Arts

Really, the word “art” barely even has any place in that headline, or in the scene that The Orange Balloon Dog: Bubbles, Turmoil and Avarice in the Contemporary Art Market documents. In the book, author Don Thompson—who has several books to his name, all focusing on the same theme—shows how the modern contemporary art world […]

Saturday, June 17 until Monday, September 4 Cumberland before WWII Mirror with Memory, an exhibit that showcases what life was like before the Second World War in the central Vancouver Island community of Cumberland, is on at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria until September 4. The photos and documents in the exhibit showcase some very […]

Melvin van Peebles Sweet Sweetback’s Badasssss Song (An Opera) (Stax Records) 3.5/5 This reissue of this 1971 soundtrack is notable for the performances of Earth, Wind & Fire—at that point, still relatively unknown—but lays down a mean ’70s funk/soul groove regardless of who’s playing it. But it’s noteworthy for more than that. With a wild, […]

The neighbourhood of Fernwood is well known for its abundant art, from its decorated telephone poles to its small art galleries. The 22nd annual FernFest will be showcasing this lust for art and bringing people together for two days of food, music, and loads of other activities. FernFest is put on by the Fernwood Neighbourhood […]

John Gary Williams John Gary Williams (Stax Records) 3/5 In 1973, John Gary Williams released his debut solo album after returning from the Vietnam War and spending some time away from his band, The Mad Lads. That album—now reissued on vinyl for the first time since its initial release—shows both his smooth, soulful style and […]

Feel like taking a road trip this summer? Beyond Mile Zero by writer Lily Gontard and photographer Mark Kelly is the book to inspire you. Gontard teamed up with Kelly to capture the lodge community along the Alaska Highway and share the stories of the people who have a history within the community. Before each […]

Hamilton alt-rockers Arkells have been busy as of late, releasing a surprise single and making their way back to Victoria to headline Spirit of 150, an 11-day harbourside Canada Day celebration that will culminate with a massive show on July 1. “We assumed we could do something on Canada Day,” says vocalist/guitarist Max Kerman. “Since […]

Some artists, no matter how talented they are, will end up forgotten. But rediscovering them can yield some incredible artwork and history. Montreal’s Karen Tam recently learned of a Chinese artist who was friends with Emily Carr; Tam has now put together an exhibit to honour that artist—Lee Nam—and his work. “We only know about […]