Budding artists can celebrate spring by sculpting cherry blossoms crafted from candy, fruit leather and icing to hang on a chocolate branch.
It’s one of a number of unique, hands-on activities planned by 2016 Branscombe House artist-in-residence Rhonda Weppler, as part of her year-long program of free artful fun.
On Sunday, March 13 and Sunday, April 10, from noon to 4 p.m., visitors are invited to Open Studio days to get a behind the scenes look at Weppler’s creative process while working on a public sculpture.
While there, they can celebrate the cherry tree, one of Richmond’s iconic harbingers of spring, by creating their own imaginative and edible cherry blossoms.
Before taking the sculpture home to eat, Weppler will photograph it and digitally combine it with other images to create a fantasy cherry tree forest mural to be installed for public viewing at a later date.
This is a drop-in event, but budding artists are invited to RSVP to ensure there are enough materials by calling 604-276-4300 or visiting Richmond.ca/Register (course No. 1409022 and indicate March 13 or April 10 date).
Weppler’s Open Studio day on Sunday, May 8, will feature a different hands-on activity to be announced soon.
For adults (and children aged 12–15 with an adult) looking for a more intensive experience, the artist offers a repeat of her fully-booked Tiny Paintings of Tiny Things, a three-part beginner acrylic painting workshop offered over three Thursday evenings (March 10, 17 and 24, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.).
All materials will be provided for this mini-course where participants will learn how to paint a miniature still life as they learn about the history of the genre. Pre-registration is required (only eight spots available); call
604-276-4300 or Richmond.ca/Register (course No.1407876).
Design Maritime Fest poster
Richmond-based visual artists and graphic designers again have a chance to create this year’s signature artwork for the annual Richmond Maritime Festival.
The winning artwork will become the poster image for the 13th annual festival, one of Richmond’s most popular summertime festivals, which takes place at Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site on Aug. 6 and 7.
The poster image, to convey Steveston’s maritime heritage, will be seen throughout Metro Vancouver in print and online advertising, brochures, transit shelter advertising, site decor and other City of Richmond promotional materials over the summer. The selected artist will receive a $500 honorarium.
In April, the winning artist will be announced and the final artwork will be made public in early June.
Last year, local artist David Akselrod created a memorable artwork capturing the fun, maritime theme of the festival and the natural and historic beauty of its historic site.
Artists who wish to be considered for this project are invited to submit a portfolio of up to five work samples (in electronic format). The deadline to submit is Thursday, March 31, 2016.
Submissions can be submitted via email to [email protected] For more information, call the city’s major events and film office at 604-247-4659.
