There are two really special arts events coming up in the next two weeks, and lots of smaller events within Trout Festival weekend but before we talk about them… I have just spent the morning reading posts about Flin Flon graffiti, and it has been quite fascinating. You, dear reader, may recall that our intrepid editor wrote an op-ed called, “Is rock graffiti vandalism or legacy?” It has garnered significant commentary online and has divided the reading public about 50-50. Many people coming home for events seem to like it for its homespun history and just as many, who seem to live here, think it spoils the natural beauty that surrounds us.
I think (in case you were wondering) that rock graffiti is wonderful. It is a historical record of important events, some commemorative of young people we have lost and some of youth who just spent a year here on exchange. It marks traditional rites of passage, like the “grad rock” that is always updated year to year (remember the year it sported the “bat signal?”). It indicates lasting and some not so lasting romantic attachments that, as we age in place, make us smile. I love the rock graffiti so spray on I say, and thanks, dear editor, for getting us talking about painting!
Now, to the real reason for the column. Coming up at Johnny’s Social Club on June 22 and 23, smart and sassy Natalie Milligan will produce Broadway Encore, an evening of the best of Broadway show tunes sung by the best of our local talent pool with backing from the Antisocial Club Band. Most of the songs will be new to the Flin Flon stage (well, there are thousands of them so no surprise there) and some of them are quite cheeky. There will be a rendition of “Gaston” from Beauty and the Beast that, even though it has been done in Flin Flon before, was never quite like this!
Tickets may already be in short supply but any that are left will be for sale at the Orange Toad on Main Street for $20. Libations are for sale at the venue and you are invited to bring your own treats.
A Northern Juried Art Exhibition will take place at NorVA Centre, 177 Green Street (next to Johnny’s Social Club) over Trout Festival weekend. The opening reception will be held Thursday, June 28 at 7 pm where the winning pieces will be announced.
This free event is being held in conjunction with Trout Festival and continues throughout the weekend, closing on July 1. The gallery will be open to the viewing public from 10 am to 8 pm June 28, 29 and 30 and 10 am to 4 pm on July 1.
The artwork on display is new works by artists living and working north of the 53rd parallel. Artists from the communities of Flin Flon, Creighton, Denare Beach, The Pas, Thompson and Cranberry Portage have submitted pieces to the exhibition.
There will be drawings and prints, paintings, watercolours, photographs, sculpture and fabric art to see. The jurors for this exhibit are local professionals and the best works will be submitted to the Manitoba Arts Network Rural and Northern Art Show in Winnipeg in September.
Mike Spencer is offering another opportunity to learn the techniques of raku pottery on June 23 at 12 pm for building the pieces and then July 6 at 7 pm for glazing and July 7 at 10 am for firing. All three days of instruction, materials and firing is just $75 and even though I have said it before, it’s worth repeating: it’s magical.
Last but not least, look out for all of the arts and culture events at Trout Festival. There will be street concerts with our local musicians and the fabulous Fish and Chips event both outside and in the Whitney Forum. Great food and good fun!
