David Dumbrell’s automata is one of the works on display at Artists in Our Midst. | Photo courtesy of Mary Downe
Celebrate diversity by attending one of these events this May! From art series to festivals, there’s something for every member of the family. Enjoy a little bit of what the Lower Mainland has to offer at these fun cultural events.
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Zen Embroidery (ZENSIL) by Yijun (Tony) Tang from Suzhou
May 1–31
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical,
Chinese Garden, 578 Carrall St., Vancouver
www.vancouverchinesegarden.com
Yijun Tang is the founder of Zen Embroidery. This new art form is intended for individuals to find themselves while creating wonderful pieces of art. Combining his two well-known skills, Tang infuses embroidery with abstract oil paintings. For more information, please visit the website.
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Dimasalang III International Artist Group
May 2–July 4
Surrey Art Gallery
13750 88 Ave., Surrey
www.surrey.ca/culture-recreation
Dimasalang III is an international artist group that consists of Filipino-Canadians. The artistic work shows contemporary scenes of the busy streets of the Philippines. The exhibition’s theme focuses on freedom and shows human tenderness in the crowds of Filipino markets. For more information on the exhibition, please visit the website.
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Pastel Artists Canada 2015 Juried Exhibition
May 12–24
Federation Gallery
1241 Cartwright St.,
Granville Island,
Vancouver
The Pastel Artists Canadian Juried Exhibition takes place at beautiful Granville Island. The exhibition displays the vibrancy and versatility of pastel paintings. With free admission, come enjoy the beautiful pastel works of multiple artists.
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The Sensationalists
Performers engage and involve audiences in The Sensationalists. | Photo by David Cooper
May 12–16
The Cultch
1895 Venables St., Vancouver
(604) 251-1363
The Sensationalists performance is an experimental dance creation brought to you by the 605 Collective and Theatre Replacement team. The performance requires audience participation and mashes up the relationship between the audience and the performers. The Sensationalists is a performance that is compelling and unexpected.
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Aché Brasil
May 14, 12 p.m.
Scotiabank Dance Centre
677 Davie St., Vancouver
Part of the Discover Dance! Series, Aché Brasil is coming to the Scotiabank Dance Theatre. Filled with bright colours and Brazilian rhythms, this show promises excitement and loud music. The company will perform traditional folk dances as well as the martial art/dance combination, capoeira. For more information on tickets, please visit the website.
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Scotland Road
May 14–23
First Impressions Theatre
4360 Gallant Ave.,
North Vancouver
www.firstimpressionstheatre.com
This show, on stage for a limited time, tells the story of a woman found floating in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean. She utters only one word when found: “Titanic.” This play takes the audience back to the early 20th century and explores one of the world’s greatest mysteries and tragedies.
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Cinderella
May 15 & 30
Centennial Theatre
& Surrey Arts Centre
Watch a beloved children’s tale come to life on stage in Irene Schneider’s Cinderella. With elaborate costumes and a classical full-length ballet, this story will rekindle childhood memories. Watch the “rags to riches” tale in person, accompanied by flawless ballet.
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Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair
May 15–18
Cloverdale Fair Grounds
6050 176th St., Surrey
Take a trip to the Wild West at the Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair. The four-day festival is packed with fun activities for all ages. Watch the world’s top ranked cowboys and cowgirls compete in multiple events. With sights to see and tons of activities, this is an event you won’t want to miss!
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Sujit Vaidya Presents Swapna-Maya
May 16
Scotiabank Dance Centre
677 Davie St., Vancouver
Sujit Vaidya is a freelance performer who trains in Swapna-Maya in Chennai, India, and will perform for one day at the Scotiabank Dance Centre. Come experience the complex and intriguing dance by Sujit Vaidya and other special guests.
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Asian Heritage Month Walking Tours
May 19–24
Powell St. Community, Vancouver
vancouverheritagefoundation.org
(604) 264-9642
Explore the historic Powell St. Community with a guided tour by John Atkin, Maurice Guibord and Bob Sung. Learn more about Oppeheimer Park, the Chinese Cultural Centre and Chinatown. This free event is open to all, so gather a few friends and learn more about what makes this neighbourhood unique!
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Surrey International Children’s Festival
May 21–23
Surrey Arts Centre
& Bear Creek Park
13750 88th Ave., Surrey
www.surrey.ca/childrensfestival
Celebrate youth and fun at Surrey’s International Children’s Festival! With performances by artists, fun crafts and many other attractions, it’ll surely have kids jumping for joy. The festival also includes many performances from community participants. Attend one of the many workshops, booths and performances!
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Artists in Our Midst: 2015 Exhibit + Open Studio
May 20, 23 & 24
Roundhouse Community Centre
181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
(604) 713-1800
For the 23rd year, Artists in Our Midst holds its annual exhibit and open studio. The exhibit and sale offer a variety of paintings, ceramics, jewelry and photography. Join artists and art enthusiasts alike and go behind the scenes of the stories and inspirations behind the art. For more information on the exhibit and the art, please visit the website.
