The Vancouver Island Regional Library will officially unveil a colourful mural project at the Nanaimo Harbourfront branch, Aug. 25.
The mural, called The Bookshelf, was commissioned by the library to add a splash of colour and creativity to the downtown community space. It was made possible by a grant through the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative by Community Foundations of Canada and the Nanaimo Foundation.
“This project has been four years in the making and so we have been especially excited to see this mural unfold over the past few weeks and transform into something vibrant and inspiring for the community,” said Lee Losell, library manager, Nanaimo Harbourfront branch.
The mural was painted by Lauren Semple and Lys Glassford of Nanaimo’s Humanity in Art. The duo are art advocates who aim to rehabilitate urban spaces with big art.
The mural features a large musical element, with a musical score by Christine Jensen, a Nanaimo born, Juno-winning jazz artist. Those paying particular attention will also enjoy the whimsical treasures hidden throughout the mural.
The official unveiling will take place at 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25 at the Nanaimo Harbourfront library, 90 Commercial St., Nanaimo. Everyone is welcome to attend.
For more information, go to virl.bc.ca.
Open house, art and plant sale at Abkhazi Garden
The bees aren’t going to be the only ones busy in the Abkhazi Garden in September, with an art show opening on Labour Day, Sept. 4, with an open house and fall plant sale taking place on Sept. 10.
At the show, local artists who have been participants in the plein air Artists in the Garden program will show off paintings and sketches inspired by the garden — in the garden, weather permitting.
Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase about 24 pieces of original art, with proceeds from the sale divided between the artist and The Land Conservancy, which purchased the site in 2000.
After the debut in the garden, the artwork will be displayed in the tearoom and gift shop, Sept. 6 to Oct. 9.
Admission is free to Abkhazi Garden’s open house on Sunday, Sep. 10, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last entrance at 4 p.m.). People can visit the heritage garden with their grandchildren and learn about the legacy of the Prince and Princess Abkhazi.
While at the event, you can enter a draw. Prizes include an afternoon tea for two at the Teahouse, children’s activity books and more.
The fall plant sale takes place the same day, with most of the plants grown at the garden. Proceeds go toward maintenance of the garden.
The art show runs 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 4 to Oct. 9. The plant sale runs 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Garden, 1964 Fairfield Rd.
For more information, go to conservancy.bc.ca/featured-projects/abkhazi-garden.
Driftwood sculptures part of art show in support of Our Place
A local artist known for her ability to inject life into driftwood and other non-traditional materials is hosting The Greatest Show On Earth, a fundraising art show to benefit Our Place, at the Gage Gallery, Aug. 22 to Sept. 10.
The free circus-themed art exhibit, by artist Tanya Bub, features dozens of driftwood, cardboard and wire sculptures.
One of the central pieces in the show is Sitting with Grace, a sculpture of a human figure that takes the form of a throne made of paper, wire and up-cycled garbage.
“My goal is to give people an emotional experience with the hope of creating a bridge of empathy that changes the way they feel about people in our community who are experiencing homelessness,” said Bub.
Other pieces include two trapeze artists suspended from the gallery ceiling, a life-sized giraffe and a nine-foot tall giant made entirely from found cardboard. Driftwood animals including a tiger, lion and baby elephant, a time machine in which visitors are invited to send a message to their past selves, wire acrobats, a flea circus and performing miniature dogs.
Admission is free. The show runs Aug. 22 to Sept. 10 at the Gage Gallery, 19 Bastion Square. You can meet the artist on opening night, Aug. 22, 5 to 8 p.m. All donations and 25 per cent of sales will go to Our Place Society.
For more information, go to https://tanyabub.myportfolio.com/work
One-day event connects those experiencing homelessness, poverty with free services
A network of local social service agencies are hosting Project Reconnect 2023, a one-day event that provides community members experiencing homelessness and poverty with access to services, resources and referrals, at Royal Athletic Park, Aug. 22.
Organized by the Downtown Service Providers Committee, the event features more than 40 service providers providing free services, such as medical care, identification replacement, haircuts, foot care, veterinary help and more.
Organizers expect to welcome between 200 to 300 attendees.
“It’s also a day of shared conversation, learning, fellowship, delicious food and entertainment,” said Andrew Holeton, director of collaborative engagement and impact at the Alliance to End Homelessness in the Capital Region. “It’s an easy-going environment where service providers and those people with lived experience can share information and connect — or reconnect.”
Organizers have arranged for a bus to travel a route throughout Victoria, stopping at hubs to pick up attendees and transport them to the event.
Project Reconnect is supported by United Way Southern Vancouver Island and the Victoria Labour Council.
The event runs 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Aug. 22 at Royal Athletic Park, 1014 Caledonia Ave.
For more information, to donate or to volunteer, go to victoriahomelessness.ca/take-action/project-reconnect-2023.
Be careful, if you find bats around your home
Homeowners are being asked to be more bat-aware as young bats (called pups), who are learning to fly, enter homes, rest on the ground or roost in unusual locations.
“In July and August, pups are learning to fly and their early efforts may land them in locations where they are more likely to come in contact with humans,” said Paula Rodriguez de la Vega, provincial coordinator with the Got Bats? BC Community Bat Program.
She said that in the last two years, heat and smoke may also cause bats to use unusual roost sites.
If you find a bat, alive or dead, remember to never touch it with your bare hands. Bats in B.C. are known to carry rabies at a low level. If you must move a bat, use a trowel or similar tool — and always wear leather gloves to protect yourself from direct contact. If you suspect a bite or scratch from a bat, immediately wash the area with soap and water for 15 minutes and contact your public health professional as soon as possible, or go to the emergency department.
Some species, such as the Little Brown Myotis, have adapted to live in human structures, with colonies found under roofs or siding, or in attics, barns or other buildings. Female bats gather in maternity colonies to have a single pup in early summer, where they will remain until the pups are ready to fly.
Under the B.C. Wildlife Act, it is illegal to exterminate or directly harm bats. If you have bats on your property, the B.C. Community Bat Project can offer advice and support.
“Having bats is viewed as a benefit by many landowners, who appreciate the insect control. Others may prefer to exclude the bats,” said Rodriguez de la Vega.
The B.C Community Bat Program is supported by the B.C. Conservation Foundation, the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, the Forest Enhancement Society of B.C., the Habitat Stewardship Program, the Government of B.C. and regional funders.
For information on safely moving a bat, or to report bat sightings, go to bcbats.ca, email [email protected] , or call 1-855-9BC-BATS.
