We are proud to announce the launch of the new Rotary Centre for the Arts website! The updated website features a new modern look, easier navigation, and all the info you need to stay up-to-date.

To view the new website visit www.RotaryCentrefortheArts.com. We encourage our members to add the new website to their favorites list for the latest news and updates. We hope you enjoy the new look as much as we do!

The Kelowna Visual and Performing Arts Centre Society has announced that a studio space will become available at the Rotary Centre for the Arts on August 1, 2009.

Visual artists and art organizations in the community interested in full-time studio space are encouraged to apply in writing by June 14, 2009.

After being a resident artist since 2005, Janice Fingado of Studio 203 is on the move to Tucson, Arizona. All of the staff at the RCA would like to wish Janice the best of luck in her future endeavors. Janice, who never ceases to be an inspiration, will be missed very much by the staff and all of her students.

In keeping with the mandate to offer studios as art production spaces in which artists can nurture their creative growth and establish their artistic careers, the successful applicant will receive an offer to lease for one year.

The lease rate for studio 203 with utilities is $10 per square foot or $308.33 per month, and is subject to an annual increase by EPI effective January 1, 2010. The lease rate for non-profit organizations will be based on two-thirds of these rates. The 2008 property taxes ranged from $700-$1000 annually based on studio square footage.

For further information please contact the Rotary Centre for the Arts at (250) 717-5304.

Sunshine Theatre would like to remind season subscribers that the Early Bird Subscription offer is only available until June 30th.

This year, Sunshine Theatre Early Bird Subscriptions are being offered at a lower, more affordable rate.

At only $90 per adult and $40 per student, subscribers will not want to miss this great opportunity to secure great seats at a very affordable price.

Sunshine Theatre is also offering two free subscriptions for those who purchase ten or more subscriptions, and for sponsor donations of $500 (charitable tax receipt included). For details on the new season click here.

With summer holidays just around the corner, the Rotary Centre for the Arts would like to remind parents to include the Summer Arts Blast Program in their summer holidays schedule.

Featuring a wide selection of fun and creative arts activities, Arts Blast is the total arts experience for children ages 5-11. The 5-day arts camp will allow your child to explore the power of imagination through classes in Art, Music, Drama and Dance.

Guided by talented and inspiring "top flight" instructors, Arts Blast will give your child the opportunity for individual learning and growth. A showcase will be featured on the last day of camp.

Registration for the Summer Arts Blast Program is $230 per child. Two seperate sessions are available to choose from: July 6-10th and July 13-17th from 9am-4pm.

Remember to register early, as the Summer Arts Blast was a big hit last year! For more information on Arts Blast or to register online visit www.RotaryCentrefortheArts.com.

Coming in August '09, teens can learn how to design and create a mural which will cover one cement wall inside the music room at the Rotary Centre for the Arts.

Accomplished artists Jorden and David Doody will work with the group to design and paint the mural, while teaching students the techniques and styles necessary for creating large murals.

Jorden and David are a collaborative team who received their BFA at UBC Okanagan. Their art practice combines painting, drawing, sculpting and new media. Over the last seven years they have taught various art workshops with ages ranging from five to seventy-five. They find inspiration through traveling with their children, and by experiencing the world and its colorful cultures.

During the interactive project students will work with brushes, rollers and paint pens to master this art form, without having to worry about being chased away by large dogs or night patron.

Project dates are: Fri & Sat, August 7, 8 & 14, 15 from 4-8pm. Ages 12 to 18 are welcome. To learn more about the mural project visit www.RotaryCentrefortheArts.com and to view a time-lapse video the '08 mural creation click here.

Marc Arellano: Brazeros/"Arms"

This photo exhibit is based on images taken by Mexican migrant workers who documented their lives while working in the Okanagan for the 2008, fruit-picking season.

Marc Arellano, an Instructor of Communications at Okanagan College, distributed six, single-use cameras to four orchards in the Central Okanagan: Sam Dimaria Orchards, Coral Beach Orchards, Tony Dimaria Orchards and Stirling Orchards.

In the summer of 2007, letters to the editor of the Capital News framed the emerging community of Mexican migrant workers as a threat to the safety of Kelowna residents. These messages objectified and "othered" the members of the Mexican migrant worker community.

When we drive in and around Kelowna, or shop at local stores, we often see many of the Mexican workers busy in the orchards or picking up supplies for the week. The irony is that they are seen but are invisible. We often forget that they are more than "stoop labour," that they have families, are loved and share a common humanity with us.

In response, this project seeks to provide an opportunity for this group of workers to re-frame their own identity through the images they themselves have participated in creating. These photos are their voice. We have to remember that in a discourse of self and other, "otherness" is dependent on the position of the speaker.

Marc's work will be on display from June 1-30 in the Galleria and can be viewed daily from 8am-8pm.

This month in the Atrium & Mezzanine...
Doors of Perception
June 1-30, 2009

Doors of Perception features a selection of painted doors and other works created by the painting group heART FIT.

Display Cases...
Various works by Janice Fingado

The Rotary Centre for the Arts would like to remind members that submissions to the Evergreen Art Gallery are being accepted until June 30th.

Please note this is a juried exhibition. Artists are welcome to submit up to 5 works for consideration. All artworks submitted must include a gallery appraisal, which will accompany the artwork when it is sold. There is no fee to enter.

The appraisal process is simple: if you are already in a gallery, your gallery can provide the appraisal letter. If you are not in a gallery, visit Gallery 421 at the Rotary Centre for the Arts, or Alissa at A Woodside Design Gallery on Pandosy. If you have sold a similar work, take a sales receipt with you to help determine the starting price.

Appraisals are a great way for artists to experience the appraisal process and build relationships with gallery owners. Alternatively, gallery owners are introduced to new artists and their work, while gaining valuable advertising for their business.

If you would like more information on the Evergreen Art Gallery, please contact Julia Trops at julia@juliatrops.com or visit www.RotaryCentrefortheArts.com.

In January 2009, a call to artists in the Okanagan for the Okanagan Erotic Art Show was placed. The theme, Raw... Whispers.

Over forty artists answered that call, and of the finalists chosen, eighty-five artworks were submitted to the show. The jury had an incredible time deciding on the look of the show, and the artworks to be displayed.

With the stage set, the Okanagan Erotic Art Show will be available for viewing through June 1-30 at the A Woodside Design Gallery located on 1561 Pandosy Street, Kelowna. Guests are welcome to come to the opening on Thursday June 4th, 6-10 pm, to view and purchase these incredible artworks, all by local artists.

A catalog of the works, compiled by RCA resident artist Julia Trops is available for purchase through the A Woodside Design Gallery. A mini preview is also available online by visiting www.lulu.com.

On April 30th, a special donor appreciation celebration was held at the Rotary Centre for the Arts.

The evening featured an exclusive performance by world renowned pianist William Joseph, followed by a private reception.

The Rotary Centre for the Arts would like to thank each of our key contributors and supporters for their years of commitment and on-going support.

We would also like to congratulate Maria Leitch, the winner of the evening's draw prize. Since its inception over 15 years ago, the RCA has grown into a thriving multi-disciplinary arts centre, offering a variety of programming and events year-round.

With over 2,550 facility bookings in 2008 and already over 1,700 bookings scheduled this year, the RCA is well on its way to full utilization.

As the public responds to these successes, the future of the RCA lies in its ability to build upon this response. With the support of our key contributors, annual fundraisers and the RCA Endowment Fund, the Rotary Centre for the Arts continues to offer quality programming to all ages in the community.

The Rotary Centre for the Arts would like to thank Wilden, Edgecombe Builders, Authentech Homes, Meadow Ridge Homes, Fawdry Homes and Rykon for their involvement in the Wilden Art Promenade.

Held May 1-3, the event featured a public art exhibition in a selection of stunning show homes, a community barbeque, and onsite artist demonstrations.

Visitors were given the opportunity to meet artists in person to discuss their work, while experiencing spectacular show home living.

The Rotary Centre for the Arts would like to congratulate Fred & Johanna Lehman, the winners of the fabulous door prize; a trip for two to Paris!

Commenting on the event, RCA Executive Director, Tracie Ward said, "The Art Promenade is such a great opportunity for artists to show their work in a beautiful setting. We are very appreciative of Wilden's vision for this event and look forward to collaborating with each of the builders in the future."

For the ninth consecutive year, the Rotary Centre for the Arts will be teaming up with Wilden for the 10th annual Homes for the Holidays event. All proceeds raised during Homes for the Holidays are used to support of Community Programming at the RCA.

The Rotary Centre for the Arts is seeking local builders and homeowners who are interested in participating in this year's Homes for the Holidays.

For more information please contact Tracie Ward at (250) 717-5304 ext 109 or email tward@rotarycentreforthearts.com.

Kelowna Visual & Performing Arts Centre Society would like to inform its members that the year end has changed from December 31, 2008 to June 30, 2009.

Due to the change, the Annual General Meeting will be held at 5pm on June 16, 2009 followed by a short three-month term until the next AGM scheduled for 6pm on September 22, 2009.

The June AGM will include a presentation of the 2008 annual audited financial statements and election of the board.

The current board is recommending that the five directors entering the second year of a two year term (Lori Field, Ken Ihas, Sue Goodwin, Tyler Neels and Grace Young) form the board of directors for the short period of June through September.

Please also mark your calendars for September 22nd, 2009 to attend the Annual General Meeting for the year ended of June 30, 2009.

During the September AGM a full slate of directors will be presented by the board, with 5 directors to be nominated for a one-year term and 5 directors to be nominated for a two-year term. Members may be elected for nomination from the floor.

Should your KVPACS membership be expired, you may renew it up to and including the time of the AGM. Non-members will not be permitted to attend the meeting. We look forward to seeing you at the AGM.

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