Open Studio
FIRST NATIONS ARTIST STUDIO
October 23 – 25 & October 28 – November 1, 12pm – 4pm
Raven’s Eye Studio, 458 E. Hastings
On weekday afternoons during the Festival, the artists of the Raven’s Eye Studio will open the doors to host an ongoing First Nations artist studio. A group of artists work in the studio on a regular basis and they are happy to talk with you. See the artwork, talk to the artists. Artists include studio coordinator Jerry Whitehead, painter and muralist, and sculptor Gary Oliver. Make sure you take the opportunity to talk with Jerry about the spectacular mural, Through the Eye of the Raven, on the side of the Orwell Hotel where the studio is based on the ground floor. Free
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Cultural Sharing
ABORIGINAL CULTURAL SHOWCASE
Wednesday October 30, 1:30pm – 4pm
Oppenheimer Park, 488 Powell
There is an active Aboriginal culture program at Oppenheimer that includes drumming, carving, painting, beading, medicine healing and sharing of stories. The Park is pleased to present a showcase of many of the Aboriginal artists working, sharing and creating their work. Get a close look at some carvings, ask about the Memorial Totem Pole, muse on the Welcome Posts, and see the newly-built Aboriginal Medicine Wheel Garden. The Harmony of Nations Drum Group will perform during the afternoon. Come and see what Aboriginal artists are doing at Oppenheimer Park. Everyone welcome. Free
Workshop
SCRATCH ART
Wednesday October 30, 4pm – 6pm
DTES Neighbourhood House, 573 E. Hastings
Artist Vern Clare has lots of fun arts and crafts ideas up his sleeve. For this workshop, Vern will help you explore colourful techniques of scratch art around the themes of Day of the Dead. Vern is a community artist known for his giant puppets, carnival music, and community art workshops. Free
Visual Arts
FEELS LIKE HOME Agnes Pedersen, Gena Thompson, Festival retrospective
Opening reception: Wednesday October 30 4:30pm – 5:30pm
Carnegie 3rd floor Gallery, 401 Main
Exhibition October 30 to end of November
Three cases, three different collections. The Festival is proud to present the owl paintings of Agnes Pedersen who is 10 years old and was born in the Downtown Eastside (not in a hospital!). Agnes’ obsession with owls began while reading about owls hooo find belonging in a magical owl community. Agnes also acts, sculpts, enjoys nature photography and makes jewelry out of pop can tabs. The Festival is also pleased to present the photographs of Gena Thompson. Gena has developed her craft as a member of the Downtown Eastside community, which influences how she portrays her subjects. She points her camera at interesting colours and lines and hopes you see the life in all of her subjects, whether animate or inanimate. The third case features a visual retrospective on ten years of the Heart of the City Festival. Free
Community Celebration
COMMUNITY PLAY REUNION
Wednesday October 30, 6pm – 7:30pm
Carnegie 3rd floor Gallery and Classroom, 401 Main
Ten years ago, in celebration of Carnegie’s 100th anniversary, the neighbourhood was invigorated by the two week presentation of In the Heart of a City: The Downtown Eastside Community Play at the Japanese Hall. Over eighty performers from the community performed to eight sold out houses and standing ovations. The Heart of the City Festival is built on this legacy. Join cast and crew and other community participants for an opportunity to socialize, catch up, compare stories, and watch a short film on the play. With words from Michael Clague about his experiences as Director of the Carnegie Centre during the making of the Community Play. If you weren’t involved in the Community Play please feel welcome to attend as sharing is a big part of remembering. Refreshments provided. Everyone is welcome! Free
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Music
DTES FRONT AND CENTRE: Love on the Piano
Wednesday October 30, 7:30pm – 9:30pm
Carnegie Community Centre Theatre, 401 Main
DTES Front and Centre presents a selection of the many incredible performing artists from the neighbourhood. This year we have invited singers and musicians whose work springs from the keyboard, with the music of love. The line-up features mezzo-soprano A.S. Naomi Narvey with Chansons d’Amour: Edith Piaf, accompanied by pianist Elaine Joe; Stan Hudac, extraordinary pianist and local favourite, will play rhapsodies and blues; Carnegie regular Joyce Morgan, in her first Festival appearance pianist, will share her love of Bach and Beethoven; and special guest Vancouver Blues Queen Dalannah Gail Bowen, accompanied by the awe-inspiring Michael Creber on piano, will play us home. Free
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