March has sprung, and signs of spring abound. It's a great time to channel a resurgence of energy into a creative pursuit, and on Bowen there are many to chose from.
Take a look in the recently circulated Community Recreation spring/summer brochure.
There's an array of great programs and workshops offered here on these shores by Community Recreation, the Bowen Island Community Learning and the Bowen Island Arts Council.
Later this month, the arts council presents classes that stimulate the senses on many levels. Marc Baur, actor, coach and relative newcomer to Bowen will lead a Storyteller's Journey, beginning Sunday evening March 25. During this fun and lively eight-week program at the Gallery, Marc will teach participants how to unearth their "core" story. Marc works from a vision "to create a nurturing environment, in which people feel motivated and safe enough to step beyond their creative and personal boundaries." In this class you'll learn how to create, script and rehearse your own tale. When ready, participants will have the opportunity to perform their story before an audience of family and friends. The cost is $245, and more details about the program, and Marc can be found online at www.baurstudio.com.
Janet Essevia has established herself as a truly inspired mentor. She'll be continuing with acrylic painting classes both for beginners and those more advanced. Landscape painting for those with little or no experience begins Monday, March 26 and runs for four sessions. Painting large and loose, with the opportunity to explore new techniques and experiment with atmosphere and expression runs on Wednesdays, beginning March 28, also for four sessions. Each class is only $95, and will be held at the Gallery.
Cam Hayduk, a professional documentary filmmaker will be sharing his knowledge and expertise in a one-day Web Video Workshop at the community school on Saturday, March 31. In this program, you'll learn the skills necessary to create a web video to share with friends on YouTube, Vimeo and other sites. This course provides an introduction to the basic fundamentals of filmmaking planning, lighting, camera, sound, editing and post-production. The cost is only $75, and at the end of the day you'll have gained a working knowledge of every step of the process so you can continue to create your own projects.
Finally, Tamara Pearl is continuing to meet to inspire and encourage islanders to tap into their natural, universal expressive abilities through various exercises. She'll continue to lead three-hour workshops on the first Sunday of each month, with the April 1st session running from 9 a.m. to noon at the Gallery. The cost is $35 plus a $5 materials fee to be paid to the instructor.
Register for the above programs at Community Recreation: 604-947-2216, 1041 Mt. Gardner Rd. Check out the Bowen Island Arts Council website for more information at www.biac.ca. And watch for classes coming in April including Drawing with Bill Hoopes and Creating Brilliant Thread Paintings with Anni Hunt.
