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Langley's Arts in Brief

Like mother, like daughter

Langley mother and daughter, Fran and Cathy Jenkins, tend to draw attention their way. Not only are the pair both artists, but they both are accomplished stone sculptors and will be participating in the 18th annual Eastside Cultural Crawl for the first time this year. 

The event takes place in more than 70 artist studios, homes and other East Vancouver locations Nov. 20 to 23 and features more than 375 artists, including the Jenkins.

Fran has been creating stone sculpture for more than 40 years. Unlike many sculptors, this artisan actually seeks out and quarries the stone she uses. Her work can be found online at www.mountaingalleries.com/#!jenkins-f/camh.

Passing the craft from mother to daughter has Cathy working on some large-sized commissioned pieces including a grizzly and a violin sculpture. Cathy’s work can be seen at www.jenkinssculptor.com. 

Along with stone sculptors like the Jenkins, other artists involved in the crawl include painters, weavers, jewellers, potters, glassblowers, photographers, furniture designers, and more.

With the mandate to enrich public awareness of the visual arts, the Cultural Crawl has included items beyond the actual artists’ showings like: a film screening of an art-collecting documentary, an outdoor showing of silent films, and Studio 101, a one-day program for school-aged children to see what goes on in the life of an artist.

See where to find the Jenkins’ during the Culture Crawl at culturecrawl.com.

Figure and ground

The work of two artists is on display in the latest exhibition at the Fort Gallery called Visual Thoughts: Figure & Ground. 

Both Richard Bond of Surrey and Fort Langley’s own Doris Hutton Auxier are associated with the gallery, thus their combined show is a natural progression for both the artists and the gallery itself.

As the assistant professor of art at Trinity Western University (TWU) and chair of the art department, Hutton Auxier has insight into the artistic ideas and practices of young, up and coming artists. Her work at present focuses on issues of endangered ecosystems.

Bond, a painter and former art teacher has shown his work in galleries throughout Canada. His work can also be found in public collections of the Vancouver, Surrey, and Richmond art galleries.

Through working with paper and canvas, Bond explores the themes of figure and landscape with his loose and flowing brushtrokes which convey movement.

Hutton Auxier has practiced art in numerous locations in North America and her work is found in many private and public collections. 

Visual Thoughts: Figure & Ground runs until Nov. 30 at the Fort Gallery at 9048 Glover Rd. 

Just Broadway

The new Anvil Centre in New Westminster will be home to two Langley residents and performers from Nov. 20 to 22 for Just Broadway, a Broadway-style review filled with classic songs from modern and past musicals.

Vocalist Jackie Block and musician Katie Stewart will join other talented performers in the first music theatre presentation at the new arts centre. 

Well-known and -loved show tunes will make up the evening and matinee shows including those from: Guys and Dolls, Jesus Christ Superstar, Aida, Chicago, Mama Mia!, and Hairspray.

Along with Langley’s Block and Stewart, audience members will enjoy well known vocalists such as Steve Maddock, Tracy Neff, and Jennifer Hayes. They will be joined by the JP Chorus and Orchestra and from the orchestra: pianist, Diane Lines, perscussionist, Rob Ferguson, and bassist, Jenn Hodge will be featured as well.

Along with singers, orchestra members, a full jazz orchestra, and a 10-voice vocal ensemble, attendees can expect solo vocal pieces and instrument-only numbers.

Suitable for all ages, Just Broadway has tickets at $30 or for a group of eight, $26 each. Shows are at 8 p.m. from the 20th to the 22nd with a 2 p.m. matinee on the 22nd at the Anvil Centre at 777 Columbia Ave. in New Westminster. 

Call 604-521-5050 or visit www.anvilcentre.com for ticket information.

Broadway’s funny side

Broadway may be a long way from Langley, but not on Nov. 22 when Monumental Theatre turns Broadway on its ear in Broadway Upside Down

This comedic take on Broadway’s best is a concert of “miscast” songs and scenes from some of the best known musicals and runs from 7 to 8 p.m. at Murrayville Hall at 21667 48th Ave.

Hilarious new views of classics will be created by acclaimed performers like Bailey Dupuis, Robin Eder-Warren, Mark Kroeker and Annastasia Unger. 

Tickets are $15 through www.monumentaltheatre.com.

Symphony musicians needed

The Fraser Valley Symphony is looking for advanced string musicians to join the music-making team. Violin, viola and contra bass players are needed for the 2014 to 2015 season.

Rehearsals for the symphony, which was created in 1984, are on Monday evenings. 

As a community orchestra of the Fraser Valley, those interested and selected to join the symphony would have the opportunity to perform together with world-class instrumental and vocal soloists. 

Interested musicians should contact the symphony directory Lindsay Mellor at 604-526-3045.

 Find out more about the Fraser Valley Symphony at fraservalleysymphony.org.