For those who need the reminder, Mother's Day is coming up on May 12.
For those of you who need to buy gifts for Mother's Day, a special market is coming up on May 11, conveniently timed and specifically aimed at things for moms. It'll happen at the Omineca Arts Centre (OAC) so even the location is convenient, right in the heart of downtown.
This is a first for the community arts and culture organization located at 369 Victoria Street. OAC has hosted workshops, concerts, dances, art exhibitions, public meetings and some introductory markets, but never a shopping fair specifically for Mother's Day.
The mandate of OAC is to help stimulate the local arts and artisan scene. So, said board member and multidisciplinary artist Jennifer Pighin, "tables must have an artistic element to the work, i.e. not mass produced commercial products."
Anyone wanting to have a vendor's table in the Mother's Day Gift Market is asked to inquire by emailing [email protected] with a description of your wares. A standard folding table will be provided for each vendor accepted.
"Since childhood, homemade creations have been gifted to our mothers bringing such great delight in the thoughtfulness, care, selection and creation of each gift," Pighin said.
"These gifts honor the endless hard work and unconditional love we receive from our mothers. Giving daily and on special occasions is tradition for many. And for some mothers yet to be or surrogate mothers, you never know, it's always nice to treat yourself to a gift anyhow."
If you are a vendor selected for the market, the table fee is $40, payable by etransfer to [email protected] or cash at the OAC front desk during regular operating hours (Tues-Fri from 2-5 p.m.) or during any of their weekly events.
The next upcoming event at the Omineca Arts Centre is the Sunday Open Drum Circle hosted by the Khast'an Drummers at 2 p.m.
"Art is ceremony," said Pighin.
"Drumming is a sacred and powerful form of ceremony and an art in itself. Creativity goes beyond the pen an paper to sounds, actions and energy. As we work together to build a strong community, events like this can build lifelong relationships and connect creative people with other creative people, breaking barriers and making our PG arts and culture scene stronger every day. Everyone is welcome. No experience or equipment necessary."
Following the Sunday drumming, OAC hosts a folk-rock concert by a trio of artists: Corwin Fox, Naomi Shore, and Kitty & The Rooster. It happens March 18 at 8 p.m. (doors at 7:30) for $15 at the door.
