As the Tri-Cities begin to transform for the holidays—the glow of Christmas lights and outdoor décor sparkle throughout the community—you look for ways to embrace the festive spirit.
This season, gather your loved one for some immersive, professional arts experiences at Coquitlam's Evergreen Cultural Centre, and enjoy the unique magic it brings.
You'll be greeted with the outdoor exhibition, Shaheer Zazai: SForEtoE, on the lake-side lobby windows. "Zazai has transformed imagery from Afghan tribal carpet weaving and made a digital carpet using Microsoft Word," says Jessica Fowlis, marketing manager of Evergreen Cultural Centre. "It's one image, but covers six windows, and looks so striking."
The Art Gallery at Evergreen (AGE), will showcase the solo exhibition Where the Light Meets My Shoulder by Vancouver-based interdisciplinary artist Rebecca Bair.
"A lot of her work honours the complex, varied experiences of people of African descent, and we're very excited to have her work exhibited," reveals Fowlis.
With 10 shows this holiday season, there’s something that'll warm every arts lover from head to toe. Returning favorites include Van Django: Cool Yule, QuiRING in the New Year, and the always popular, Gift of the Nutcracker by Ballet Victoria.
"Specifically for young audiences, we have 'Molly Wilson: Search for the Christmas Penguin'," she notes. "Also new is 'Holiday Comedy Rumble: Every Elf for Themselves', an improv comedy show that we're really looking forward to presenting."
Fowlis believes the holidays are about connection and sharing experiences with loved ones: "Getting together to enjoy a theatre show, a family event, or look through the gallery with friends, is an experience that can be much more meaningful than any gift you buy," she says. "It's the gift of time well spent. And isn’t that what the holidays are really about?"
"There's lots of exciting arts events at Evergreen, and you can have a full holiday kind-of-day by just coming up the stairs off the Lake," says Fowlis. "We're here for the community—and invite everybody to join us."
See below for the full schedule of holiday-themed events at the Evergreen Cultural Centre:
- Dec. 3 (7:30 p.m.): Van Django: Cool Yule; family-friendly swingin' jazz group with vocalist LJ Mounteney and Celtic guitarist and singer Andrew Hillhouse.
- Dec. 8 (7 p.m.): Molly Wilson: Search for the Christmas Penguin; a musical adventure unfolds as Molly travels through a magical book to find the true meaning of Christmas.
- Dec. 9 (2 p.m.): Artist Tour of Rebecca Bair: Where the Light Meets My Shoulder at AGE; an interdisciplinary artist working across installation, video, drawing and photography.
- Dec. 9 (7:30 p.m.): Pacific Symphonic Wind Ensemble: Holiday Cheer
- Dec. 10 (4 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.): Coastal Sound: Comfort & Joy
- Dec. 12 (7 p.m.), Dec. 13 (3 p.m. & 7 p.m.), Dec. 14 (3 p.m.): Ballet Victoria: The Gift of the Nutcracker; lively choreography and a few surprises for the entire family.
- Dec. 15, 22, & Jan. 12 (5 p.m. – 6 p.m.): Hot Chocolate Nights at the AGE; enjoy the Rebecca Bair exhibition followed by a free hot chocolate for all the cozy, festive feels to kick-start your evening experiencing Lights at Lafarge.
- Dec. 16 (11:30 a.m. & 2 p.m.): Family Days at the AGE; free family art-making activity and exhibition tour.
- Dec. 16 (7:30 p.m.): Western Canadian Music Award-winning vocal ensemble, musica intima, presents In Winter’s House.
- Dec. 19 (7:30 p.m.), Dec. 20 (7:30 p.m.), Dec. 21 (3 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.): Holiday Comedy Rumble: Every Elf for Themself; improv troupe of top elves duke it out in a merry-making Christmas competition.
- Dec. 31 (7:30 p.m.): QuiRING in the New Year! Quiring Chamber Players, Reg Quiring, (viola) and Rosemary O’Connor (piano) present their 15th annual New Year's Eve celebration.
For more information, visit www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca. Gift certificates can be purchased at the box office or by phone via 604.927.6555
