SURREY — Don’t we all have a creative side to our nature? I am sure that lurking in the heart of every pragmatist, mathematician or aesthete, there lurks a spark or ember of creativity. Or, the artist within, if you like. Surrey Arts Centre is offering a “Family Sunday” event on Oct. 16, from noon to 4 p.m., where you are encouraged to get creative.
You and your whole family are invited to make art out of unusual objects. Drop in and get messy with hands-on art activities like sculpting, stamping and sketching. There will be art-making activities throughout the afternoon and an interactive puppets and music performance at 2 p.m. The event is free. Everyone is welcome, but children must be with an adult. Get inspiration from the current gallery exhibitions, then just get down and dirty and create.
Collaborate with exhibiting artist Jay Bundy Johnson to assemble a surprising “still life” of styrofoam and dismantled toys, and then record your own impressions of it using brightly coloured pastels. Design and construct your own art-monster paper lantern, adorning it with googly eyes, sharp teeth, antennae and more. You’ll also have the opportunity to play with robots and gadgets created by Surrey’s Makercube. So many messy and scary opportunities while creating something.
Join artists Maggie Winston and Laura Barron as they transport you to an imaginary world in the interactive fairy tale “Captain Creative Saves the Day,” combining puppetry, music, dance and printmaking. Free tickets on site; seating is limited.
This all sounds like a perfect Sunday for getting in touch with your creative self. And of course you all know where the arts centre is, right? It’s in the southeast corner of Bear Creek Park. Need more help? Phone 604-501-5566. Go ahead, get creative.
Maybe you already consider yourself to be a very creative and visual arts type of person. The City of Surrey has a Public Art Street Program, and the artist call for entries for the 2017 Street Banner Design is out. The theme this year is “Canada, Our Home,” intended to engage people in celebrating Canada’s 150th anniversary as a country rich in history, culture and diversity. The banners will beautify streetscapes and foster a sense of pride in being Canadian. The award for the final design is $2,500. The deadline is Oct. 24 at 4 p.m. Files must be submitted electronically to publicart@surrey.ca with the subject, “2017 Public Art Banners.”
The competition is open to all visual artists currently living in British Columbia (including graphic artists, book designers, illustrators and art students). The finalist will be announced on the website on Nov. 22.
The Public Art Banner program was established in 2000 in addition to, and distinct from, the city’s town centre beautification/branding and special event banner marketing program. The winning banners will be displayed in City Centre along University Drive and 100th Avenue and along King George Boulevard at 88th Ave. So again, get creative and use that artistic soul within. For more info, contact Anita Green, public art co-ordinator, at publicart@surrey.ca.
Just saw the White Rock Players production of “Frankenstein 1930.” This classic Mary Shelley tale of terror was written in 1816, so this production puts this iconic monster story in a more modern period. While initially warned that it would be too scary for younger children, I don’t think it was at all scary. The audience was more inclined to twitter with laughter than gasp with terror. I think we are all just too modern now and know what scary things science can actually accomplish. But, all in all, there were some very fine – if character inconsistent – performances, and again, the audience enjoyed it all. Take the kids. They will love it. The show runs at the Coast Capital Playhouse in White Rock until Oct. 15. Phone for tickets, 604-536-7535.
Frankly, I was gratified that “Frankenstein 1930” was not so scary. I just don’t do well with scary. Me and my sensitive artistic soul. So Shelley had a dream, and that dream formed the basis for the Frankenstein story. Move over, Mary. My scary dreams are really frightening. That’s why I avoid scary movies, reality shows, presidential debates, and sometimes the news. That’s just me – escapist, but creative.
If you are totally up for something scarier, Historic Stewart Farm House is hosting a “Scary Movie Night” on Thursday Oct. 27 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Before “The Walking Dead” and “iZombie,” there was 1932’s “White Zombie,” and the farmhouse is all decked out in creepy fashion for this screening of the first-ever zombie movie. Your $5 admission includes popcorn, hot chocolate and chills. Pre-register by calling 604-592-6956. The farmhouse is at 13723 Crescent Rd., South Surrey.