends for some Sunday fun!
For more information visit this event facebook page.
The Ebbs and Susie Ruth
Celebrate the summer solstice in style at the Knox United Performance Space with an unforgettable night of music featuring The Ebbs and their special guest Susie Ruth. Whether you're experiencing the longest day or the shortest night, this event promises to be extraordinary. Please note that this is a 19+ event where you can enjoy delicious beer from Deadfall Brewing, a local brewery in Prince George.
Additionally, The Ebbs are thrilled to introduce Jim Sayle, known for his involvement in "Out of Alba," who will be joining them as the fiddle player du jour, filling in for Finn Scott-Neff. Jim's extensive experience and unique musical style blend seamlessly with The Ebbs, adding a touch of sass to their performance.
Based in central British Columbia, Canada, The Ebbs is an indie folk band. Join The Ebbs and Susie Ruth on Friday, June 23rd @7pm at the 1448-5th Ave, Prince George!
Tickets available for $25 at the door or $20 in advance at The Ebbs website.