InFocus Magazine

JUNE 2-4—5th Annual Elevate the Arts Festival. A barrier free, capsule street level arts and culture festival celebrating experimentation, exploration and the Commons! Music, poetry, art, dance, circus, photography, literary antics, urban reclamation and more! With a variety of times and locations. Downtown Courtenay. www.elevatethearts.com

JUNE 4-5—Courtenay and District Fish and Game Protective Association Outdoor Show.. The great outdoors! Something for everyone. This is a fun filled event with displays, booths, activities, food, music, etc running from 9am to 4pm each day. FMI visit www.courtenayfishandgame.org

JUNE 9-19—BC Shellfish & Seafood Festival. It’s shucktastic! The BC Shellfish and Seafood Festival, the largest in Western Canada, is celebrating its 10th year. 11 days of non-stop tours and charters, seafood chef demonstrations and tastings, gala dinners, educational seminars and contests celebrating British Columbia’s seafood producers, industry and bounty. Stay tuned for event announcements, tickets sales and contests. Save the date and keep on shucking! – Various locations around the Comox Valley. FMI www.discovercomoxvalley.com/shellfish-festival-info

JUNE 9—Courtenay & District Museum presents: Roy Henry Vickers and Robert “Lucky” Budd launch their new book “Peace Dancer” at the Courtenay and District Museum 7pm. This is a free event suitable for all ages. Call 250-334-0686 FMI.

JUNE 11—Third Annual CV Barn Dance, presented by the Comox Valley Therapeutic Riding Society. Features one of BCs most popular country bands, Appaloosa. Gates open at 8pm, live music from 9pm-1am. CV Exhibition Grounds, Headquarters Road, Courtenay. Visit www.cvtrs.com FMI.

JUNE 13-18—Manatee Holdings Shellfish Hatchery Tour. This public tour will feature an overview of the industry’s best sustainable aquaculture practices with a tour of Manatee’s Royston Hatchery operation including Geoduck, Sea Cucumbers, Scallops and Oysters. 4085 Gartley Point Road, Royston, from 11am-11:45am. Visit www.sustainableaquaculture.ca FMI.

JUNE 16-18—Miners Memorial Weekend. For 31 years the Cumberland Museum has co-hosted an annual commemoration of fallen workers, highlighting labour history and contemporary labour issues. The three day event welcomes hundreds of attendees from across Western Canada and as far away as the UK including workers and their families, activists, artists, writers, academics, community leaders, musicians and many others.All are welcome to join us for this important weekend of solidarity, celebration, and remembrance. FMI visit www.cumberlandmuseum.ca

JUNE 18—Pet Lover’s Lane Tradeshow. This is a free outdoor show at Simms Memorial Park, Courtenay from 10am-3pm. Exhibitors with pet products/services, workshops, ‘Furry Fun Zone’. Ask a pet expert, bring your leashed pet. More info www.facebook.com/events/418114011683865/

JUNE 18—Butterfly Ball, Comox Valley. The Butterfly Ball is an enchanting evening of magic and entertainment for dads and school-aged daughters. A dinner and dance that celebrates and strengthens the special relationship they share. Crown Isle Resort. A fundraising gala supporting the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island. 4:30 to 9:30pm. FMI call 250-519-6722.

JUNE 18—Comox Valley Motorcycle Ride For Dad 2016. The mission of the TELUS Ride For Dad is to raise funds to save men’s lives by supporting prostate cancer research and raising public awareness of the disease. We raise funds through large scale one-day motorcycle, snowmobile, watercraft and ATV ride events and through ongoing public fundraising. TELUS Ride For Dad events take place in multiple cities across Canada, representing every province.. FMI call 1-866-594-3243 or email [email protected].

JUNE 18 — Comox by the Sea Celebration. Join seafood producers, educational institutions, chefs and seafood lovers from 12:00 – 5:00pm. Enjoy incredible seafood cooking demonstrations by awarding winning chefs, the Fanny Bay Oyster Shucking Championship, the Oceanwise TM Chowder Challenge, scrumptious tasting stations and interactive educations displays, live entertainment and Beer and Wine Garden. The event takes place at the Filberg Heritage Lodge & Park. General admission $15. Filberg Heritage Lodge & Park, Comox. Noon -5 pm. Tickets available at www.discovercomoxvalley.tickit.ca/events/1522-comox-by-the-sea-celebration

JUNE 23—Chamber of Commerce annual summer BBQ and networking event. Glacier Greens Golf Course, 5:30-8pm. Call 250-334-3234 for tickets. www.comoxvalleychamber.com

JUNE 25— The Cumberland Home and Garden Tour returns for 2016! After a wildly successful 1st event, the tour is back with an exclusive glimpse into the homes, gardens and built spaces of Legendary Cumberland. The Tour is a fundraiser for the Cumberland Forest. Expect the unexpected including food gardens, water elements, sculpture and rock work, sustainability features, studios and guest houses, decks, forest views, new creations, heritage gems and more! FMI visit www.cumberlandforest.com

JULY 3 – AUGUST 28 (SUNDAYS)—Every Sunday evening come relax and enjoy FREE concerts in the park from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at Simms Park (located by the 5th Street Bridge and across from Lewis Park). Sit on the chairs provided or bring your own lawnchair or blanket. Enjoy the show! Visit www.courtenay.ca/EN/main/community/arts-and-culture/simms-summer-concert-series.html for the full 2016 schedule. No concerts on July 10 or 31.

JULY 8-10 —22nd Annual Vancouver Island Musicfest. This is a must attend festival for people and musicians from all over the world. From bluegrass to blues, reggae to folk, indie rock to rockabilly and from country to hip hop and spoken word—there’s music for everyone to enjoy and discover. Comox Valley Fairgrounds. www.islandmusicfest.com

JULY 14-17 — Denman Readers and Writers Festival. Solo readings and performances from a variety of authors, main stage events, writing workshops. 2016 line-up: Barbara Adler, Michael Christie, Bruce Cockburn, Charles Demers, J.B. MacKinnon, Cecily Nicholson, Bev Sellers, Miriam Toews, John Vaillant. Moderators: Stewart Goodings, Des Kennedy, Jennifer Lee. The Writing Week: Steven Price. Ticket sales and online workshop registration now open. All events occur in the Denman Village. For more information call 250-335-0043 or email [email protected]. www.denmanislandwritersfestival.com

JULY 15—Tapped, Mount Washington’s annual beer festival includes a variety of craft breweries, a beer seminar, live music and a pig roast and/or BBQ. Enjoy it all while soaking in the beautiful mountain views overlooking Strathcona Provincial Park. Tickets at Cascadia Liquor Store, Comox. 6-9pm.

JULY 16 — 46th Annual Downtown Courtenay Market Day. More than 100 vendors will be on the streets with some of the Comox Valley’s best offerings. You will find handmade, one-of-a-kind products along with some of the best deals from your favorite downtown shops. Food, entertainment—fun for the whole family. 9am-7pm. Visit www.courtenaymarketday.com FMI.

JULY 20-23—The 20th Annual Collectible sale of St. Joseph’s Hospital Auxiliary will be held this year at the Cottage Thrift Shop at the Rodello St. Entrance to the hospital in Comox. We have a great selection of unique items, lovely linens, jewellery, dolls, pictures, china and much more. All the proceeds from this sale go for patient comfort at St. Joseph’s Hospital. July 20-22, 10am-4pm; July 23 10am-1pm.

JULY 23-24 — Once again this year the Comox Valley Classic Criusers will be hosting our Annual A&W Cruise Night and Show and Shine Graffiti Bash. This year’s show will be a special event as it is the clubs 30th Anniversary. As always there will be plenty of trophies and prizes to be given away as well as two 50/50 draws. At the end of the cruise on Saturday evening there will be a Street Dance at the A&W featuring Kenny Shaw.The show and street dance are free to all who wish to attend. FMI visit www.cvclassiccruisers.com

JULY 29-AUGUST 1 — 34rd annual Filberg Festival. This is one of the largest festivals on Vancouver Island, with a huge lineup of artisans and performers to keep the entire family entertained. Situated on the grounds of the Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park in Comox, this four-day event features pottery,toys, woodcrafts, jewellery, paintings, glass, textiles and specialty foods from more from 130 different vendors. Food, entertainment and much more. Daily admission charged. FMI visit www.filbergfestival.com

JULY 30-AUGUST 1 — Comox Nautical Days. Enjoy a FREE, family friendly, and fun-filled Festival BC Day Long Weekend, in Comox Marina Park. The Annual Comox Nautical Days Festival returns with all the games, nautical competitions including Build, Bail and Sail, Bullhead Derby and Dragon Boat Races, outstanding entertainment and great food you’ve come to love and expect. Festival goers will have the opportunity to tour ORCA Class Naval Vessels, watch an open water Search and Rescue Demonstration and enjoy great performers by Vancouver Island Artists. Whether you’re cheering on the competitors or taking part in one of the many events, Comox Nautical Days Festival has something for everyone. For event details and schedule visit www.comoxnauticaldays.ca

AUGUST 12—Mount Washington’s Annual Wine Festival. Join us for an evening in the mountains with a variety of delicious wine samples and gourmet food. Back by popular demand is the Intimate guitar music of Chilean-born virtuoso Rodrigo Figueroa, performing his mix of Latin and Blues-inspired melodies. Wine seminar and silent auction. 6-9pm. Tickets online at https://www.mountwashington.ca/things-to-do/vents-calendar/event/190-alpine-wine-festival.html

AUGUST 19-21—Atmosphere Gathering Music and Arts Festival. Three stages showcase back-to-back talent of multiple genres. Live acts, djs, acrobatics, dance, spoken work—we have it all at Cumberland’s third music festival. Cumberland Park. Visit www.atmospheregathering.com for tickets and FMI.

AUGUST 21— Simon’s Cycles YANA Ride. Cyclists of all ages and abilities can take part in this fun and challenging ride through the beautiful Comox Valley. Routes of varying distances ensure everyone can participate. There is a 25km, 50km and a 100km loop as well as a 6km family route that allows riders of all ages to cycle together. For little ones not yet using pedals we will be hosting a special run bike event. A fundraiser for YANA. Last year the event raised over $44,000 for local families. Marina Park, Comox. FMI www.yanacomoxvalley.com/events

AUGUST 26—Filberg Summer Concert Series: Aaron Pritchett and special guests the Luke Blu Guthrie Band will be performing at Filberg Park. 7:30 pm. Tickets at www.filberg.tickit.ca for $31.50. Kids 12 and under free when accompanied by a ticketed adult.

AUGUST 26-28 — Comox Valley Exhibition. Celebrating its 142nd year of agriculture, Comox Valley Exhibition invites everyone to join in on the three days of jammed packed family fun. You can milk a goat, race a zucchini, watch the many farm animal and 4H shows and demonstrations, sink your teeth into a freshly made candy apple and sit back and enjoy the lumberjack shows and non-stop entertainment. Come experience the many wonders of Comox Valley rural life! www.cvex.ca

ONGOING EVENTS

EVERY SUNDAY — Bluegrass Brunch Sundays with Archie Pateman & Friends. 10:30 am. The Waverley, 2692 Dunsmuir Avenue, Cumberland • 250-336-8322 www.cumberlandvillageworks.com

EVERY MONDAY — Senior’s Program, Halbe Hall in Black Creek. Start with an hour-long fitness class, followed by a homemade lunch provided by the Black Creek Community Assoc. $5 drop-in. 250-337-5190 FMI.

EVERY MONDAY — The Woolgatherers. A guild-style fine fibre group with equipment, a library and skill sharing for spinners, weavers, knitters etc. 11:30am-3pm, Fallen Alders Hall, Royston. Everyone welcome. Call Meta, 250-339-0676 or Norma, 250-890-1218 FMI

EVERY MONDAY, TUESDAY, THURSDAY & FRIDAY — Al-Anon for people concerned about a loved one’s drinking. Mon, Tues and Fri 8 pm; Thurs 10 am. Call 250-334-2392 FMI.

EVERY TUESDAY — Fun Euchre, Courtenay Legion, 1:30 pm. Mixed pub darts at 7 pm.

EVERY TUESDAY — Drop-in meditation with Lucas every Tuesday, 7 pm at Ocean Resort, Oyster Bay (by $$ donations to the food banks). Call 250-792-3165.

EVERY TUESDAY — Universal Devotional Chanting and Meditation. Mystic Valley Voices Chanting Community. Little Red Church Healing Centre, 2182 Comox Avenue (at Alpine). 6:45-8:30pm. Everyone welcome! ChantMaster Oliver Clarke, 250-218-1688. Visit www.mysticvalleyvoices.org FMI.

EVERY TUESDAY — Regular Drop In Meditation and Teaching with Geshe YongDong at the Sherab Chamma Ling, Tibetan Bon Buddhist Centre. By donation. 407A 5th Street, Courtenay. www.sherabchammaling.com FMI.

EVERY TUESDAY — a Good Yarn Knitting & Crochet Circle meets at the Comox Library, 101-1720 Beaufort Avenue on Tuesday from 6-8 pm. Lessons, refreshments and some supplies are provided. All ages. Drop in. 250-339-1240 or [email protected] FMI.

EVERY WEDNESDAY — Drop-in darts at 1pm. Courtenay Legion.

EVERY WEDNESDAY — The Woolly Mammoth Craft Club is a free, all ages knitting circle ongoing Wednesday nights at Lake Trail School. 6:30-8pm at Lake Trail School (805 Willemar) in the school library. [email protected].

EVERY WEDNESDAY — Regular Drop In Silent Meditation Practice; two sessions: 7-7:30 pm & 7:35-8:05 pm. Sherab Chamma Ling, Tibetan Bon Buddhist Centre, 407A 5th Street, Courtenay. www.sherabchammaling.com FMI.

EVERY THURSDAY — Crib & Gucci, Courtenay Legion, 6:30 pm. Men’s darts at 7 pm.

EVERY THURSDAY — Thursday Jazz Club. In the past year the Jazz Club has had over 20 different host combos with 200+ musicians aged 13 to 80 years on the stage. The Avalanche Bar and Grill on Eight Street, Courtenay, 7:30-10:30 pm. www.georgiastraightjazz.com

EVERY THURSDAY — Thursday Night Open Jam. Stellar house band, ready to play music in almost any style! 9 pm. No cover. The Waverley, 2692 Dunsmuir Avenue, Cumberland • 250-336-8322. FMI visit www.cumberlandvillageworks.com

EVERY FRIDAY—CCTSC Cycling. Come join us one one of our weekly rides. We are a road cycling group of active adults and members of the cross Canada Cycle Tour Society. Meet at Florence Filberg Centre lower parking lot at 10am. We cycle at a medium pace of 20km/hr for a 40 to 80km ride.

EVERY FRIDAY — Conversation Group—a great opportunity to practice English in a safe and welcoming environment. Sponsored by the Immigrant Welcome Centre. Courtenay Branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library. Every Friday, 1-20 pm. Last Friday of the month, 1:30-3pm. Call Jean, 250-338-6359 FMI.

EVERY SATURDAY — Come and join the fun at the Comox Valley Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings from 9am-1pm. You will find the freshest produce and the best selection of seasonal vegetables, free-range poultry and eggs, ethnic foods, seafood, cheese and honey, fresh baking, natural skincare products, pet treats and more from the 50+ vendors. Come and meet the producers of your local food and enjoy live music every week. Every Saturday from 9am-1pm. FMI: www.cvfm.ca

JUNE 5, JULY 3 & AUGUST 7—Learn how to meditate! The simple and effective techniques of Sahaja Yoga Meditation will allow you to master stress, improve your health, face yourself, and achieve balance in every aspect of life. Ancient knowledge and practices are adapted to modern day needs for people of all ages and walks of life. Free, Courtenay Library from 1-2pm.

EVERY WEDNESDAY — Come and join the fun at the Comox Valley Farmers’ Market on Wednesday mornings from 9am-12:30pm in Downtown Courtenay. You will find the freshest produce and the best selection of seasonal vegetables, free-range poultry and eggs, ethnic foods, seafood, cheese and honey, fresh baking, natural skincare products, pet treats and more. FMI: www.cvfm.ca

EVERY SUNDAY — The Comox Valley Farmers’ Market will be in Cumberland this summer on Sundays from 11am-2pm. You will find the freshest produce and the best selection of seasonal vegetables, free-range poultry and eggs, ethnic foods, seafood, cheese and honey, fresh baking, natural skincare products, pet treats and more. FMI: www.cvfm.ca

GALLERIES

ART ALCHEMY STUDIO/GALLERY This unique space is home to working artists’ studios and their gallery. Come wander through and see paintings and glass art in the making. .362 10th Street Courtenay • www.artalchemy.ca

BETTY & NEIL BOYLE’S STUDIO AND GALLERY On display are oil paintings of numerous subjects such as figurative, floral and landscape, which reflect the use of the Impressionist palette. www.neilboyle.com • 250-338-0530.

BRENDA CALHOUN ARTWORKS Award-winning Courtenay artist. Realistic acrylic, mixed media and watercolor paintings of still lifes, florals and tranquil scenes. Phone? 250-897-1816 or visit www.brendacalhounartworks.com

BRIAN SCOTT FINE ART Colorful expressionist oil paintings by Brian Scott on display in his Gallery/Studio in Black Creek. Historical and local scenes from the Comox Valley and around BC. By appt 250-337-1941 • www.brianscottfineart.com

BRYAN KEMILA FINE ART STUDIO / GALLERY Original acrylic paintings and prints for sale, featuring the female form. Shows include Playboy’s Glamourcon Chicago & Los Angeles, Seattle Erotic Art Festival, Montreal Erotic Art Show, Vancouver’s Pan Pacific Taboo Show. Gallery open 10 – 4 Mon. to Sat. by appt. 250.338.7254 • 3021 Rachel Road, Courtenay • www.SigndesignBC.com

COMOX VALLEY ART GALLERY Regional public art gallery dedicated to exhibiting, interpreting and celebrating emergent contemporary art practice. 580A Duncan Ave., Courtenay • 250-338-6211 www.comoxvalleyartgallery.com

CORRE ALICE ART GALLERY Frelone’s Grocery in Cumberland has been transformed into an art gallery and studio space by professional artist Corre Alice. 2781 Dunsmuir Avenue, Cumberland

CREATIVE SPIRIT GLASS BEAD STUDIO Visit my studio to see the process of glass bead making (flame working) and view the wearable, handmade glass bead jewelry made on-site. 365 Ships Point Road, Fanny Bay. • 250-335-3355

CREEKSIDE GALLERY Fine art photographic prints by Vancouver Island artist David Innes. Vivid impressions of the West Coast, Provence, Colonial Mexico & more. 540 Salsbury Rd., Courtenay 250-703-4725 www.lapausebb.com/gallery

I-HOS GALLERY Northwest Coast native art, gold and silver jewelry, prints, carvings 3320 Comox Ave., Comox • ihosgallery.com • 250-339-7702

JOE SMITH STUDIO & GALLERY Original works of art in watercolors and acrylic painted in a realistic style. Local and west coast scenes. Art cards & prints also available. 5867 Garvin Road, Union Bay • www.joesmith.ca 250-335-2578

MARINER’S LOOKOUT ON COMOX BAY GALLERY/STUDIO Original acrylic paintings, life drawings and relief sculptures by Henrie Beaudoin and guest artists. Open most weekday afternoons 1-4:30 pm. 122 Stafford Street, Comox, BC 250-898-9010

NANCY J. MORRISON STAINED GLASS STUDIO Original works in stained glass showcasing various styles. Welcome to visit my studio/gallery located in “Tin Town”. Open Saturday 10 to 2 or by appointment. 2364 Rosewall Cr. Courtenay. 334-0262

PEARL ELLIS GALLERY to June 19—“Highland Secondary School”, Group Show & Sale; June 21-July 17—Pearl Ellis Gallery Members’ People’s Choice Awards Show & Sale; July 19-August 7: “Musings”, Show & Sale by Bruce & Barbara Martin; August 9-28—“Good Intentions’, Show & Sale by Stephanie Good, David Good & Brenda Chalifoux-Luscombe. 1729 Comox Avenue, Comox • www.pearlellisgallery.com • 250-339-2822

POTTERS PLACE Our gallery and shop has been in operation for 15 years and showcases the largest selection of stoneware, porcelain, raku and specialty firings in BC. Run by a collective of enthusiastic potters. www.thepottersplace.ca • 180B 5th St., Courtenay • 250-334-4613

RICHARD MENARD STUDIO/GALLERY Wood and stone sculpture and painting. Richard’s work is an eclectic mix of eastern philosophy and West Coast materials, style and form—subtle, exquisite and powerful works rooted in and inspired by nature and healing. 6141 Lacon Road, Denman Island. • www.richardmenard.com

SHELLEY’S STUDIO The home-based Comox studio of designer/artist Shelley Barr is open by appointment only. Unique textile art wall hangings, pillows and clothing as well as her mixed media collage paintings and photography. 250-334-7407 • [email protected] • www.shelleystudio.ca

STOFER GALLERY A welcoming home studio and gallery on Denman Island. Features a wide range of expressionist paintings by Canadian artist Dawn Stofer. 5305 East Road, Denman Island • www.stofergallery.com • 250-335-3246

TERESA KNIGHT ART STUDIO View original paintings by Teresa Knight at her studio in Union Bay. By appointment 250-335-3234 or www.teresaknight.com