Arts and culture

The winners of Saanich’s 2022 Arts, Culture and Heritage awards gather with Mayor Fred Haynes in front of municipal hall. They received certificates of recognition Aug. 8 in the council chambers. (Courtesy District of Saanich)

Saanich Arts, Culture and Heritage award winners honoured by municipality

Community volunteers, non-profit group recognized for exceptional contributions

The winners of Saanich’s 2022 Arts, Culture and Heritage awards gather with Mayor Fred Haynes in front of municipal hall. They received certificates of recognition Aug. 8 in the council chambers. (Courtesy District of Saanich)
The action on the water is the main focus, but there are plenty of other entertainment options available for attendees of the first ever Vancouver Island International Dragon Boat Festival Aug. 6 and 7 on the Gorge Waterway between the Bay Street bridge and Selkirk trestle bridge. (Photo courtesy V.I. International Dragon Boat Festival)

On the water and off, Island dragon boat festival offers something for everyone

Victoria event features competitive challenges, food and entertainment options Aug. 6 and 7

The action on the water is the main focus, but there are plenty of other entertainment options available for attendees of the first ever Vancouver Island International Dragon Boat Festival Aug. 6 and 7 on the Gorge Waterway between the Bay Street bridge and Selkirk trestle bridge. (Photo courtesy V.I. International Dragon Boat Festival)
Arts and Music in the Gardens takes over the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific in Saanich on Aug. 6 and 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Courtesy of Horticulture Centre of the Pacific)

Arts and Music in the Gardens returning to HCP in Saanich

Horticulture centre hosting family-friendly festival for a 26th year, Aug. 6 and 7

Arts and Music in the Gardens takes over the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific in Saanich on Aug. 6 and 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Courtesy of Horticulture Centre of the Pacific)
“Freighter at a Wharf, Crofton B.C.” (1980), a 24-by-36-inch oil on canvas by E.J. Hughes, at Madrona Gallery.

At the Galleries: Enjoy Canada’s wilderness through the eyes of painters, carvers, jewellers

Victoria galleries host a refreshing display of wilderness works this summer with…

  • Aug 1, 2022
“Freighter at a Wharf, Crofton B.C.” (1980), a 24-by-36-inch oil on canvas by E.J. Hughes, at Madrona Gallery.
Organizers Zaheera Jinnah (left) and Asiyah Robinson (right) in front of a display near the entrance to Saanich Municipal Hall. (Austin Westphal/News Staff)

Islamic art exhibition opens at Saanich Municipal Hall

Al-Fatiha exhibition brings modern spin to centuries-old traditions

Organizers Zaheera Jinnah (left) and Asiyah Robinson (right) in front of a display near the entrance to Saanich Municipal Hall. (Austin Westphal/News Staff)
Visitors enjoy some of the artwork on display Saturday during Arts and Culture Colwood Society’s summer art show, held at Meadow Park. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)

PHOTOS: Colwood park filled with art for summer show

Arts and Culture Colwood Society holds its first summer art show

Visitors enjoy some of the artwork on display Saturday during Arts and Culture Colwood Society’s summer art show, held at Meadow Park. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
Atomic Vaudeville, producer of The Batshits, was among the recipients of a CRD arts and culture operating grant in 2021. (Photo by Pedro M. Siqueira/Atomic Vaudeville)

Arts funding in the CRD provides multiple benefits

2021 progress report offers insights into the impact for artists, community

Atomic Vaudeville, producer of The Batshits, was among the recipients of a CRD arts and culture operating grant in 2021. (Photo by Pedro M. Siqueira/Atomic Vaudeville)
Picture of the Vancouver art gallery from 2014. (Kay Yamagishi/Flickr)

Sustainability and world class art to meet in new Vancouver Art Gallery building

Federal government kicks in $29 million to help fund ‘passive house’ arts centre in downtown Vancouver

Picture of the Vancouver art gallery from 2014. (Kay Yamagishi/Flickr)
Howdy pardners. Ready to take you on a journey along Classic Country Roads, from left, are: Sean Baker, Katelyn Morishita and Georgia Bennett. (Photo by Don Bodger)

Review: Chemainus Theatre’s new ‘Classic Country Roads’ a rollicking revue

Stellar musical performances

Howdy pardners. Ready to take you on a journey along Classic Country Roads, from left, are: Sean Baker, Katelyn Morishita and Georgia Bennett. (Photo by Don Bodger)
Harrison Firefighter Fred Webber smiles as he holds copies of the two Chicken Soup for the Soul books that contain his story. (Adam Louis/Observer)

Harrison firefighter publishes story in 2 ‘Chicken Soup’ books

Fred Webber fulfilled his firefighting dream in his mid 50s

Harrison Firefighter Fred Webber smiles as he holds copies of the two Chicken Soup for the Soul books that contain his story. (Adam Louis/Observer)
‘Lucy and Bonbon’ author Don LePan in his Nanaimo home as he flips through one of his last on-hand copies since the book was published this spring. (Mandy Moraes/News Bulletin)

Nanaimo author’s new book blurs boundaries between humans and animals

Don LePan’s ‘Lucy and Bonbon’ a speculative fiction work that explores theoretical inter-breeding

‘Lucy and Bonbon’ author Don LePan in his Nanaimo home as he flips through one of his last on-hand copies since the book was published this spring. (Mandy Moraes/News Bulletin)
Dancers with the Luna Ukrainian Ensemble put on a colourful floral performance at Folktoria on Saturday (June 4) in Centennial Square. (Don Descoteau/News Staff)

PHOTOS: Folktoria brings multicultural experience to downtown Victoria

Free festival in person for first time in 3 years, continues Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Dancers with the Luna Ukrainian Ensemble put on a colourful floral performance at Folktoria on Saturday (June 4) in Centennial Square. (Don Descoteau/News Staff)
The mural is one of four being erected across the country which joined together will contain the phrase “True North (and) Strong Free.” (Bailey Moreton/News Staff)

PHOTOS: New Langford mosaic mural represents ‘True North’

Global Roots has put other murals in the Prairies, Ontario/Quebec and Atlantic Canada

The mural is one of four being erected across the country which joined together will contain the phrase “True North (and) Strong Free.” (Bailey Moreton/News Staff)
Jann Arden is headed to the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre in Duncan on Monday, June 20, 2022. (Facebook/Jann Arden)

Big names like Jann Arden and local talent coming to Cowichan theatre in June

Jann Arden, Shaun Majumder, Lion King Jr. and dance, dance, dance

Jann Arden is headed to the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre in Duncan on Monday, June 20, 2022. (Facebook/Jann Arden)
Raymond Tony Charlie and his wife Lorraine hold a copy of Charlie’s book about the abuse he experienced at residential school, his recovery, and the scars that remain. (Submitted photo)

Penelakut elder tells story of impact of residential schools

In the Shadow of the Red Brick Building tells of abuse, and recovery

  • May 29, 2022
Raymond Tony Charlie and his wife Lorraine hold a copy of Charlie’s book about the abuse he experienced at residential school, his recovery, and the scars that remain. (Submitted photo)
Ryan McMahon will perform at a Cowichan Folk Guild chapel concert at Providence Farm in Duncan this weekend on May 28, 2022. (Photo courtesy of Cathleen Lundgren)

A&E column: Zappacosta headed to Cowichan

Ryan McMahon in concert this weekend

Ryan McMahon will perform at a Cowichan Folk Guild chapel concert at Providence Farm in Duncan this weekend on May 28, 2022. (Photo courtesy of Cathleen Lundgren)
Tofino’s new Poet Laureate Heather Hendry puts pen to paper inside the Wickaninnish Community School library. (Andrew Bailey photo)

Tofino’s new Poet Laureate hopes to inspire youth

Heather Hendry has officially kicked off her two-year tenure as the town’s third literary leader

Tofino’s new Poet Laureate Heather Hendry puts pen to paper inside the Wickaninnish Community School library. (Andrew Bailey photo)
The Islands Folk Festival will be back this summer at Providence Farm in Duncan on July 23, 2022. (Citizen file)

Islands Folk Festival back in Cowichan boasting big lineup

Festival coming Saturday, July 23

The Islands Folk Festival will be back this summer at Providence Farm in Duncan on July 23, 2022. (Citizen file)
The City of Campbell River sits on the shore of Discovery Passage and is back by the mountains of central Vancouver Island and Strathcona Park.

Livening, beautifying downtown Campbell River has to deal with elephant in the room

Homelessness and unpleasant behaviour downtown taints any effort to encourage visitors

The City of Campbell River sits on the shore of Discovery Passage and is back by the mountains of central Vancouver Island and Strathcona Park.
Steps Ahead Dance is heading to the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre for two shows on May 28, 2022. (Citizen file)

Johnny Reid and Andrew Lloyd Webber headline May at Cowichan Performing Arts Centre

Big names and locals hit the stage in May

Steps Ahead Dance is heading to the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre for two shows on May 28, 2022. (Citizen file)