Art Gallery of Greater Victoria presents a five-artist 'Throw Down'

Another reason to stay at Fairholme Manor in the lush Rockland area of Victoria, BC is its proximity to the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. After delicious Sunday morning breakfast from innkeeper Sylvia Main (who is working on her second cookbook, Easy Elegance from Fabulous Fairholme), I made the ten-minute walk in the rain to the gallery on nearby Moss Street.


A cool, new exhibition opened at AGGV on January 17 and runs through May 6, 2012. Throw Down features five British Columbia artists: Sonny Assu, Gregory Ball, Megan Dickie, Tyler Hodgins and Alison MacTaggart. So what is a throw down? Nicole Standbridge, AGGV Associate Curator of Contemporary Art, explains it this way: "To throw down can mean many things: to celebrate in a big way, to fight for something meaningful, or to contribute resources to make something happen."


In Throw Down, the five artists contributed work that speaks specifically to issues and ideas that are relevant to each of them. Through sculpture, video, photography and public intervention they address socio-political issues and economic struggles -- invoking a call to action or an invitation to play. "Through humour, satire and critique, the act of throwing down extends into issues of identity, value, preservation, social justice and consumption," said Stanbridge.

The impetus for the exhibition is Megan Dickie's sculptural work Submission, and the video Step into the Ring. Her adult-scale-bop-bag (above), pops back up to meet you after punching it. I missed the fact that it's in the shape of the Canada Council for the Arts logo. According to AGGV, it "speaks dynamically to the shared challenges face dby artists, institutions and funding agencies to keep art thriving."

Alison MacTaggart's The Egg Throwing Apparatus (above) appears to be a functional gadget for the act of egg throwing. The artist uses unique design and humor to shed light on the metaphorical egg throwing that could occur as a result of intolerance and discrimination "when individuals identify themselves to their community as queer." 

You Suck is a video installation and series of drawings by Gregory Ball that addresses natural landscape, industrial practices and consumer culture. The installation component, an oil drum etched and beaten with images from the video, was inspired by a recent act of solidarity by Ball and his colleagues during the 2011strike at Vancouver Island University. People convened around a wood-burning oil drum that kept the striking employees warm, and the unusual meeting place resulted in discussion and sharing of stories.

Artist Sonny Assu's contribution is a new series of found objects. Assu took cuts of cedar from a log home development on the We Wai Kai Nation reserve where his family lives in Campbell River. The discarded objects have been transformed into masks, and also used as interventions in a photo series titled Artifacts of Authenticity. The series is a collaboration with artist Eric Deis, and the objects were placed in the context of a museum (artifact), commercial gallery (fine art) and gift shop (souvenir).

Victoria artist Tyler Hodgins' Sleeping Bag is a series of temporal sculptural interventions that will be placed throughout the city of Victoria during the run of Throw Down. The sculptures are cast forms of figures in a sleeping bag, made from colored ice. The forms will melt over time, leaving a trace of color from the ice that will eventually wash away with exposure to the elements. The installations address the lack of visibility of the homeless and the issue of homelessness in Victoria. Check aggv.ca for updates on dates and locations of Sleeping Bag. Upcoming events include:

Friday, March 9, 8-11 PM Urbanite: A boisterous night at AGGV of celebrating the creativity by the artists in Throw Down. Cocktails, live performances, spontaneous art production and interactive exhibition tours.  

Sunday, March 18, 2-4 PM Family Sunday: A drop-in afternoon of hands-on art-making inspired by the materials and techniques used by the artists in Throw Down. 

Sunday, April 1, 11 AM - 3 PM Throw Down Art Forum - Vancouver Island School of Art: Interactive discussions, arts advocacy, power talks, education and spontaneous art-making. Throw down your ideas at 2549 Quadra Street. 

Saturday, April 28 Artist Talk and Public Art Bicyle Tour: Join Throw Down Artist Tyler Hodgins and hear / see more about Sleeping Bag. Details at aggv.ca.

Photos by Sue Frause

International Polar Bear Conservation Centre opens in Winnipeg

The opening of the International Polar Bear Conservation Centre (IPBCC) at Winnipeg's Assiniboine Park Zoo is a welcome addition to the conservation of polar bears. And now Manitoba can lay claim to taking a leadership role. The new centre is also a key component of the Journey to Churchill exhibit that's currently under construction at the zoo -- all part of the Assinboine Park Convervancy's $200 million redevelopment plan for Assiniboine Park. The IPBCC was funded by the Province of Manitoba and City of Winnipeg, and is the hub of the zoo's research and conservation efforts. There are no bears in the centre yet; read about this week's opening in the Winnipeg Sun.

Manitoba is home to a large population of polar bears that can be observed from the town of Churchill. I visited the Polar Bear Capital of the World in November 2011, and it's one of my most memorable trips in years. I went on a Tundra Buggy adventure with Frontiers North Adventures, and my only regret was that my hubby wasn't along for the adventure.

Each season, polar bear cubs in the north are orphaned, due to a variety of environmental factors. If an orphaned cub (which would die without its mother) is found within the control zones of a northern Manitoba community, it may be a candidate for rescue and transported to the IPBCC in Winnipeg. The facility was designed to care for, rehabilitate and transition orphaned polar bear cubs rescued by Manitoba Conservation & Water Stewardship. The center also supports and facilitates research efforts that contribute to environmental and wildlife education, along with the conservation of polar bears.

The building is composed of four distinct areas for bears, keepers, researchers and visitors -- the bears and keepers are in the upper level and back areas. The outside bear enclosures have been expanded and provide more space both inside and out. The researchers' area includes a specialized lab and an expanded laboratory space.

The IPBCC's Visitor Centre has a multimedia-rich interpretive gallery that features interviews, interactive games and objects and interpretive signage about bears, researchers and climate change. The focus of the centre is educating the public about polar bears, increasing awareness of the fragile Arctic ecosystem and motivating people to reduce their carbon footprint and help save the polar bears.

Mother and her polar bear cubs in Churchill, Manitoba
Photo by Sue Frause

Canada's Monsieur Lazhar nominated for Best Foreign Language Film

Canada's Monsieur Lazhar is one of five Oscar nominated movies for Best Foreign Language Film. Written and directed by Quebec's Philippe Falardeau, it's the story of an Algerian immigrant hired to replace an elementary school teacher who died tragically. Here's a full description from the film's website, in both French and English (auto translation from website):

À Montréal, une enseignante du primaire meurt subitement. Apprenant la nouvelle dans le journal, Bachir Lazhar (Fellag), un Algérien de 55 ans, frappe à la porte de l’école pour offrir ses services à titre de remplaçant. Rapidement embauché pour combler le vide laissé par la disparue, l’immigrant fait son entrée sur le marché du travail québécois dans un établissement en situation de crise alors qu’il nage lui-même en pleine tragédie personnelle.Dès son arrivée, le fossé culturel entre Bachir et sa classe se dessine, alors qu’il propose aux enfants une dictée hors de leur portée, tirée d’Honoré de Balzac. Peu à peu, Bachir apprend à mieux connaître un groupe d'écoliers aussi ébranlés qu’attachants. Parmi ceux-ci, Alice et Simon, deux élèves charismatiques témoins d'un incident tabou, se révèlent particulièrement atteints par le décès de leur professeur. Pendant que la classe amorce un processus de guérison, personne à l'école ne soupçonne le passé douloureux de Bachir qui risque l'expulsion du pays à tout moment. Adapté d’une pièce de théâtre d’Evelyne de la Chenelière, Monsieur Lazhar met en images la rencontre de deux mondes et la puissance de la parole. Après Congorama et C’est pas moi, je le jure!, Philippe Falardeau renoue avec le cinéma social qui avait marqué ses débuts (La Moitié gauche du frigo). À travers le parcours émotif des enfants et des adultes, le cinéaste suit avec humour et sensibilité un homme humble prêt à transcender sa propre perte pour aider les écoliers à vaincre le silence qui les emmure. 

In Montreal, a primary school teacher died suddenly. Hearing the news in the newspaper, Bashir Lazhar (Fellag), an Algerian 55, knocked on the door of the school to offer his services as a replacment. Quickly hired to fill the void left by the missing, the immigrant entered the Quebec labor market in an institution in crisis while swimming itself in full personal tragedy. Upon arrival, the cultural gap between Bashir and his class is emerging, as he offers children a dictation out of their reach, taken from Honore de Balzac. Gradually, Bashir learns more about a group fo schoolchildren also shaken endearing. Among them, Alice and Simon, two charismatic student witnesses an incident taboo, are particular affected by the death of their teacher. As the class begins a healing process,  no one at school do not suspect the painful past of Bashir is likely expulsion from the country at any time. Adapted from a paly by evelyne de la Cheneliere, Mr. Lazhar puts in pictures the meeting of two worlds and the power of speech. After Congoram and It's Not Me, I Swear!, Philippe Falardeau social returns to the cinema that marked the beginning. Through the emotional journey of children and adults, the filmmaker follows with humor and sensitive of a humble man willing to transcend his own loss to help students to overcome the silence that Emmure. 

The five nominated films include:

• Bullhead - Belgium
• Footnote - Israel
• In Darkness - Poland
• Monsieur Lazhar - Canada
• A Separation - Iran

Another Canadian, Christopher Plummer, was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for Beginners. He picked up the award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture at the Golden Globes on Jan. 15, 2012. Other Canadian films-people nominated may be found on Strombo's CBC blog (George Stroumboulopoulos). Last year, Canada's Incendes was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film. The 84th Academy Awards will be presented on Sunday, February 26, 2012 at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles.

Celebrate Chinese New Year + Year of the Dragon in Richmond, BC

One of these years, I'll make it up to Richmond, BC to celebrate Chinese New Year. This year's 2012 Lunar New Year is the Year of the Water Dragon. With Richmond boasting a population that's 65% Asian, and having the largest proportion of Canadian residents of Chinese ancestry (44%), it's the natural place to be. The winter celebrations run January 23 to February 6, and range from fabulous food to participating in prayer ceremonies at a Buddhist temple. Here are just a few of the activities:

Asian Cuisine: Richmond is on the food map for its quantity and quality of Asian restaurants. New Year dishes were served at many of the city's 375 restaurants on New Year's Eve, offering multi-course menus featuring up to a dozen courses. The feasts will also be available at many of the restaurants during the two-week celebration. Many of the restaurants are located on Alexandra Road, also known as Wai Sek Kai or Food Street, which features 200+ Asian eateries serving everything from xiao long bao (soup dumplings) to hot pot and hand pulled noodles.

Asian Shopping: Although a year-round activity at the Golden Village, shopping at the three large Hong-Kong inspired malls is extra special during the Lunar New Year. With shops featuring the latest in art, fashion and household goods direct from Taiwan and China, they're decked out in red and gold streamers, tasseled lanterns and peach blossom trees. Parker Place is featuring a Dragon Dancer and Fortune God who will stop by all the shops on Jan. 27, and on Jan. 29 there will be Lion Dancers and live performances in the mall's center court.

Temple Tradition: Richmond's International Buddhist Temple is modeled after Beijing's Forbidden City and is one of the largest Buddhist temples in North America. Through Jan. 29, the gilded temple is hosting its annual Chinese New Year Bazaar featuring elaborate flower arrangements, traditional snacks and foods and good-luck gift items.

Spend the Night - Shop and Eat! Several years ago, I spent a night in Richmond, allowing me plenty of time for shopping and dining. See my previous article in Examiner.com: Spend the night and dine and shop your way around this Asian community. A slideshow is included.

Icy Delicious Eggs at Richmond's Delicious Cuisine. Photo by Sue Frause.

Snowy train ride aboard Amtrak Cascades | Seattle to Vancouver BC

Amtrak Cascades Train #510 | Seattle to Vancouver BC | Photos by Sue Frause

Dine Out Vancouver events includes food carts in Street Food City

I'm looking forward to the 2012 edition of Dine Out Vancouver, and am heading up to Vancouver on Jan. 20, 2012 for opening weekend. DOV is celebrating its 10th year and runs for 17 days through Feb. 5, 2012. Read more about it in my Seattle Travel Examiner site.

A fun feature this year is Street Food City. For just three days, Jan. 24-26, eight of Vancouver's street food carts will be located on the north plaza of the Vancouver Art Galley from 11 AM - 3 PM. Special Dine Out Vancouver creations and discounts will be available. Here's what you'll find:

The Juice Truck
Cold pressed juice from Gastown
Jan. 25-26
$1 off all juices

Soho Road
Tandoori chicken wraps on fresh baked naan
Free chai

Coma Food Truck
Korean, Mexican fusion
Two tacos with Korean brown ginger tea + orange, rosemary truffles ($15)

Mom's Grilled Cheese
Grilled cheese sandwiches
Surprise special!

It's All About Grill
Grilled meats and veggies
Free pita bread

Tacofino Cantina
Fish tacos and burritos
Surprise special!

The Brasserie
Chicken sandwiches and butter tarts
Surprise special!

The Re-Up BBQ
Southern BBQ
Southern Explosion sandwiches ($8); New Mexico chili with smoked pork shoulder ($6); Black bean and corn chili - vegetarian ($4.50); Combo sandwich, chili and beverage ($12)

The Re-Up BBQ outside Vancouver Art Gallery in 2011 - Photos by Sue Frause

Enter the 'Ski Canada and Explore Like a Local Contest'

National Geographic is giving snow lovers a chance to win a seven-night ski getaway for two in its Ski Canada and Explore Like a Local contest. The grand prize may be used at one of four western Canada ski resorts: Banff & Lake Louise, Fernie, Sun Peaks and Whistler.

In 200 words or less, explain why you want to visit your selected resort. The essays will be judged on creativity (be descriptive); humor (important); and literary ability (watch your style and grammar). The contest is open to legal residents of the 48 contiguous United States (sorry, Alaska and Hawaii) and the District of Columbia; must be at least 21 years old and have had internet access since 11/15/11. Deadline to enter is Feb. 15, 2012 at 11:59 PM. The Grand Prize Winner will be announced via email on or about March 7, 2012. The winning essay will be posted on this site on or about March 22, 2012. Click here to enter.

Grand Prize - Ski Canada and Explore Like a Local - Value $6,733 US

• Seven nights' accommodation for two at one of the four Canadian resorts
• Five-day lift passes for two
• Rund-trip airfare from nearest US major international airport
• Round-trip ground transportation
• Ski or snowboard rentals
• One ski or snowboard lesson for two
• Choice of one of the following: cross country tour, snowshoe tour, sleigh ride

Whistler in Winter - Explore Canada Like a Local

Photo by Sue Frause

Jasper National Park is a Canadian gem; privatization is in the wings

One of Canada's true gems is Jasper National Park. I passed through Jasper on my cross-Canada trip from Halifax to Vancouver aboard VIA Rail Canada in 2008. And five years earlier, I took the eastbound VIA Rail Canada from Vancouver to Jasper en route to Edmonton. It was winter, and it was wonderful.

It was cold when I arrived in Jasper, about -18 degrees Celsius (-4 Fahrenheit), but luckily I'd purchased a long, down coat the day before at Roots in Vancouver. When we arrived at the train station  (I had a sleeper car for the 17-hour trip), I hopped aboard a Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge shuttle, and headed for the lodge where I'd spend two nights before traveling on to Edmonton. Things got off to a wildlife start when an elk strolled across the road in front of our shuttle (they were originally imported in the 1920s from Yellowstone National Park, and today they number in the thousands). Over the next two days, I'd see another herd of elk, a coyote, white-tailed deer and a red squirrel. I also heard coyotes, howling at the night moon.

Fairmont Jasper Lake Lodge started out with just a few tents on the shores of Lac Beauvert in 1915, and the Canadian National Railway took it over and built a new lodge in 1923. Sadly, it burned to the ground 29 years later, but today it boasts 446 rooms in cedar chalets and heritage log cabins spread out over 903 acres. The lodge is rustic and elegant, with high ceilings and highly polished slate floors. It's a blend of Frank Lloyd Wright and Canadiana.

I don't ski or snowboard, but there are plenty of other winter activities in Jasper, my favorite being the Maligne Canyon icewalk. I booked the trip with Jasper Adventure Centre, and they not only pick up guests at the lodge, but provide waterproof boots and crampons for traversing on ice, along with walking sticks. Mount Pyramid rises high above Maligne Canyon, the deepest canyon in Jasper National Park. As I made my way along the blue-green river, surrounded by frozen waterfalls and towering limestone walls, adventurous climbers gingerly scaled the walls.

So that brings me to the  news that there's a proposal by Stephen Harper to privatize Jasper National Park, the largest in the Canadian Rockies. And what many park lovers are upset about is the proposed 300 meter metal walkway that will be blasted into the World Heritage mountains. Brewster Travel Canada (Brewster) is proposing to develop a "stunning world-class, fully accessible unique viewing experience" in Jasper National Park that will be called the Glacier Discovery Walk. The proposed development  "will provide an immersive, interpretive guided experience focusing on the wonder of the unique ecosystem, glaciology, natural and aboriginal history of the Columbia Icefield area in the Canadian Rockies."

My Facebook page has been filled with links for petitions against Stephen Harper's proposed privatization of the park, including Save Jasper National Park From Privatization. But there's also a counterpoint from Parks Canada: Proposed Glacier Discover Walk – Setting the Record Straight.

It's all very reminiscent of the Grand Canyon Skywalk that opened in Arizona in 2007 and has been visited by more than 1.5 million people (tickets are $29.95 for adults). In Jasper, visitors will arrive at the site via a free 6.5 km shuttle bus ride from the Glacier Discovery Centre. There will be a free public viewpoint or guests may purchase a ticket for the interpretive walk along The Discovery Trail that leads to The Discovery Vista (no mention of ticket prices). 

Fancy walkways and skywalks don't seem like such a good match for the grandeur of our continent. I'll stick with Mother Nature just the way she is -- au naturel.

VIA Rail Canada in Jasper, Alberta
Photo by Sue Frause

'Love Thy Canadian Neighbor Package' offered at historic Seattle hotel

Here's a nice new year wish to our friends across the border. Seattle's historic Mayflower Park Hotel is welcoming its neighbors to the north with its Love They Canadian Neighbor Package. It includes:

• Classic or Deluxe Accommodation
• Full American Breakfast for Two
• Valet Parking ($29 per day value) 

Rates are $179 for a Classic Guestroom or $189 for a Deluxe Guestroom (plus tax). Proof of Canadian residence will be required upon check-in (don't forget your passport!). The package is available January 1-April 30, 2012.

Canadian flag at Rockwater Secret Cove Resort on BC's Sunshine Coast
Photo by Sue Frause

Whistler boasts some of the best snow conditions in North America

Whistler has got to be thrilled about having the best snow conditions in North America so far this season. While other resorts are suffering from the no snow syndrome, Whistler Blackcomb  received 17 ft. of snowfall in the first two months of the winter season. Since Christmas Eve, more snow fell in Whistler (six feet) than any of the major Californian resorts have received to date. Another 10" of snowfall is expected this week. Last year's snowfall totaled 52 feet, which broke the average annual accumulation of 34 feet -- and La Nina is producing a repeat performance this year. 

Whistler Blackcomb's two mountains rise one vertical mile from the valley floor, and there are 200+ trails, three glaciers, 37 lifts, 16 alpine bowls and the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. It's 8,171 skiable acres of terrain are more than any other US or Canadian resort, plus it has one of the longest seasons -- running through late April, with summer glacier skiing and riding until late July. 

Special Offer - Whistler Blackcomb is offering 3 nights lodging and a 2-day lift pass starting at $106 per person/per night. Book online or call 888.511.9211. 

If you're a non-skier or boarder, there are other mountain activities to enjoy. An outdoor skating rink opened this winter in the heart of Whistler Village; you can experience the bobsleigh and skeleton rides at the Whistler Sliding Centre; and there's always my favorite, the Scandinave Spa, which opened two years ago. And of course there's shopping, entertainment and movies.

Skier's Plaza in Whistler Village - Photo by Sue Frause

Snowshoe or cross country ski at BC's Rockwater Secret Cove Resort

While visions of warm breezes and sunny beaches may be dancing through your head, there's always the option of embracing the season where you live. Rockwater Secret Cove Resort on BC's Sunshine Coast, in the town of Halfmoon Bay, has put together a fun Winter Escape Package:

• Two-night stay in a pre-heated Tenthouse Suite
• Three-course candlelit dinner for two in the resort's dining room
• Breakfast for two each morning
• Select from either a 2.5 hour Guided Snowshoe Tour that includes snowshoes, guides, trail fees, transportation to Dakota Ridge in a 4X4 and hot chocolate OR Introduction to Cross Country Skiing that begins with a 1.5 hour introductory lesson, followed by an hour of cross country skiing. Includes ski rentals, instruction, transportation to Dakota Ridge, trail fee and hot cocoa.

The Winter Escape Package runs through March 30, 2012 excluding Valentine's Day. Rates start at $349.50 per person for a luxury Tenthouse Tuite, Sunday to Thursday, and $389.50 for Friday and Saturday. Rates based on a two-night stay, double occupancy. Gratuities and taxes not included; all rates are in Canadian dollars.

A Tenthouse Suite at Rockwater Secret Cove Resort 

Photo by Sue Frause

2011 in Vancouver, Whistler and Victoria: My Year in Pictures

I took these images on a "no-car trip" in June 2011 | Amtrak Cascades from Everett to Vancouver; Rocky Mountaineer to Whistler; HeliJet to Victoria; Kenmore Air to Seattle. Pictured top to bottom:
Coal Harbour, Olympic Cauldron in Jack Poole Plaza, Stanley Cup Playoff Game, Canucks Blue, Street Scene, Vancouver Police, Chinatown, Granville Island, Rocky Mountaineer to Whistler, Attendant on Rocky Mountaineer, Whistler Village, Scandinave Spa, Vancouver from HeliJet to Victoria, BC Parliament Buildings, Dinner at The Fairmont Empress Veranda, The Fairmont Empress, Beekeeping at The Empress, Fisherman's Wharf, Sea life in Victoria Harbour, Orchids at Fairholme Manor, Awaiting Kenmore Air in Victoria Harbour. All photos by Sue Frause. 

Don't ski or snowboard? Go dogsledding in Saskatchewan!

Just because you aren't a skier or snowboarder doesn't mean that you can't enjoy winter sports. I'm a big fan of snowshoeing and dogsledding. In fact, I've dogsledded in Quebec, Montana and north of the Arctic Circle in Svarnik, Norway.

One place that I think would be fun to go dogsledding is Saskatchewan, and I'm putting it on my winter bucket list. Canada Nature Escapes Cooperative has put together a special four-day dogsledding package, where you'll learn the history and how-to of dog sledding, plus sledding through Saskatchewan's woods, lakes and muskegs (bogs) of its boreal forest. The Lead Dog's Choice package includes:

• First and last nights' accommodations at the Hilton Garden Inn, Saskatoon
• Two-day car rental (mid-size)
• Two nights at Land of the Loon Resort
• Two breakfasts and two three-course dinners
• Guide and mentor during trail rides
• Travel maps instructions, recommendations

The 4 Day / 4 Night Lead Dog's Choice package starts at $775 CAD per person and is available through March 15, 2012. Call 888.747.7572 for reservations or email: office@shearwatertours.com.

Dogsledding in Svarnik, Norway
Photo by Sue Frause 

Admission By Donation: Royal BC Museum keeps holiday spirit alive

What a great gift to the community. As a way of thanking its supporters, the Royal BC Museum in Victoria, BC is continuing its New Year's tradition of offering admission by donation. Visitors are asked to "pay what they can" from Jan. 2-9, 2012.

Currently on view is the Wildlife Photographer of the Year. The new exhibition features more than 100 of the world's best nature photographs in 18 categories. They include Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Endangered Wildlife, One Earth and Photojournalist of the Year. The photos were selected from more than 41,000 international entries from 95 countries.

Holiday festivities continue at the Royal BC Museum, too. The streets of Old Town are still decked out in seasonal decor, welcoming visitors to a Victorian Christmas.

Royal BC Museum
Photo by Sue Frause