By Dan White – Special to the Sydenham Current
This week we have the artistic equivalent of “what we see hear and think”. Since Dave and I began this journey (writing a weekly arts column in Wallaceburg) in February of 2019 a lot has evolved. The next phase of that evolution for me is another way to keep arts at the fore across CK.
I reached out to Greg Hetherington a few years ago with the seed of an idea, “Let’s do a regular radio spot that highlights arts in CK”. It has taken some time for the stars to align but that goal is now a reality.
I brought the idea to Greg again a few months ago and he thought it was time to give it a go. We began considering potential sponsors and when I presented the concept to the board of directors at CK Arts and Culture Network, Laurie Langford, our treasurer, suggested that it aligned with the goals of an arts council to actively promote and fund the promotion of arts events in the community. A unanimous vote followed and the launch of “Art of the Matter” was a reality on CKXS 99.1. We do not have a regular date and time of each month yet, but this month I promoted area arts events on April 23 – Shakespeare’s birthday.
Once we have a set time, I will include it in a future column and you can listen to arts events from across CK. In the meantime, CKXS will be running regular spots each week to promote and support events coming up. As was the case 5 years ago when I approached Dave Gough with the idea of a local arts column, I am inviting local artists to contact me at Dan@ckartsandculturenetwork.com to help get the word out about arts events across CK.
There are a number of activities coming up in May.
Wine and chat at TAG
Thursday May 9 from 7 – 8:30 the Thames Art Gallery presents Art and Wine. A chance to Enjoy a glass of wine, nibbles, and a conversation about art. $20
CKACN Studio Tour artists applications
Are you an artist creating in CK? CKACN is currently planning its second annual CK Studio Tour. For applications visit the CK Arts and Culture Network Facebook page or contact Chris Ford at the Art and heirloom Shoppe – 519-401-3083. The deadline has been extended to April 30, 2024 – and if you read this a few days after the deadline, contact Chris to see if the committee can squeeze you in. The tour will be taking place Sept 28 -29 in several communities across the county. Our inaugural tour had over 300 people walk through area studios. Joni and I participated in the tour and it was an incredibly interesting and fun experience as we spoke with a number of CK artists and toured the places they create. This year’s event is already much bigger than last year. Don’t miss out.
2024 Arts and Culture Heroes event
Applications for the 3rd annual CKACN Heroes event sponsored by Waste Connections Canada and the municipality of CK are available on the CKACN Facebook page. Among our previous 24 inductees are musician Michelle Wright from Merlin, writer Robertson Davies from Thamesville and photographer Larry Towel from Becher. If you know a prominent artist that you believe should be considered for their significant contribution to arts in CK, submit an application. If you happen top be at the Kiwanis Theatre in Chatham, take a look at the CKACN Wall of Fame. An exciting new category added this year is an emerging youth artist scholarship. Applications for this $1,000 award, sponsored by CKACN, are available on our Facebook page.
Local live theatre
Speaking of the Kiwanis Theatre, Theatre Kent presents, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown with the production team headed by Director by Linda Schinkel, Musical Director Amy Clifford and Chorographer Brianna Cernanec. Charlie Brown takes the Kiwanis stage May 23 -25. Tickets are available through cktickets.com
Wallaceburg Brass Quintet and Friends
Wallaceburg Brass Quintet and friends present an afternoon of great music May 25 at 2 pm. Come to Trinity United Church for a free concert showcasing several small ensembles comprised of local musicians. The music is wonderful, diverse and the event is a fun show case of local musical talent. Joining us this concert will be Jan Barnes and the Wadukes. They make Ukulele cool!
Clarinet Recital in Wallaceburg
Local clarinetist, Gavin Warren, will be presenting his next recital May 31 at 7 pm at Wallaceburg Christian Reform Church, 150 Bruinsma Ave. $20 at the door. If you haven’t taken in one of Gavin’s recitals, come out to hear some incredible music by a very talented musician. Even if you know nothing about clarinet or the music Gavin presents, watching his fingers fly across the instrument will have you spell bound. Come out to see this incredibly talented musician in Wallaceburg. Gavin’s recitals are supported by CKACN and WDCA.
Podcast
Are you looking for something to listen to? CKACN is proud to present an exciting new project – a new Podcast, ArtFusion. ArtFusion is an audio podcast that explores the various forms of art and culture in Chatham-Kent by showcasing the community of creative people who make it happen in engaging conversation. Among the podcasts are local artist, Troy Brooks, entrepreneur and broadcaster, Greg Hetherington and Filmmaker, Rob Bellamy. This project is sponsored by CKACN.
Provincial Byelection and arts
CKACN has sent a short questionnaire addressing arts interests to candidates in the May 2, provincial byelection. The responses will be posted on our Facebook page to inform those who support arts and culture in our community as they head to the polls.
