See juried, world-class fine art by artists from Vancouver Island and B.C.’s coastal islands at the Sooke Fine Arts Show, Thursday through Aug. 5 at the Seaparc Leisure Complex in Sooke.
This is the 33rd year of the annual show, featuring more than 380 original works of art by 264 artists. The show, hosted by the Sooke Fine Arts Society, typically sees more than 9,000 guests over 11 days.
For the show, the ice arena at the complex will be temporarily transformed into a 17,000-square-foot art gallery.
There will be paintings, photography, sculpture, fibre, ceramics and hand-formed jewelry.
“The show has always been celebrated for a wide variety of original artworks, and this year it has attracted a unique collection of 3D sculptural pieces,” said Terrie Moore, executive director of the society. “I am also pleased to see a number of artists new to the show alongside familiar returning veterans. This show is shaping up to be a wonderful blend of whimsy and tradition.”
Seasoned art lovers and newcomers alike will enjoy a multi-faceted experience incorporating live music, artist demos, talks, tours and special activities for children, youth and seniors.
A gallery gift shop displays smaller works for sale, and the youth art gallery features art created by talented students from three regional high schools.
Of particular interest is Kaidyn Robertson, who, at 10, is possibly the youngest accepted artist in the show’s main gallery.
He was too young to submit to the Youth Art Gallery, but there is no age restriction in the main gallery. His work was adjudicated by jurors and will hang alongside those of established professional artists. Light lunches and snacks will be provided by Jenny’s Olde Country Fare at the show’s bistro.
A one-day pass is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors 65-plus and youth 17 and under, and free for children 12 and under. A show pass is $20.
The show runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, except on Saturday and Aug. 5, when it closes at 5 p.m., and Aug. 1, when it closes at 9 p.m.
Admission to the Purchasers’ Preview Night is $35. It is held tonight from 7 to 10, and allows people a chance to view and purchase works ahead of opening day while being treated to hors d’oeuvres, wine and live music by Louise Rose.
All events take place at the Seaparc Leisure Complex, 2168 Phillips Rd. in Sooke.
For more information, go to sookefinearts.com or telephone 250-642-7256.
Oak Bay is place to be for car lovers
Don’t expect every car to be a high-end exotic at the Oak Bay Collector Car Festival, Sunday along Oak Bay Avenue.
The show, celebrating its 20th anniversary, didn’t even have an exotic car until last year.
Unlike traditional car shows, the car festival is not about perfection. You might see less-than-perfect vehicles or unfinished restorations. High-end marques will be parked alongside more humble nameplates, with up to 300 vehicles expected.
“As much as it is nice to have several high-end exotic vehicles on display, this will always be an unintimidating show,” said Ken Agate, the show’s organizer.
“It is for anyone who loves their special-interest car, whether it is less shiny or a work in progress.”
If past years are any indication, the 15,000 spectators expected at the event will see a strong showing of classic British and European cars.
At least 35 Aston Martins are confirmed to attend (making this possibly the largest gathering of Aston Martins in Western Canada). Among the owners is a certain James Bond (organizers have been assured that it is his real name), driving his Aston Martin Vanquish.
Don Voth, owner of the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, will be exhibiting the Imposter, a highly-modified 1965 Chevrolet Impala. The car was designed and built by the legendary Chip Foose. It won the Don Riddler Memorial Award, arguably the most prestigious award in the world of custom and hot rods, in 2015.
Several car clubs in the region are expected to showcase their members’ cars. The University of Victoria Formula Motorsport students will be in attendance with their competition race car.
A prime rib barbecue will be available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the lawn in front of Oak Bay municipal hall.
Singer Stephanie Greaves will perform on the farm trailer stage on Hampshire Road.
Spectator admission to the festival is free, with show-car registration $15. The event runs from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on five blocks of Oak Bay Avenue, between Monterey Avenue and Mitchell Street. For more information, email Agate at kenagate@hotmail.com or 250-896-9000.
• Visit the largest Jaguar car show in North America at Jaguars on the Island, Saturday in Windsor Park.
See all models of the big cats of all ages and conditions — from rusty daily drivers to immaculate North American champion cars at the Jaguar Clubs of North America-sanctioned Concours d’Elegance.
This is the 14th year of the meet, a fundraiser by the hosts, the Jaguar Car Club of Victoria, to support Victoria Hospice.
All Jaguars are welcome, regardless of condition, age or cleanliness. Attendees are not separated by dents and dirt, but united by their love of their cars. All cars, both the judged and non-judged (the enthusiast class), will be parked side-by-side on the field.
This year’s special guest is automotive writer Philip Porter, who will be attending with an E-Type and speaking at the club’s awards dinner.
The event is free. Jaguar owners are invited to have their cars on the field for a fee/donation of $20. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Windsor Park in Oak Bay. For more information, go to vijaguars.ca/wp/jaguars-on-the-island-welcome.
Aviation museum holds an open house
Take the family to touch the sky at the British Columbia Aviation Museum Open House, Saturday in North Saanich.
The event coincides with the 80th anniversary of Victoria Airport and the Patricia Bay wartime airbase.
The Second World War theme is reflected with the presence of military re-enactors and a collection of military vehicles assembled for the event.
The museum’s War Birds collection features aircraft from 1939 to 1945.
The museum’s focus is on aircraft related to the history of aviation in Canada, with an emphasis on British Columbia.
Along with vintage aircraft, the earliest from 1914, the museum has on display modern aircraft as well as helicopters, engines and scale-model displays.
There will be face-painting and other activities for children, and food and refreshments for everyone.
Admission to the open house is by donation. It runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum is at 1910 Norseman Rd. in North Saanich. There will be extended parking in the Rotary Park Field of Dreams.
For details, go to bcam.net.
Flamenco festival brings taste of Spain
Experience the passion of flamenco music and dance at the Victoria Flamenco Festival, today until Sunday at venues throughout Victoria.
This is the seventh year of the event, hosted by Flamenco de la Isla, a society formed by students and aficionados of the art of flamenco.
Musicians, dancers, singers and guitarists from Victoria and across North America will sing, shout, swirl and stomp their feet while performing the bold and haunting rhythms of the music of southern Spain.
The festival is an opportunity for local performers to strut their stuff, as well as an opportunity for spectators to catch world-class artists on the local stage.
There are free and ticketed events at the festival.
Por fiesta (free) performances include Flamenco in the Park, 1:30 to 2:30 with Linda Haynes and Company and 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Friday with Con El Ama, at the Cameron Bandshell in Beacon Hill Park.
The main event of the Flamenco Festival takes place in Centennial Square over three days.
The free events run from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, noon to 5:40 p.m. Saturday and 12:30 to 5 p.m. Sunday in Centennial Square.
Ticketed events include Flamenco Music night at 7 p.m. tonight at Hermann’s Jazz Club, 753 View St. Tickets are $25 on Eventbrite or at the door.
La Otre Orilla plays at the McPherson Playhouse, starting at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $35, available at the McPherson box office.
For information, go to victoriaflamencofestival.com.
Japanese culture celebrated
Experience Japanese music, culture and cuisine at Japan Fest, a midsummer Japanese cultural festival at Broadmead Village Shopping Centre on Saturday.
This is the second year of the family-friendly event, hosted by the Victoria Nikkei Cultural Society in collaboration with Fudo Japanese Restaurant.
Watch graceful Japanese folk dancing by the award-winning Furusato Dancers and listen to Japanese drumming by Uminari Taiko.
Dine on Japanese cuisine, with a special $7 snack menu, which includes a California roll, yam tempura roll, edamame and tori (chicken) karaage.
The festival is free to attend. It runs from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday in the courtyard outside the restaurant in Broadmead Village Shopping Centre, 777 Royal Oak Dr. For more information, go to vncs.ca.
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