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RECYCLING CHANGES P. 3 EDITORIAL P. 4
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MARKET THRIVES AT NEW LOCATION P. 5 100 YEAR OLD MURDER MYSTERY P. 6
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$1.30 Inc. GST Vol. 38 No. 24
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Wednesday, August 12, 2015
“Challenging” summer read for local teens
Artist Jerri Malchow demonstrates the joy of painting at the Fraser Lake Festival of the Arts (above), while young festival-goer Julianne poses in a shirt created for her in the kids’ tent. Photos by Barbara Roden
Fraser Lake arts festival a success A heavy rainfall didn’t dampen the spirits of those attending the first Fraser Lake Festival of the Arts last Saturday. The event attracted artists, artisans, musicians, and vendors from as far away as Prince George, and was held at the arena and adjacent grounds, where attendees could listen to music, enjoy the artwork on display, and attend workshops. Several artists worked on projects, allowing people to watch them create. “People like seeing the process of painting,” said Vanderhoof artist Mary Lynn Lawrence, who said she was impressed when she walked into the arena. “There was so much space, and it was so colourful.” Richard Cannon of the Fraser Lake Arts Council said the Council was formed in 2014, and the arts festival was a focus from the start. “It’s been a year in the planning,” he says. They wanted a mix of fine artists—everything from painters to quilters, jewelers to photographers—along with music, vendors, and a kids’ area. “We’re aiming to make it a two-day event next year. That makes it more attractive for musicians to travel here.” He’s grateful to the Village of Fraser Lake for allowing the festival to use the arena and grounds at no charge, and to the sponsors who enabled the event to happen. The biggest challenge, he said, was seeing how so many different artists, working in so many mediums, would mix, but says it worked out very well. Artist Pat Gauthier, who was demonstrating the art of waterco-
lour painting, agrees. “It’s a very relaxed atmosphere, and there a lot of interesting people. There’s a nice energy with the mix of different types of art.” The new bandstand by the arena was in heavy use, and Cannon said that the rain early in the day made them aware of a couple of drawbacks. “There needs to be an overhang of another six feet, as well as a covered place for speakers.” He also noted that another power station would be helpful, with so many people needing to be able to hook up to electricity. It’s all, he noted, a part of the learning process. “There are a few things we’d do differently. And hopefully a two-day event would allow us to book more bands, rather than mostly solo or duo performers.” Fraser Lake artist Marilynn Reyden, who’s on the Arts Council, said that everyone was open to the idea of the festival. “It’s great to be able to educate people. There can be a lack of awareness about what’s in our own town, art-wise. Local people come in to my gallery and say ‘I had no idea!’” “I can see the festival growing from here,” says Lawrence, while Gauthier appreciates the variety of art forms the festival encompasses, and the fact that there’s something for everyone. “The mix of art appeals to different demographics, young to old.” Perhaps the most apt comment came from a woman who, having taken in all the colourful displays around the arena, paused by the door. “This was pretty awesome!” Barbara Roden
It can sometimes be difficult to motivate teenagers, especially during the lazy months of summer, when just getting them out of bed can be a challenge. Jenn Barg, children’s librarian at the Vanderhoof Public Library, is therefore justifiably proud of the fact that 23 teenagers took part in this year’s Teen Summer Challenge. “It’s the first time we’ve run the program,” says Barg, who had no idea how many teens—if any—would show up when the program started on July 7. She was impressed with the dedication that the participants displayed as they set about tackling the 45 “challenges” they were given. “I’m getting 10 to 15 e-mails a day from participants.” Each challenge is worth a set number of points, from five to 25. They range from fairy simple—taking a “shelfie” (a picture of a shelf of books), or describing your three favourite things about Vanderhoof— to more difficult tasks, such as taking a picture of yourself reading a book in an unusual place (one participant did so underwater), building an inukshuk out of books, or drawing your own book cover. “One girl made a dress out of recycled material and wore it to the library,” said Barg. “It looked pretty good!” Another girl took up the cosplay challenge, and dressed up as a character from a graphic novel. Not only did she wear it to the library; she walked all the way from Vanderview to do it. “She said she got some strange looks, but she made it to the library.” Every five points earned gets participants one ticket in a draw that will see the lucky winner receiving an iPad Mini. The draw will take place on Saturday, Aug. 15 at 1:00 pm at the Vanderhoof Library. This year’s challenge is now winding down, but Barg is already having to think about next year. “Some of the kids are asking if we’re going to do this again next year,” she says. “They’re keen to go!” Barbara Roden
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