SARNIA-LAMBTONARTS ARTS AND AND ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT SARNIA-LAMBTON
from the runway with love
elizaveta
MAY 2010 • VOLUME 2.2
COMPLEMENTARY • $4.50 WITH SUBSCRIPTION
Fix Magazine 105 S. Christina St.
P.O. Box 111 Sarnia, Ontario N7T 2M6 519•384•3491 www.fixmagazine.ca
I
I was recently in a used bookstore. As I looked around, that old paper smell filled the air and I thought to myself ‘if these books could speak; if they could tell more than what was written on their tattered, loved pages, what wonderful stories would they tell?’ The shop was alive. It was alive with the culture and history of a thousand hands that resident novels had passed through. This tiny store, home to a million words seemed to explode with the millions of unspoken words that will remain forever hidden between the covers of classics and rarities. I wondered how many of the people whose lives these books had touched remembered reading the stories that now found their home on the shelves of a secondhand store. How many of these books made a difference in someone’s life? How many stories had brought someone joy or inspiration or sadness or hope? How many books sparked an interest that would transform itself into a lifelong career for someone? It was amazing to think that people were probably spread across the county, across the country and even across the world who had enjoyed leafing through the pages that now
rested in the room I was standing in. Some people were likely long since dead and some who would come to love these books in the future have not even been born yet. The idea of books spanning time, building character with each little tear or penciled dedication and the idea of them being physically in my hand and not on a screen is marvelous. Sure, you can download half of what you find in a store, but nothing beats having a hundred-year-old copy of a book that has lived through things we can only imagine on your bedside table. That little country shop will glow every time I drive past it and I hope that I will always get that beautiful feeling of infinite possibilities each time I do. I hope that you will make your way to a used book shop soon. Yours truly,
Jessica Pedlar, Publisher/Editor
Our Contributors:
photo fix • 2 & 17-20 on the runway • 3-16 museums near you • 21-42 artwalk special • 43-50 graffiti • 51-56
Managing Editor Writers Jessica Pedlar Chad Campbell Editorial Assistant Jessica Pedlar James Majoros Len Westerberg Graphic Design Photography and Layout Ingrid Banovsky CCI Studios Tony Frangis Darryl Graham Tiffany Freitas Annette Hovey Ingrid Johansson Kevin Murphy Jessica Pedlar Jessica Pedlar Thousand Islands Playhouse Bryan Reid Virtual Museum of Canada STiRLING Christina Webb Cover Art Technical Support Ingrid Johansson Justin Bedard (aka Miz Monday) Clarence Lee
PHOTO
the last enchanted forest at the VPP
forever plaid at the VPP
Thousand Islands Playhouse Christina Webb Jessica Pedlar
the petrolia discovery
lucan area heritage & donnelly museum
Fashion shoots by Ingrid Johansson aka Miz Monday Styling by Elizaveta Yankelovich
promising fashionista brings roses and weapons to the runway
elizaveta
On the Runwa
We (the writer and the photographer) met Elizaveta Yankelovich (Liz) on her lunch break and conducted our interview in a beautiful and quiet park in the middle of a busy city. She brought us cookies! The day was delightful. Much like Liz’s very creative necklaces. Liz describes her style as extreme, not for the light-hearted, open-minded, in-your-face, accentric, nostalgic and slightly obnoxious. We couldn’t agree more. Liz’s process for creating her pieces of wearable art starts with a trip to Value Village or another second-hand shop. “I see five bags of scrunchies, trinkets or Barbie shoes and I think ‘that would make a cool piece.’ I find abandoned, amazing things and give them a second life,” she tells us. Perhaps it is her background in Early Childhood Education or that her life revolves around her son, Isaac, that make her style so unique. The pieces she creates invoke memories of My Little Pony and what it means to be a child. Some designs are a little more...adult...but all seem to let loose the kid within and scream “let’s go play!” Several years back, Liz got her start in the design world as a wardrobe stylist.
Fresh and fun for spring, Elizaveta’s creations are made from coffee stir sticks, plastic flowers and toy guns.
“I kind of fell into it really,” Liz said. “I began wardrobe styling for a photographer friend working on creatives where we didn’t have a lot of money to spend. I learned to be resourceful and I spent my time finding second-hand goods that stood out. I started doing jewellery-making for shoots and developed a knack for it.” Liz’s necklaces are pretty much the only thing (jewellery-wise) that she does. “I find the jewellery market is really saturated with a million designers who create all different
things like rings or earrings,” she explained. “I want to stand out so I will probably just continue to do just necklaces.” After the birth of her son, Liz decided that it was time to have a consistent paycheque and pursued another line of work but kept up with the necklace designs for fun. “I started making necklackes in my spare time for fun and then decided ‘why not sell it?’” she told us. Her brother put together her first website and she began selling on Etsy.com in 2006. Her website was recently re-vamped and she celebrated her first show at Bobby Five Tattoo Shop, a shop that rotates a different artist through each month. Her necklaces adorned the walls and the show was a great success. Liz made her runway premier at Alternative Toronto Fashion Week’s show which she said was very exciting. “It was expensive but it was really fun - totally worth it. I’m glad I did it and I hope to do another runway show in the future, though I’m not sure when.” What makes her stand out from the rest (aside of course from the fact that she cuts up comic books and wears ‘em) is that her art moves. Even when the body her necklace is adorning is sitting perfectly still, those beautiful flowers or beads or stir sticks seem to be alive, full of life and energy. Whimsical and fairytale-like, Elizaveta’s refreshing fashions rejuvinate boring old odds and sods. Liz also creates artwork -
After the game, the king and the pawn go into the
same box. Italian Proverb
Wait...wait, is that necklace up top made out of...condoms? Is it? Yep. It sure is. Hundreds of ‘em.
The lovely Liz, in the flesh. Tiffany Freitas
drawings - in her spare time which can be seen and purchased through her site. Liz’s love for writing is evident as she writes creative stories to go with every piece. The bouncy, rhythmic and fanciful tales give life and history to each necklace and drawing. “The stories have taken on a life of their own,” she said. “I recently wrote a book called ‘You Are In My Head And If You Smell Like Bacon Or A Unicorn,
I Will Lick You,’” smiled Liz. “It’s all hand-crafted so each one is unique.” “I would love to collaborate more with people who draw,” said Liz who has just recently started writing children’s books. Liz extends an open invitation to people who draw to contact her and discuss doing joint projects using some of her stories found online. Elizaveta’s creations can be found at www.elizavetayankelovich.com.
The ability to
convert ideas to things is the secret to outward success. Henry Ward Beecher
what better way to spend an afternoon than to decapitate a childhood toy and hang it’s head on a string ‘round your neck!
IKB Boutique ingrid banovsky chats fashion with fix Promotional shoot by Jessica Pedlar with self-portraits from Ingrid Banovsky
Ingrid Banovsky’s fashion experience began at George Brown College where she studied Fashion Management. Upon her graduation in 2007, she worked in the Toronto fashion industry. “I worked for an independent designer, I Clothing Co. and I did wholesaling for Calvin Klein, Kenneth Cole and Emily the Strange. I also worked for Town Shoes for a while,” Ingrid told Fix. Ingrid then decided to take on the world and she made her way to Europe. After travelling through Italy, Austria and Germany, she made her way back to her hometown of Sarnia and decided to start her own business, IKB Boutique, creating jewellery, hair accessories and handbags.
“I work with vintage pieces, Swarovski crystals, semi-precious stones, leather, stirling silver, goldfilled, buttons, ribbons, trims, feathers and flowers,” said the artist. “I have just recently started reclaiming purses from second-hand shops which I embellish to them look new and hip.” Custom pieces from IKB start at around $30. “It all depends on what materials you’re using to create your piece,” explains Ingrid. “It’s often lower with vintage pieces because you’re re-using but prices go up if you use crystals, glass beads or anything unique or hard to find.” Ingrid assures us that she never stops designing until her clients are happy. Consultations involve a meeting with the client where Ingrid thoughroughly goes over what they are looking for. “By doing that, I try to pinpoint exactly what the client wants and create it.” The designer tells us that her favourite custom pieces to do are usually bridal pieces. “I love doing bridal pieces because every bride wants something different and unique. I also love to do birthday and Christmas gifts.” IKB Boutique’s summer collection will be online soon and was mainly inspired by pendants from the Eastern world found at a specialty bead store in Cambridge. This collection will be very natural and earth-inspired. IKB will also
vintage and custom original pieces have an off-side collection of sweet treats. Materials used for this collection include very cool cupcake ribbon, cupcake and cake pendants. “The sweets collection is full of little girl things for big girls,” said Ingrid. “For summer, I will also be continuing to do feathered headbands, perfect for summer wardrobes.” A summer collection launch party is in the planning stages and is currently scheduled for late May. You will find IKB Boutique at Artwalk, the Canada Day celebration at Canatara Park, Art-in-the-Park (hopefully in both Petrolia and Bright’s Grove) and the Big Sisters show and sale at SCITS High School in November. While her online collection is extensive, you won’t find it in stores. Retail collections differ from what you see on the IKB Boutique website so be sure to make it in to one of the shops that carry IKB products. “You can find IKB pieces at Lux Butik,
Henry Ward Beecher
Be your character what it will, it will be known and nobody will take it upon your word.
Lord Chesterfield
www.ikbboutique.com Shoes @ 144 Front, Bareroots Essentials and SarniaWeddings.com,” Ingrid said. “We are also in Toronto at The Fashion District and in Port Huron at Studio 1219.” Find IKB Boutique online at ikbboutique.com and at Etsy.com/shop/ ikbboutique or email Ingrid directly at ingrid@ ikbboutique.com.
Classic custom pieces like the one shown on the right start at just $30.
PHOTO
blind witness
Tiffany Freitas
lifeboat
dead and divine
Tiffany Freitas
M
useums near you
Jessica Pedlar
We took some time over the last month to visit several area museums. We didn’t get to all the ones we wanted to so read Fix next month to see more photos from the museums we didn’t make it to in April. We hope that you will take a look at our list of websites and contact information for each of the museums here and choose one or more to visit over the summer. Many museums feature outdoor activities so you can enjoy the nice weather while you discover local heritage.
A.W. Campbell House Museum RR #2 • Alvinston 519•245•3710
the moore museum
Arkona Lions Museum 8680 Rock Glen Road • Arkona 519•828•3071 http://www.lambtononline.com/arkona_lions
Donald Hughes Annex 159 George Street • Ailsa Craig 519•293•9388 www.ailsacraigmuseum.ca
Forest Lambton Museum 59 Broadway Street • Forest 519•786•3239 or 519•786•5629 http://www.lambtononline.com/forest_lambton
Gallery Lambton 150 North Christina Street • Sarnia 519•336•8127 http://www.lclmg.org/lclmg/GalleryLambton/
Huron County Museum & Historic Gaol 230 Harbour Lane • Goderich 519•524•2686 www.huroncounty.ca
Lambton Heritage Museum 10035 Museum Road • R.R. #2 • Grand Bend 519•243•2600 http://www.lambtononline.com/lambton_heritage
The Lambton Room Located at Lambton County Library Headquarters 787 Broadway Street • Wyoming 519•845•3324 • Ext. 5240 http://www.lambtononline.com/lambton-room
The Lawrence House Centre for the Arts 127 Christina Street South • Sarnia 519•337•0507 www.lawrencehouse.ca
Lucan Area Heritage & Donnelly Museum 171 Main Street • PO Box 427 • Lucan 519•227•0756 www.donnellymuseum.com
Moore Museum 94 Moore Line • Mooretown 519•867•2020 http://www.lambtononline.com/moore_museum
Oil Museum of Canada 2423 Kelly Road • PO Box 16 • Oil Springs 519•834•2840 http://www.lambtononline.com/oil_museum
Petrolia Discovery Foundation Inc. Box 1480 • Petrolia 519•882•0897 www.petroliadiscovery.com
Sombra Museum 3470 St. Clair Parkway • Sombra 519•892•3982 or 519•892•3326 http://www.lambtononline.com/sombra_museum
Stones ‘N Bones Museum 223 N. Christina Street • Sarnia 519-336-2100 www.stonesnbones.ca
Wallaceburg & District Museum 505 King Street • Wallaceburg 519•627•8962 http://www.kent.net/wallaceburg-museum/
Virtual Museum of Canada www.virtualmuseum.ca
the petrolia discovery
&
The Lucan Area Heritage Donnelly Museum On May 1, 2010, The Lucan Area Heritage & Donnelly Museum celebrated the grand opening of their new exhibit. The exhibit featured the largest private collection of Donnelly family artifacts in the world. The Donnelly’s (often referred to as The Black Donnelly’s in death though they were never called that in life) were an IrishCanadian family who settled near Lucan, Ontario in the mid-1800’s. They were said to have been responsible for many of the problems that occurred in and around that area. The Donnelly boys (and even Mrs Donnelly) were charged with everything from murder, attempted mur-
der, arson, robbery and assaulting a police officer just to name a few of the many charges laid against them. While the Donnelly’s were a huge problem in the county, these types of crimes were actually quite common during that time period and in that area. Though they were not convicted of every crime they were charged with, they made many enemies in and around Lucan because of their actions. A group of townspeople plotted together one night and murdered five members of the family, bludgeoning and beating them to death with farming tools. They then lit the Donnelly home on fire. Even though some of the murders were witnessed by a young farmhand who hid under a bed during the massacre, none of the 13 people tried for the murders was ever convicted of any crime. A portion of the Donnelly home was re-build by a surviving family member and still stands today. The story of the
Lucan Area Heritage & Donnelly Museum
171 Main Street • PO Box 427 • Lucan 519•227•0756 www.donnellymuseum.com
Donnelly family has been told in farming communities throughout Canada and the United States and has achieved a sort of folk-lore status. Many people who live in the Lucan area didn’t know much about the story up until recently when several area residents started up tourist spots for out-of-towners fascinated by the story. It is said that the story was repressed for many years in the area because residents had ancestors invovled directly in the events surrounding the Donnelly deaths. Tours can be taken around their property. The Roman Line where they once lived is said to be haunted. A tombstone erected for the family was so badly defaced that it had to be taken down. A stone still stands in the churchyard at St. Patricks and visitors leave pennies on it for good luck. This exhibit was truly remarkable and is worth taking a drive out to Lucan see.
lucan area heritage & donnelly museum
Staff in period dress greeted
patrons at the museum during the exhibit opening. Many visitors flocked to the gravesite of the Donnelly family (above) to leave flowers and coins.
The Petrolia Discovery Box 1480 • Petrolia • 519•882•0897 • www.petroliadiscovery.com
If you drive down Petrolia Line, you will come down a big hill and at the bottom, the entrance to The Petrolia Discovery. Hidden from the road, this piece of history-in-the-making is waiting to be explored. Tucked back behind the tree-line, a unique museum displays historic artifacts from the world’s premier oil industry in an operational and original oil field. Opening day for the museum is May 24, 2010 when you can come and experience what the oil fields were like back in the 1870’s, when they were established. Specialized guided tours are available during or after the regular season and can be arranged by calling ahead.
Hours:
Victoria Day until Labour Day: Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00am to 5:00pm Labour Day to September 30: Tuesday to Saturday from 12:00 to 4:00pm
A working museum, The Petrolia Discovery features working oil rigs. Take a tour and enjoy the fascinating machines. Old photographs adorn walls giving historic character that can only be found in lambton.
the petrolia discovery
The Sombra Museum 3470 St. Clair Parkway • Sombra • 519•892•3982 or 519•892•3326 http://www.lambtononline.com/sombra_museum This two-storey Victorian hometurned-museum is located along the main street through beautiful Sombra. The riverfront community’s museum boasts a fully-furnished home, an 1830’s log cabin, an reference room with extensive local and family archives, a marine room and an agriculture and technology room.
Hours:
May, June and September: Weekends from 1:00 to 4:00pm July and August: Weekends from 11:00am to 4:30pm At all other times, please call the museum for an appointment.
The Moore Museum
94 Moore Line • Mooretown • 519•867•2020 • http://www.lambtononline.com/moore_museum Travel to Mooretown to see the eleven exhibit buildings giving you a peek into the Victorian era, pioneer living and Great Lakes shipping. A log cabin, one-room schoolhouse, chapel, railroad station, blacksmith shop, firehall and caboose are all on display. Exhibits include a marine room, 10,000 year old mastodon bones, a collection of farm antiques, an antique fire truck and handmade quilts. The Moore Museum is the perfect destination spot for a trip on a sunny day. Packages available at the museum include specialty tours for motor coach groups. Cruise on the Duc D’Orleans II, enjoy a home-cooked meal or take in a matinee at the Victoria Playhouse Petrolia as part of your group tour at the museum.
Hours:
May and June: Wednesday to Sunday from 11:00am to 5:00pm July and August: Daily 11:00am to 5:00pm September to mid-December: Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 4:00pm
the moore museum
The Virtual Museum of Canada www.virtualmuseum.ca
Courtesy of Len Westerberg at the Virtual Museum of Canada
virtualmuseum.ca brings together the riches of Canada’s museum collections to create one dynamic online destination. It’s a unique interactive space full of thoughtprovoking and instructive content. It’s your window on museum news and your reference guide for planning your next museum experience. The VMC is your Canadian museum space.
gram at the Virtual Museum of Canada, were launched within the last year.
Bees: A Honey of an Idea
Canada Agriculture Museum Beekeeping, and its role in agricultural industries, is a contemporary concern on a global scale. This online exhibit examines the evolution of science and technology A Renewed Virtual Museum of Canada in beekeeping as well as the ongoing food production While the Virtual Museum of Canada (VMC) has challenges that Canada and other nations are facing as been active since 2001, it re-launched in June, 2009 with the honey bee population diminishes. engaging new functionality and content. The new site Visitors to the website will explore the life cycle of features enhanced searchability and usability, and is your honeybees, the role played by the different bees in the “one-stop-shop” for Canadian museum information colony, the structural design and organization of the online. hive, and their relationship with the beekeeper. Games, fun facts, beautiful illustrations and archival images offer Online Exhibitions an educational experience for both young and older audiThe VMC collaborates with Canadian museums and ences. Visitors will learn about the impact that bees have heritage institutions to create online exhibitions. There on the production of our fruits, vegetables and other are currently over 600 virtual exhibits featured in our crops in addition to Canada’s world renowned honey searchable directory, covering history and society, arts production. and leisure, nature, and science and technology. Two http://agriculture.technomuses.ca/english/bees/detypes of investment programs are provided by the VMC: fault.php • Virtual Exhibits, which invests in our larger museum, gallery and heritage partners to create new online exhibitions, and • Community Memories, which invests in smaller community museums and heritage institutions to make available their collections, and increase their visibility by providing a web presence, using software and templates provided by the VMC.
Recently Launched Virtual Exhibits The following online exhibitions, produced through the Virtual Exhibits Investment Pro-
The Lou Marsh Legacy
Canada Sports Hall of Fame Established in 1936, The Lou Marsh Memorial Award is presented annually to Canada’s top athlete, amateur or professional, man or woman. It is a cherished prize that symbolizes the highest achievement in Canadian sport. Lou Marsh, former Sports Editor of the Toronto Star was a champion of sport in every way. An excellent all-round athlete, a highly regarded referee in boxing and hockey and a pioneer in sports journalism, he embodied the highest principles and ideals in sport. Now, with the help of videos, compelling stories, photographs, artefacts, and Toronto Star archives dating back to the 1930s, visitors of all ages can delve into a captivating retrospective of Lou Marsh and the recipients of the award named in his honour. Teachers and students alike will benefit from a rich educational resource section. Teachers may use the lesson plan generated through “The Sports Writer” and collaborate it with “The Lou Marsh Legacy” as the basis for future assignments. Students have the opportunity to increase their knowledge of Canadian sport history while improving on their researching, writing, and presentation skills. Interactive games feature two separate online quizzes with skill-testing and multiple choice questions. http://www.loumarsh.ca
Buckaroos in BC: The Story of Ranching in BC
O’Keefe Ranch and Interior Heritage Society Like the Spanish vaqueros after whom they were named, the buckaroos forged a way of life in the face of the harsh climate and rugged conditions of the Interior Plateau of British Columbia. Buckaroos in British Co-
lumbia melds text, images, games, and rich audio-visuals, and recounts the history of ranching on the Plateau. Explore this unique multimedia experience by watching black and white silent footage of life on the range, listening to real cowboy poetry, and exploring the 3D artefact gallery. http://virtualmuseum.ca/Exhibitions/Buckaroos/english/index.html
Nunavik: A Land, its People
Université de Montréal, Laboratoire de recherché sur les musiques du monde Covering nearly half a million square kilometres, Nunavik is the ancestral home to Canada’s Inuit living in Quebec. For the last four thousand years, the Nunavimmiut have lived off the land by developing unique adaptive strategies to survive in a harsh climate and demanding environment. A multidisciplinary exploration platform, this exhibition is an invitation to discover this vast territory. Trilingual (French, English and Inuktitut), it combines music, stories, accounts, scientific data, artefacts, nature photography and works of art to create, through thematic presentations, a living and animated tableau of Northern Quebec. http://virtualmuseum.ca/Exhibitions/Nunavik/index-e.html Left: Bees in a hive from the virtual exhibit Bees, a Honey of an Idea, created by the Canada Agriculture Museum. Below: Cattle branding at the Alkali Lake Ranch from the virtual exhibit The Story of Ranching in BC: Buckaroos in BC, created by the O’Keefe Ranch and Heritage Society.
Upcoming Virtual Exhibits at the VMC
tion, foreign species, habitat change, science and understanding, and urbanization. Through selected feature The following online exhibitions, produced through stories and photo essays presented by the Royal Canathe Virtual Exhibits Investment Program at the Virtual Museum of Canada, will be launched in spring/summer dian Geographical Society, our changing attitudes toward the wildlife in our midst are documented. 2010.
Nimetau: Memory and knowledge of Nitassi-
Collections Unveiled: A Visit to the Vaults
Musée de la nature et des sciences de Sherbrooke Explore the virtual environment of the gallery vault Musée régional de la Côte-Nord Immerse yourself in this website dedicated to the Innu preserve of the Musée de la nature et des sciences de nation in which elders pass on their skills and knowledge Sherbrooke. Wander freely through the collections of a to younger generations. Created by the Musée régional natural science museum and discover its holdings, while also learning about the role of museums. Visitors are de la Côte-Nord, Nimetau aims to clear up misconceptions and misunderstandings about Innu reality, heritage taken beyond the vaults to encounter the people, places and living culture through a thousand hours of audiovi- and events that have marked museums and natural hissual scenes of traditional activities filmed mainly in the tory in Canada. forests of the vast Innu territory. nan
At the Heart of the Tree
Le jardin botanique de Montréal Visit Le Jardin botanique de Montréal’s virtual exhibition based on The Tree House, its existing interpretaRoyal Canadian Geographical Society This virtual exhibit will illustrate the evolution of Cana- tion centre dedicated to the important role that trees and dians’ perspective on conservation. Seven notable themes forests play in our daily lives. Complete with images, animations, film and games, this exhibition is a must for are explored and linked to species particularly affected, including climate change, conservation, cultural percep- the budding botanist.
Return to the Wild: Wildlife and Conservation in Canada
Above: Photo of a fallen tree in a forest from the virtual exhibit At the Heart of the Tree, created by Le Jardin botanique de Montréal.
“The revamped virtualmuseum.ca is a unique and exciting example of what art and culture can look like in the digital age. Easy access, customized content, diversity, and lots of great Canadian and international content will appeal to a wide audience…” -Hon. Minister James Moore (Heritage)
Recently Launched Community Memories Exhibits
The following online exhibitions, produced through the Community Memories Investment Program at the Virtual Museum of Canada, were launched within the last year.
themselves often remained anonymous. Most of the writers, on the other hand, took pen to paper at their leisure and in their later years, looking back through the lens of nostalgia. A Harvest of Memories shares the fascinating and unique stories of these men and women who settled in the Kettle River Valley.
From the Bow of the SS Minto
The Little Village that Nurtured a Giant
Arrow Lakes Historical Society The harshness and sheer remoteness of the Klondike failed to deter prospectors in their quest to reach the announced fabulous goldfields of the region in 1897. Lured by any development connected with mineral resources, the CPR used coastal steamers to run up to Alaska in an effort to ship the thousands of men in need of transport to the north. Two of these vessels – the Minto and Moyie – were nearly identical. Before construction reached a critical point, the gold rush had calmed, and the CPR decided not to proceed with the project. The life of most sternwheelers is not usually a long one. Being made of wood, they required heavy maintenance, and conditions where the ice-locked lake had to be overcome every winter took its toll. The Minto was unique because she ran the Arrow Lakes from 1898 to 1954. To have witnessed her every run over those 56 years and to have seen the changes that history would bring would truly be fascinating. This Community Memories exhibit touches on some of the places and events during this period, as one would have seen it from the bow of the Minto.
Sipiweske Museum Most visitors to the little village of Wawanesa, Manitoba – population 550, and located 50 km south east of Brandon – might find it difficult to believe that it is both the birth place and Head Office & Prairie Branch of one of Canada’s largest property and casualty insurers, The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company. This Community Memories exhibit shares the ongoing story of a little village, whose history is intertwined with a fledgling company that grew to be a giant in the Canadian insurance industry. In the 21st century, the company remains true to its small town roots. Each May, directors from all across Canada arrive for the annual meeting of this billion dollar company in the little village where it all began. The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company not only remembers, but honours its history.
The Catholic Mission: The South of the North Pioneers
Heritage Park For the past century, Fort McMurray has been a dynamic community, having started out as a stop-over in the Athabasca riverway and growing into the flourishing region it is now. The Catholic Church played an imA Harvest of Memories: Rural Life in the portant role in this development, bringing a number of Kettle River Valley brave men and women to this frontier community. From Kettle River Museum Society the clergy who risked their lives traveling to northern Missions to the nuns who saved lives in surgery, these inMemories of rural life in the Kettle River Valley of long dividuals’ personalities and dedication shed light on the ago will never be forgotten. They will always live on history of Fort McMurray and the Old Catholic Mission through the memories left by so many of its early setthat served it. tlers, who chronicled the life around them in photoSince the Mission’s opening in 1914, the Catholic comgraphs and memoirs. munity provided services that eased the town’s growing pains. The priests and brothers played an important role, They were among the first Europeans in this land of rolling hills, rich grasslands and lush valleys. They came bridging divides between European-descended settlers at the turn of the 20th century, when it was still isolated and Aboriginal inhabitants, easing social transitions, from more populated regions of British Columbia to the and otherwise aiding a rapidly changing community. east and west - nestled in a valley between two mountain The Mission also brought in the Grey Nuns - an order ranges - where the Kettle River winds its way east along of women devoted to serving northern frontier communities. Here the Sisters administrated the region’s first the Canada/U.S. border. large-scale hospital and taught at its first Catholic school. The photographers of the time recorded life as they saw These men and women made Fort McMurray’s last cenit, in the present, and often at its most interesting. While tury of growth possible. their subjects would be identifiable, the photographers
www.virtualmuseum.ca
Upcoming Community Memories Exhibits
The following online exhibitions, produced through the Community Memories Investment Program at the Virtual Museum of Canada, will be launched in spring/ summer 2010.
Chronicles of Bentley
Bentley Museum Take a virtual tour of Bentley, Alberta and learn about the lives of the homesteaders, entrepreneurs, merchants and labourers who built this thriving community through its history. Share the hardships, the joys and the difficulties the early pioneers faced in the early years of the town and beyond, and how they coped with the elements and often challenging way of life.
Dateline BATTLE HARBOUR: Peary, Bartlett and the 1909 Polar Expedition
Battle Harbour National Historic Site Reaching the North Pole was one of the last great expeditionary challenges of the 20th century. Relive this remarkable achievement through the telegraphs that Robert Peary transmitted from the Marconi Station located in Battle Harbour, Labrador, after his famed trek to one of the world’s last frontiers.
Everyday Treasures of the Village
Gaspesian British Heritage Village The Gaspesian British Heritage Village features the type of simple family buildings which usually pass into oblivion. This Community Memories exhibition is the first filtering of objects donated to the village by the English speaking residents of the Gaspé Coast during the last twenty years.
À vélo, façon Roméo
Muséocabinet At first glance, Roméo Désormeaux was an ordinary man, but in fact led an extraordinary life. A great enthusiast of bicycling, he saw physical activity as a means of fostering ties with his fellow citizens of Saint-Jérôme and reinforcing their sense of belonging to the community. Explore the life of this role model and experience his travels throughout the country.
Champlain: Père de la Nouvelle France
Centre d’interprétation et de recherche philatélique du Canada Travel back to the early days of New France and learn about the life of one of Canada’s most fascinating men. Through philatelic collections and accompanying artefacts, as well as audio clips and other striking visuals, the times of Samuel de Champlain are brought to life.
Du plomb au numérique: l’évolution du Canada Français en 150 ans!
Musée du Haut-Richelieu This Community Memories exhibit tells the story Le Canada Français, a century-old newspaper in the Upper Richelieu region. First appearing in 1860 as Le FrancoCanadien, this publication coincided with the emergence of the press in Quebec, where some 300 newspapers were launched between 1840 and 1867. Only a handful survived, among them Le Canada Français.
Orcas off the west coast of Canada from the virtual exhibit Return to the Wild: Wildlife and Conservation in Canada, created by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.
The VMC Today Includes: • Over 600 virtual exhibits promoting the content of Canadian museums, covering history and society, arts and leisure, nature, and science and technology. • A gallery of 680,000 images drawn from Canadian museum collections. • A detailed directory that includes close to 3,000 Canadian heritage institutions. • Over 1,000 learning resources (including les-
son plans and educational activities) in the virtualmuseum.ca Teachers’ Centre. • More than 1,000 working educators interacting through the Teachers’ Centre. • More than 150 interactive resources. • The VMC Lab, which is an experimental space for Canadian museums to explore projects using new technologies. • Millions of visits annually, from over 200 countries.
www.virtualmuseum.ca
artwalk 2010 june 5 and 6
Artwalk is an annual festival held in Sarnia. During the festival, several blocks of Christina Street are closed so that artists and vendors can set up displays. Everything from paintings, pottery and books to prints, hand-made clothing and jewellery are sold. An Artwalk parade is held where costumed performers represent different area businesses, historical efforts and groups. Live music can be enjoyed on two stages throughout the festival. Each year, Artwalk grows considerably and draws thousands to downtown Sarnia. For more on artwalk, visit their website at www.sarniaartwalk.com and keep reading to find out who will be featured in this year’s music showcase.
Jessica Pedlar
The Artwalk main stage will feature: LeE HARVeY OsMOND
Tom Wilson of Blackie & the Rodeo Kings, a couple of Cowboy Junkies and some Skydiggers groove with bassheavy, hypnotic acid folk in this five-piece collective. We would love to see what would happen if this band jammed with Jim Chevalier and Almost Floating. Hearing this band should be right at the top of your list of things to do at Artwalk.
http://www.myspace.com/lhosmond
Pat Robitaille
Beautiful, smooth and rhythmic vocals and guitar make Pat Robitaille’s music captivating. His lovely voice fills a room and will fill the streets at Artwalk. Pat is also doing a workshop during Artwalk. Please listen to this myspace page.
http://www.myspace.com/patrobitaille
The Liquidaires
The Liquidaires have a unique Jamaican-jazz style that has been described as “new world rhythm.” Funky and full of soul, this band will be a blast to see live. They also play at Ups N’ Downs on both Friday and Saturday nights during Artwalk weekend.
http://www.myspace.com/liquidaires
Miss Emily Brown
Miss Emily Brown’s distinct voice is alluring and melodic. Her debut album Part of You Pours Out of Me was written based upon her grandmother’s World War II diary with help from a Canada Council sponsored songwriting project. Miss Emily Brown’s rich style is a delight.
http://www.myspace.com/missemilybrown
Romney Getty and Friends
Romney Getty’s haunting, nostalgic voice has drawn international attention from numerous publications. She has spent much of her time touring international festivals. Her album Ramblin Girl features the talent of Canadian stars Bob Egan, Colin Cripps and Bryan Adams. Romney can be heard in rotation on local and international radio stations.
http://www.myspace.com/romneygetty
Donlands & Mortimer
Sarnia favourite Donlands & Mortimer is back for another jazzy, poppy world music performance on the main stage. Energetic and fun, the six-piece ensemble will rock your socks off.
http://www.myspace.com/donlandsandmortimer
FMusical invarras Wren masters Finvarras Wren bring Celtic-American folk to Artwalk. Both traditional and contemporary songs full of fiddle, accordion, whistles and pipes combine with harmonic vocals to create mesmerizing pieces. This group of world-renowned musicians are a must-see.
http://www.myspace.com/finvarraswren
DJ Carl Emery
One of Sarnia’s longest running DJ’s, Carl Emery of Fluid Music has been behind the turntables for over 19 years. With a huge collection of tracks that span decades, this DJ will have you up and dancing at Artwalk.
www.fluidmusic.ca
The Waxbills
Returning to Sarnia for Artwalk, The Waxbills were featured in Fix a few months back and are can frequently be found in town performing at Paddy Flaherty’s. The group has also opened for The Trews at The Industry. The three-piece alternative rock group is in rotation on Canadian, American and European radio stations.
http://www.myspace.com/thewaxbills
A Huron Union Check our December issue of Fix for a feature (and a cover spot) about A Huron Union. The Sarnia quartet consists of the very talented Jen Brace, lovable Danny Alexander, creative Cam Starr and the hip Dave Walterhouse.
Franck Nowak (DJ Icky)
Accomplished DJ Franck Nowak (DJ Icky) has been spinning vinyl for decades. His passions include dub and reggae with hints of other styles always making an appearance in his set lists. Franck also maintains bluewaterbeat.org to promote Port Huron and Sarnia events.
Songwriters Circle
hosted by nic swales with tom wilson, pat robitaille and romney getty Sarnia’s Nic Swales brings his soulful style to the stage and will be joined by numerous visiting musicians. Check out Nic’s album, Bohemian Summer and his acoustic EP, Sunny River. Nic can be heard regularly at Paddy Flaherty’s in Sarnia.
http://www.myspace.com/nicswales
Morning Yoga
Nope, this isn’t the name of a band. It’s actually morning yoga! Certified Yoga Therapist and Holistic Nutritionist, Stefani Hoyt will lead you in yoga to start your day off right. Visit her website for information about her classes and vegan catering.
http://www.mandorlayoga.com
S ound of Fans Skilled musicians Trevor Rogers and Nick Lewis will wow you with their incredible raw talent for an acoustic performance like you’ve never seen before. Inspired by John Mayer and Led Zeppelin, their classic-rock feel has earned them a big fanbase in their hometown of Sarnia.
http://www.myspace.com/soundoffans
sound of fans
The Artwalk acoustic stage will feature the music of: derek walsh
Newcomer to the stage Derek Walsh is Sarnia’s best-kept secret. This writer’s foot was tapping right from the first note on the charming Mr Walsh’s Myspace page. Come and listen to him at Artwalk and then convince him to play more shows around town.
http://www.myspace.com/derekmichaelwalsh
carmen elle
Inspired by musicians from Bjork to Joni Mitchell and Radiohead, Carmen Elle brings a delicate, pretty but gritty at the same time sound to the stage. We think Miss Elle’s vocals sound like Doris Day with a little dash of Regina Spektor. Looking forward to this set.
http://www.myspace.com/carmenelle
Kieran and Dympna Magic of the Dance lead performer Kieran has just returned from travelling abroad with the renowned Irish dance company. Dympna and other dancers from her school here in Sarnia will join him on stage at Artwalk for a contemporary and traditional Irish Dance show.
cora lajoie
The exquisite, elegant alto, Sarnia girl Cora Lajoie’s soothing voice encapsulates beauty in each well-formed song. Her creative style reflects a talent that seems to have matured well-beyond her mere 23 years. If you listen to one song out of every Myspace page on this list, please listen to I Forgot There Is Sun Outside by Cora Lajoie. Cora is currently touring across Canada. We’re looking forward to celebrating your safe return, Court!
http://www.myspace.com/courtlajoie
N icholas Doubleyou Nicholas graced the cover of our September issue and has played more than one of our Pandemonium shows. Oh, how we love Nicholas Doubleyou! A cigar box banjo, drums, vocals, noise-makers, shakers and things will brighten even the cloudiest of days. This energetic performance is one we’re looking forward to.
http://www.myspace.com/songsbynicholas
dave russell
Former Tree Streets member Dave Russell brings acoustic charm to Artwalk. You can see him on the cover of the very first issue of Fix! While his Myspace page boasts over 5000 hits, there aren’t any songs up there yet. This writer has seen Mr Russell on numerous occasions and I promise that if you go to see him play, you won’t be disappointed.
http://www.myspace.com/russelldave
matthew de zoete
Hamilton boy, Matthew De Zoete has played several shows in Sarnia and brings a crowd every time. We featured him a few months ago in Fix! Matthew brings to us honest music that combine elements of rock, pop and folk. He is truly a delight to watch on stage. He seems to connect with every single person there and makes each member of the audience feel like they’re the only person in the crowd.
http://www.myspace.com/matthewdezoete
Ainsworth
We had the chance to sit down with Ainsworth, the four-man rock band with a Southern feel. Consisting of Ben Ainsworth on lead vocals and guitar, Chase Ainsworth on guitar and vocals, Dan Ainsworth on bass and Mike McGlone on drums, the band was opening for April Wine after just two months of playing together. “We have a unique sound,” explains Ben. “And we have a great live energy. We try to make the whole experience amazing and have excellent interaction with the crowd when we perform. The main goal is to keep the whole group of fans interested up to the last note we play.” Though the boys have been in many other bands, they find that they’re happiest together as Ainsworth and their friends and family agree. “It’s not just a show anymore, it’s a band,” said Ben. “We’re trying to get down to the music. With the four of us together, it seems the music comes easier than it has in the past. Mike and Chase have played in bands together since they were kids. Dan, Chase and I are related so seemed natural that we all form this group.” With lots of other bands, you can tell who they listen to but with this band, that just isn’t the case. The boys told Fix that they are inspired by musicians like U2, Bob Seager, Rod Stewart, Jane’s Addiction and even local legend Easy-O from Ghost Wolf. Ainsworth said that even Will Ferrell is an inspiration for their group (and yes, we laughed over a few quotes at that point in the interview). The group is recording at DNA Studios in Sarnia with Adam Miner. “It’s been a great experience working with Adam at DNA,” the group agreed. “He’s extremely professional, fun to work with and in high demand. Right now we’re waiting for him to have some more time for us but it’s well worth the wait. We wouldn’t want to record anywhere else. Adam’s the best. And he smells great.” While the band isn’t performing full-time right now, they hope to in the future. Tony Frangis
Upcoming performances include Artwalk on June 5 and a June 12 fundraiser at The Stubborn Mule where they will share the stage with Crow Jane, Dave Russell and The Natural Disasters. Listen to Ainsworth at www.myspace.com/ainsworthband.
graffiti
We went on a little road trip and found this graffiti that we thought you should see.
just because no one understands you doesn’t mean you’re an artist. ~ anon ~ you can’t have both feet on the ground and kick ass at the same time. ~ bronce ~ love someone more than you need them. ~ dalai lama ~ it’s sad when someone you know becomes someone you knew ~ henry rollins ~ even after all this time, the sun never says to the earth “you owe me.” look what happens with a love like that. it lights the whole sky. ~ hafiz ~ don’t concern yourself with where someone has been but on where they are going
no matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world. ~ dead poets society
SARNIA-LAMBTON ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
www.fixmagazine.ca