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Arts being elevated to night heights in Courtenay

May 5 celebration will offer entertainment all over city - even on buses
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50th Parallel are part of a huge lineup of entertainers for Elevate the Arts on May 5 in Courtenay.

The Comox Valley’s a pretty special place especially when it comes to the arts. In fact, it’s been said we have the highest percentage of artists per capita in Canada.

While that comment might be difficult to prove, people who live here know they can sample a wide range of artistic endeavors every week of the year.

But all in one day?

Is it possible to attend an avant-garde craft market, hear writers read, watch painters work plein air, listen to tons of music — even on a bus — and take a photo workshop on a Saturday in downtown Courtenay?

The arts community says yes! Elevate the Arts promises all the above and more on May 5 from 10 a.m. to midnight or later.

“The response has been incredible,” says Bobby Herron, vice-chair of the Comox Valley Community Arts Council (CVCAC) and associate producer for Elevate the Arts. “We got the word out and now the one-day event is bursting at the seams.”

Organizers hope the inaugural Elevate the Arts will launch an annual destination arts festival to showcase the talent and creative energy of Valley artists.

Herron mentioned “destination arts festival” at a CVCAC meeting for another event and the concept grew from there.

“We have a fairly large team of brilliant people putting this together,” says Herron. “Meaghan (Cursons) and I have a good co-ordinating machine going in our office but having people like Dallas Stevenson of CVCAC and Anh Le from the Comox Valley Art Gallery onboard have really helped get the arts community involved.”

“Expect the unexpected” is a frequently heard mantra of the Elevate the Arts publicity machine. One unusual twist to this arts festival is music on the buses.

“The transit people have enthusiastically agreed to allow some musicians to perform on on buses,” says Herron. “And taking the bus is a good way to get to the event as there’s going to be a lot happening downtown. We really encourage people to be creative about their parking or transit options.”

Once you reach downtown there are multiple venues to explore.

At the Courtenay Museum, Shawn Pigott will show clips from his 52 Weeks Project. Pigott’s goal is to write, direct, score and edit a short film each week for a year. At the screening Pigott will discuss the challenges of his project, as well as how it’s changed his life.

In the Underground Arts and Crafts Fair at the Lower Elks Hall, Anita Kalnay will provide natural perfumes to “light up your life.”

“The Flying Colors MUSE collection uses only 100 per cent natural plant essences,” explains Kalnay. “So people who have trouble with scents, like myself, can use and enjoy these perfumes with no problems.”

“True natural perfumes can take you deep into the imagination, paint picture memories and arouse the senses to elevate and engage you,” continues Kalnay. “Much of my work as a perfumist is to educate the public on the joy of scent and its value as a therapeutic and inspirational medium.”

If you’re curious about the oldest house in Courtenay, stroll up to 443 Fourth St. Creech House was built in the 1890s and has recently undergone a major reno. Get a glimpse of the past and watch wood carving demonstrations by Roger Friesen.

If you like your arts on the lively side visit the CVAG plaza to watch Jake West. For the past 10 years West has honed his clown and prop manipulation skills on the road as he’s toured North America and Japan.

Photography is also part of the all-day art festival. At Zocalo Café, Gordon Ross explores permanent body adornment with his tattoo show and Karen McKinnon gets an early start on the festival with a walking photography workshop beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Plan to take your time and explore every nook and cranny of downtown Courtenay. Look for painters in alleys, a mini-writers festival in the Courtenay Museum and crafts and kids’ activities spilling out onto the pavement.

Over half the events take place outside but there are numerous outdoor venues. “We have contingency plans in case it rains,” says Herron. “But, if that seems likely, we encourage people to bring their umbrellas. We’re all hardy B.C. folks; a little rain shouldn’t deter us from enjoying the arts.”

To find out more about the eclectic events taking place on May 5 visit www.elevatethearts.com. There are links to artists’ websites and venue schedules are being posted as they’re confirmed. Programs will be available for purchase the day of the event.

“Everybody can be part of Elevate the Arts,” says Herron. “We can always use more volunteers. If you’re willing to help, we’ll find something for you to do. Visit the website and follow the Get Involved link.”