All Day
A Note from the Organizers:
Thank you to the Ecumenical Society for giving us this space to keep everyone posted about the Jewish arts festival, on February 7 to 9th.
Please scroll down to see more about
- Threads of Jewish Life, the visual art show
- OY!, the concert at the Roxy – extra show Sunday!
- NU?, the literary reading
- Tu B’Shevat, a Jewish holiday
As you know, in December Camp Miriam, the Jewish summer camp on the island, was spray-painted with anti-Semitic graffiti. Gabriolans immediately spoke out against this vandalism and many people asked: “What can we do to help?” A candle light vigil was organized, and a small ad hoc committee consisting of Elizabeth Shefrin, Bob Bossin and Heather Cameron decided to put together this festival.
The programming has come together so quickly, largely because of the enthusiasm and support of the Gabriola artistic community. It’s hard to believe that we’ve only been working on this since the beginning of January. Not all the artists are Jewish, but all the art, music and writing is all on Jewish themes. Everyone is welcome to attend, and we hope everyone does.
By the way, we think that OY!, the Saturday night concert at the Roxy, may sell out, so sign up quickly at North Road Sports.
Donations:
Some of you have asked where the money is going. In the past many non-Jews have welcomed Jewish people into their homes in times of trouble. In the same spirit, the net proceeds from the festival will go to SAGA, the Gabriola group sponsoring refugees. We will have jars out at each event for donations.
Sponsors:
In addition to our artists, musicians, writers and volunteers, we would like to thank the following sponsors for their very kind support:
Camp Miriam, Lawrence Feuchtwanger and Debbie Hollett, Gloria Filax and Debra Shogan, The Gabriola Arts Council, The Gabriola Ecumenical Society, Paul Grignon, Abe and Karen Hering, Anne Landry, Nester’s Market, Robert’s Place
Threads of Jewish Life
About the Visual Art:
Opening reception: Friday February 7 | 6 to 9pm
Gabriola Arts and Heritage Centre
Friday February 7 | 6 to 9pm
Saturday | 10 to 4
Sunday |10 to 1.
Sima Elizabeth Shefrin’s fabric art offers glimpses into the lives of Jewish garment workers who fought for better working conditions. It also addresses the price of the Holocaust even for those who were born after the war. One piece tells the story of an Israeli woman’s determination to make her country a better place.
Heather Cameron’s quilted works explore Jewish stories of how God created heaven and earth, and her cut paper pieces represent Jerusalem and the direction of prayer, and the hand-shaped hamsa amulet. All were created for the home of her uncle, who commissioned them in celebration of his faith.
Deborah Dallyn’s piece, Last Dance at the Four Penny, captures a bitter-sweet moment of Jewish Canadiana.
Most of this work has never been exhibited on Gabriola. Some pieces are for sale.
“Oy!” Jewish music from King David to Carole King
About the Music:
Two Shows!
Saturday February 8 | 7:30
Sunday February 9 | 7:30
the Roxy
Home-grown Jewish Jam!
with Bob Bossin, John Capon, Arlene Carson, Dinah D, Paul Gellman, Phil Haig, Leah Hokanson, Andreas Kahre, Mitch Levine, Gail Lund, Adranne Marskell, Marty Shepherd, Penny Sidor, Dick Smith, Marg Sutton and more.
Tickets
Tickets for this event are available at North Road Sports.
Suggested donation $15. Get yours early.
“NU?” Poetry and Memoir
About the Spoken Word:
Sunday February 9 | 1 to 3
Gabriola Arts and Heritage Centre
Admission by donation | Come early to guarantee a seat.
Gabriola writers Janet Vickers, Naomi Wakan, Lisa Webster, Bob Bossin, Shayna Lindfield, Gloria Levi, Lawrence Feuchtwanger and George Szanto share moments when Jewishness has touched their lives. The panel will be moderated by Susan Yates.
Tu B’Shevat
About Tu B’Shevat
Saturday Feb 8 | 3pm
Gabriola Arts and Heritage Building
The festival coincides with a Jewish holiday called Tu B’shvat. Join Amy Block as Jews around the world celebrate “The new year of the trees”.
Amy tells us: “It is a beautiful opportunity to remind us all of the connection we have with our earth and our partnership with God (perhaps the God of your own understanding), and a reminder of our obligation to take care of our environment. We will sing, snack and plant a seed that you can take home and transplant when our soil on Gabriola is ready.”
This is a family friendly event and everyone is welcome.
For more information contact:
Heather Cameron 778-674-2929 true_stitches@yahoo.ca
