SURREY — We are in a comfort zone. We like to wear jeans and T-shirts, canvas shoes and yoga pants, and sometimes even (here, I shudder) pyjama bottoms as acceptable day wear. Dressing up for a gala theatre event might entail throwing a bit of bling into the ensemble. We are comfortable. Sure, I like comfort, too. With aging eyesight, I would rather not drive into unknown areas of any city at night. I might — and probably will — get lost. Oh yes, it is soooo much more comfortable to hunker down at home after a long day at work with a book and blanket, and watch homerenovation shows on TV.
But hey, we didn't get buried in six feet of snow like Boston. In one day. That would be a good reason to hunker down with book and blanket for a day or two. That is a good excuse to not venture out for anything, let alone energize yourself to get out and do something different. That is a good reason to stay in that comfort zone. We need to challenge ourselves to break out of that comfort zone. Physical activity is good for you. Scientifically, we need to get those cellular mitochondria fired up pumping out energy. Use it or lose it. Sit and stagnate, literally. Try something every now and then that is outside your comfort zone.
One of the biggest challenges for non-artistic folk is a visit to our city's contemporary art gallery. Staff at Surrey Art Gallery (SAG) have certainly challenged me over the years, and I must confess that I don't consider everything on exhibition as art. Sometimes it is just not in my comfort zone. But we don't have to love every work of art. We don't have to even understand it. We should, however, appreciate the fact the gallery keeps us challenged to "think outside the box" and explore all the potentials of a creative life.
On Feb. 27, from 8 to 11 p.m., the gallery invites us to discover the "art" in party with a retro-inspired evening of art and live performance. Their InFlux event is an immersive experience that mixes a cocktail of DIY art-making, live music, hip-hop dance, spoken word, as well as compelling visual and performance art. Woooo. Performance art. Sounds so New York-y. But apparently there is a growing social hub in Surrey for checking out and creating art with friends. Who knew? This is an all-ages event. No tickets needed (donation at the door of $5 minimum per person is welcomed). Beverages will be available for purchase.
Semiahmoo artist Roxanne Charles and James Dawson will present a piece of performance art, with singing and hand drumming, that explores the tension between consumer and traditional cultures. The Rupe and Puma Busking Experiment will share their street-inspired busking routine, bringing together hip-hop and spoken word. Throughout the evening, The Star Captains band will serve up fresh musical jams, including an innovative set with DJ JT. Participants can also get their hands dirty making cardboard hats and snapping poses
in the time-travelling photo booth. InFlux is presented as part of the Surrey Art Gallery exhibition Views from the Southbank: Histories, Memories and Myths, first in a series of three exhibitions celebrating art from and about Surrey in connection with the gallery's 40th anniversary. How long is it since you made a paper hat? Forty years? Well, well.
Maybe you aren't ready for making paper hats and performance art, so you might be more comfortable attending a Thursday Artist Talk hosted by SAGA (Surrey Art Gallery Association). In this monthly event, the group invites exhibiting artists to discuss their works.
You may not think the topic interests you, but hey, we are talking about getting out of your comfort zone. Small steps.
On March 5, East Vancouver-based artist Lori Goldberg will share her creative lifestyle. She believes that "limitless boundaries" in many areas of her life are so important to her creative process. "Curiosity, experimentation, and engagement of all my senses are the guiding forces that assist me to create unique and original art," says Goldberg. "My personal experiences inform my work, but through the process of exploration, the work goes beyond the individual into universal truths."
At the evening event (7:30 p.m. start), Goldberg will take listeners on a journey that begins in her formative years and winds itself to the present. Time for questions (and refreshments) is allotted, and you will be all done by 9 p.m. This event is presented by Surrey Art Gallery Association in partnership with Surrey Art Gallery, and with support from the Arts Council of Surrey. Lots of people are involved here who dedicate themselves to challenging us to look a bit outside our personal comfort zone. You might just discover something rewarding.
Note that SAGA is a non-profit society that offers its members the opportunity to participate in and respond to contemporary art, and be part of a community that actively supports Surrey Art Gallery. Volunteers.
The gallery is located at 13750 88th Ave., in Bear Creek Park (call 604-501-5566 for info, or visit Surrey.ca/artgallery). There is plenty of free parking. You will feel comfortable there, no matter what the occasion.