Azu Rudland
Arts Fest Coordinator
Vanderhoof was the place to be for Arts and Culture on the week of April 22 – 29. The Nechako Community Arts Council was excited to be involved with so many wonderful events.
Monday night, together with the Good Neighbours Committee, we held a “Taste of Culture” event to celebrate the diversity of our community through Culinary Arts and music from other parts of the world. A small group gathered on Tuesday to talk about their experience writing music and the process of developing song lyrics. Wednesday night, we met to talk about the role of art in the community and we enjoyed the input and views of Katimavik volunteers, as they discussed the role of arts in their own communities from across the country as well. Although we could not take credit for the staging of “Fiddler on the Roof”, we supported the event with marketing. The play opened on Thursday evening and has played to sold-out audiences on each of its six performance nights.
Friday was Arts Fest day. Jurors Annerose Georgeson and Sandra Nahornoff worked all day long to view and critique the works of 33 emerging artists from Burns Lake, Dome Creek, Fort Fraser, Fort St. James, Fraser Lake, Mackenzie, Prince George and Vanderhoof. Opening night was very well attended by artists and local residents. A fantastic violin duo provided a musical background that was enjoyed by all throughout the evening. As one resident said, “Arts Fest was the place to be that night.”
Saturday was a fantastic day for artists as they received their Certificates of Participation, the jurors’ feedback sheets, Honorary Mention Certificates, and a professional critique of their work. Critiques are particularly valuable for artists as they help them to grow in their artistic careers. On recommendation of the jurors, the Island Mountain Arts scholarship was offered to artist Cathy Harder from Fraser Lake. Should she not be able to attend, artists Anik Provencher and Mary Lynn Lawrence were listed as alternate candidates. The afternoon workshops organized by CIRAC were welcomed by all artists as they were informative and relevant to their needs.
We closed our council’s involvement in BC Arts and Culture Week with a music night that welcomed musicians, amateur and professional, to share their talent. It was a great opportunity for our youth and adults to embrace another form of artistic expression. The “Fiddle on the Roof” had their third performance on Saturday and Sunday the Music Festival Finale took place at the EMC Church. This event was organized by the Vanderhoof Festival Committee.
We want to thank the artists, our sponsors, (CIRAC, BID Group, Regional District of Bulkley Nechako, District of Vanderhoof, College of New Caledonia, and Vanderhoof Public Library) and all of the volunteers from all of the participating organizations for their invaluable contributions in making these events so successful.
The public can continue to enjoy the art show for the month of May. Drop into CNC and the Public Library to view the works.