Amid the flurry of Halloween events on the Coast, one in particular exemplified the community’s artful approach to helping people in need. The Day of the Dead variety show at Sunnycrest Mall on Oct. 30 united dancers from the Gibsons Dance Centre, local musicians, and performers from the Driftwood Players Pop-Up Theatre program.
Donations collected during the skeletal spectacle benefited the Building Together project of the Sunshine Coast Community Services Society, which promotes affordable housing for women and children. Cadaverous makeup and florid costumes kept dozens of young spectators entertained. Hip hop sensation Connor Dixon rendered an original dance solo that encapsulated the frenzied verve of the autumnal season.
Day of the Dead event coordinator (and Art Beat correspondent) Conchita Harding writes, “I take this opportunity to thank the Sunnycrest Mall, Driftwood Players, Gerardo Avila, La Zarmari, Gibsons Dance Centre, Sechelt Witches, PaceSetters and all the many hours that volunteers worked on this fundraiser and to all the public that came to enjoy a fun family cultural event. This project is so vital for our communities with your help we will build it, if we missed your donation please send it — donate today via 50women.ca to the Sunshine Coast Community Services Society for affordable housing for women and children. Thanks to you all for your continued support.”
Escape with dignity
The Sunshine Coast Film Society will present its Remembrance Day screening of The Great Escaper on Monday, Nov. 11 and Tuesday Nov. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Heritage Playhouse in Gibsons, and on Thursday Nov. 14, at 2 p.m. at the Raven’s Cry Theatre in Sechelt.
Based on true events, the movie tells the story of octogenarian Second World War veteran Bernie Jordan (played by Michael Caine) who in 2014, staged a “great escape” from his care home to join fellow war veterans on a beach in Normandy for the 70th Anniversary of the D-Day landings.
Society membership is required for admission to screenings. Memberships and tickets are available for cash at the door and online at scfs.ca (ages 18+).
Art for the community
Venerable auctioneer (and an accomplished artist himself) Ed Hill will preside over an art auction benefit on Nov. 16 at High Beam Dreams in Gibsons.
Artists including Marleen Vermuelen, Teryl Mullock, Sandy Kay, Charlie Mithrush, Marlene Lowden, Cindy Riach and 44 others have donated their works to help fill the gap in funding for affordable rental housing for women and a community hub for services and programs.
The reception will include canapés, cocktails and competitive bidding in live and silent auctions.
All proceeds from the auction will benefit the Building Together project of the Sunshine Coast Community Services Society, which will break ground this fall.
Tickets are available for purchase online at highbeamdreams.com.
