The arts community has certainly had to make plenty of changes during the COVID-19 pandemic, but while the 91原创 Arts Council is no exception, their new normal has been filled with virtual classes, competitions, and even an online artisan market.
Amy Dyck, office manager at 91原创 Arts Council, said the pandemic has caused some big changes, which has been both good and bad for local artists.
鈥淎ll of our art exhibitions that usually hang at the Township of 91原创 and City of 91原创 town halls, as well as at the Aldergrove Kinsmen Centre, instantly shut down,鈥� she explained.
But, with the help of their newest staff member, Claire, a new website is now up and running, which is able to host a collection of virtual art exhibitions for our community.
鈥淏ecause it is virtual, we have been able to open these up internationally as well 鈥� though we largely serve our local 91原创 community 鈥� and have some wonderful exhibitions,鈥� Dyck explained.
Art critiques normally run monthly at the City of 91原创 Library, have gone virtual 鈥� along with a few drawing classes. Dyck said the arts council hopes to offer online drama classes in the near future as well.
鈥淲e hope to create some drama presentations with our youth musical theatre students, and some concerts hopefully as well, that will be broadcast live so they can be safely accessible from home,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hese will happen over the next two months, finishing mid-November.鈥�
The 91原创 Arts Council鈥檚 first Online Artisan Market is one of the newest experiments, which will be live at the website from Sept. 19th to Oct. 19.
鈥淓ach vendor is located in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, and there is a wide variety of products to shop,鈥� Dyck explained. 鈥淸There鈥檚] ceramics, artwork, jewelry, clothing, and more.鈥�
There will be both pick-up and delivery options for the items purchased.
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An annual B.C.-wide juried exhibition called artSpacific will feature more than 80 physical artworks on display from Sept. 25 to Nov. 4.
A COVID-safe reception will be held on Saturday, Oct. 3 from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at the Aldergrove Kinsmen Community Centre Main Hall Gallery 鈥� 26770 29 Ave.
People must reserve their spot with 91原创 Arts Council in order to attend so organizers can ensure a safe evening.
On now is a seniors group exhibition, running virtually until Oct. 26 at .
People are encouraged to peruse and purchase works from the 65-plus crowd.
Dyck said there is plenty more plans for art shows and programming coming down the pipe 鈥� particularly art focused on capturing the perspective of people with disabilities.
鈥淲e feel that it is important to hear from all sorts of people, especially those whose voices and perspectives we may not have the privilege of experiencing as often,鈥� Dyck added. 鈥淧eople with disabilities are being disproportionately affected by the pandemic, as their supports are harder to access and they are often immunocompromised and therefore more isolated.鈥�
More information on upcoming events can be found at .
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Email: ryan.uytdewilligen@langleyadvancetimes.com
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