Some of that old time Christmas Spirit

In this time of economic slowdown, we are reminded that Christmas is a time of giving, but it doesn't need to break the bank. Check out Chrysti's 29 days of giveaways here.

This weekend I'm heading out to some local Christmas Craft Fairs to support local artists. I'm thinking of checking out:

Got Craft
Toque
Shiny Fuzzy Muddy 9
Heritage Hall Christmas Fair
Green Christmas
Blue Lantern Studio
Silver Lining Craft Fair
Blue Winter Market

ReVision - The Art Of Recycling 2008

The past weekend was the 2nd annual ReVision show. Last year we had 17 artists, this year we had 27 plus more events throughout the weekend. Recycled materials used included paper advertising, safety glass, musical instruments, even bones. We had so much art that we spilled outside, where Ron's family of 10 ft "steel daisies" (made from spent fire extinguishers) were growing in the parking lot. Luci's screen is composed of corrugated cardboard painstakingly mosaiced.



Dale's pieces started as a suitcases. Launi's started as a fish float.



I used musical instrument parts to create small boxed assemblages, while Doug's 6 ft kinetic fountain used entire musical instruments.



Saturday events included performances by SWARM, a high energy percussion group that plays on their uniquely designed instruments made from recycled materials.

Sunday saw the presence of the Green Team and the making of altered books with RubyDog's Art House. Throughout the weekend, visitors could also make-and-take creations they made from our stash of recycled materials.

Some videos from ReVision are at www.youtube.com/revisionart.

Wedding Planner

My daughter was married this summer. Everything took place in the family home. The shower and rehearsal dinner were in the house; the wedding and reception were in our back garden. Plus, we housed and entertained guests from all over the western hemisphere.

We collectively planned and executed most of the wedding events. We rented tents - to either protect from rain or shield from sun (you never know in Vancouver). It was a friends and family wedding. Sister-of-the-bride and sister-of-the-groom took on bridesmaid duties. Family friend donated a vintage Chinese dress. A chef friend cooked all the food, another friend made the wedding cake, another photographer friend captured the moments, and band-mates sang while the couple walked the aisle (or should I say down the patio stairs). Flower decor was provided by the mother-of-the-bride and her friends who lovingly tended and talked to plants for 4 months. Some out-of-town guests were housed with neighbours. The wedding couple made wine 6 months ahead, made invitations, and even a website.

It turned out beautiful, but exhausting. I have come to appreciate the duties of a wedding planner.

Hidden In The Forest

I currently have an exhibition at the Sidney and Gertrude Zack Gallery located in the Jewish Community Centre complex in Vancouver (http://www.jccgv.bc.ca/). It's a 2-woman show. I'm showing digital collages depicting forest images combined with faces, thus the name of the show.

Opening night was well attended and we even had a writeup in the local Jewish Independent newspaper.

The show runs until March 9th. I'm very pleased as I've sold 2 pieces already!