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From the Oscars to the All Island's Art show

Charlotte Communiques by Evelyn von Almassy: All Islands Art Show opening at the Haida Gwaii Museum. Be prepared to be awed by the works.

Tonight at 7 p.m. is the All Islands Art Show opening at the Haida Gwaii Museum. Be prepared to be awed by the works.

Besides this event, one of my most favourite days of the year is coming on Sunday, February 28th. I am writing about it early so as to give you time to put it on your calendar. I have been known to host “Oscar Gatherings”, with prizes for those who can predict who the Academy Award goes to for best actor, film, director or sound editor, among other categories. The Red Carpet portion of the event begins around 4 p.m. on the same date. Because of inane questions as “Who are you wearing tonight?”, which is usually asked of the women who walk the carpet, there has been a backlash against these questions. Yes, it is interesting to see who can shell out $20,000 for a dress for this event, but there are other possible questions which could be asked, as for example, “What is the most interesting book that you have read this year, or which movie is the most likely winner of best film?” But we’ll see if the questions veer from the fashion ones. After all, most of the women who walk the carpet are intelligent actors, who have been in the business a long time. So put the date on your calendar, and get those snacks ready; the program is often three or four hours long, so get into your comfy clothes and turn off your phone!

The “Operation Refugees Haida Gwaii” initiative continues to organize great fundraising events. Tomorrow, Saturday, February 20th at 6 p.m. is a “Soup & Movie” evening, in the Eric Ross Room at the back of the Charlotte Community Hall. Literacy Haida Gwaii is offering this event, with the showing of “The Golden Spruce” film which is a gripping tale and beautiful cinematography on Haida Gwaii. 100% of the proceeds of the event goes towards the Syrian refugees project, so come out and support this showing. If you haven’t seen the film yet, you will be amazed at the different perspectives on the tragic cutting of the beautiful golden spruce, and if you have seen it before, you will notice things you didn’t see in the first viewing.

The next day, Sunday, February 21st is a special luncheon, which will feature traditional Haida food by Roberta Olson and Indian food by Kiku Dharwant. Now that will be a tasty combination, won’t it? It is a fundraiser for the two young women who attended the “Changing the Menu” conference in Montreal. Kiku is the “farm to table” coordinator for the islands’ schools’ lunch program. Sandwiches do not need to be the daily fare anymore, and this is our chance to taste what is on the menu for the kids on Haida Gwaii. Just go to the Skidegate Hall at 12:30 p.m. to have a taste of the offerings. It is a perfect opportunity to taste good food, support a great program, and get out of the kitchen this Sunday.

Haida Inkk is open for business across from Queen B’s! This tattoo parlour is exquisite and to see some of Greg’s work, google “Haida Inkk”. Tattoos are on more people’s bodies than ever, and many of the tattoos are literally stunning works of art. It is worth the trip to his shop, just to read the notice that Greg Williams has posted about his hours of business; just like him it is very clever and funny. His cell number is on the front of his store, so give him a call for your appointment.

The art show with the theme of “Faces” is up at Queen B’s. There are fifteen pieces, with “unique teen-aged art”. This is a showing of some of James Reid’s students of Q.C.S.S., as well as some students who are not enrolled in his art class. The opening was last Saturday, and the show is up for at least three weeks.

On Friday, February 26th, the Haida Gwaii Coffee House will present “Harmony & Kaz” at 7 p.m. at the Legion. They are multi-instrumentalists and song writers who will present an interesting evening of music.

Please send your news to almassy@qcislands.net by Thursdays at 2 p.m. Enjoy the last week of this leap year, and watch out for that leap year date of February 29th! You may be asked for your hand in marriage. Be prepared with your answer.