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  1. Opus' Website Update
  2. Call for Comox Valley Craftpersons
  3. Call for Visual Artists at Studio2 Gallery
  4. Artist's Cafe
  5. Maple Ridge Art Gallery Juried Exhibition
  6. Surrey Art Gallery Opportunities for Artists
  7. Surrey Woodworking Show
  8. Call for Proposals at Gallery Vertigo
  9. CAG Membership Information
  10. Tom Lynch Airs on the Knowledge Network
  11. Studio & Gallery Tour
  12. Painter's Art Studio
  13. 2003 FANS Night Gala Event
  14. Simon Charlie Receives Order of Canada
  15. CARFAC National AGM & Conference





  1. Idols, Icons & Heros: A Young People's Art Show
  2. Artists Among Us: Voices from the Edge
  3. Healing and the Arts
  4. More on "Learning Through the Arts"
  5. CARFAC and the Federal Status of the Artist Act
  6. North Shore International Film Series
  7. Federal Cultural Spending, 2003/04
  8. Canadian Subsidy Directory 2003
  9. 2003 Annual NOAA Members Show
  10. Life Drawing with L.A.U.G.H
  11. Create Small This Fall
  12. Yarrow Community Hall Fundraiser
  13. Calling all Photographers
  14. Quadra Arts Centre Opens
  15. Call for Entry: The Grand Forks Art Gallery
  16. Two Bears Studio Tour
Opus' Website Update

In response to concerns regarding service and security with our website, we switched our web hosting services on August 30th. In conjunction with this switch, we also updated and reconfigured the programming in the 'back-end' of our website. As a result, your previous bookmarks in your Favourites folder may no longer work, as these bookmarks will try to link to older files which may now be non-existent. In addition, some searches via search engines may also bring up links which are no longer valid. As such, if you are experiencing difficulties accessing our website, simply type "www.opusframing.com" into your browser and re-bookmark your favourite pages. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Please note that we have also recently added two new online catalogue sections which feature Drawing Accessories and Drafting Supplies. In response to your inquiries, we endeavour to work hard to post new catalogue sections on a more regular basis.

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Call for Comox Valley Craftpersons

For 6 weeks every year from Nov. 15th - Dec. 31st, the Comox Valley Art Gallery presents a Craft Fair that utilizes the whole building including the Public Gallery. The object of the fair is to raise funds for gallery operations and to assist craftspeople in making a living. Crafts are sold on commission by Gallery Shop staff and volunteers, with 60% of the proceeds going to the artisan, so that the participant does not have to be in attendance. Entries are peer juried and must be hand-made, original and of the highest quality. The deadline for submissions is Oct. 14th. For details email cvag@mars.ark.com or telephone 250-338-6211.

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Call for Visual Artists at Studio2 Gallery

The Studio2 Gallery in North Vancouver has openings for 2004 exhibitions. For submission guidelines please contact Tamara at 604-990-4301 or email studio2@tamararoberts.com

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Artist's Cafe

Calling all local artists! The Artist's Café is intended to address an expressed need by local artists for a place to meet informally, network and discuss ideas of interest. The Surrey Art Gallery, located on 88 Ave at King George Hwy is providing a meeting space once a month for this purpose. Join them on October 16th, 7-9pm. For more information telephone 604-501-5566.

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Maple Ridge Art Gallery Juried Exhibition

Reflections of Self is the theme for this upcoming exhibition at the Maple Ridge Art Gallery. How does one depict oneself? The theme is wide open and inclusive of all media available to the artist.

The Maple Ridge Art Gallery is interested in seeing work which explores the many facets of self-representation and hopes to showcase the multiplicity of this theme. The deadline for entries is December 4, 2003. There is a jury fee of $10 and only one work may be submitted for jurying. The exhibition will run from December 8 - January 15, 2003. For details and entry forms call 604-467-5855 or email: mrags@telus.net

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Surrey Art Gallery Opportunities for Artists

During the months of October and November, the Surrey Art Gallery is hosting a series of Professional Development Workshops. Topics include Professional Artist Kickstart, Portfolio Makeover, Jurying Process Demystified, Writing Grants & Proposals and a Critique with Ken Wallace. For details and to register call 604-501-5100 or visit www.prc.city.surrey.bc.ca Registration and a nominal fee is required for participation.

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Surrey Woodworking Show

This year the Canwest Woodworking & Tool Show is being held at the Cloverdale Exhibition Centre located at 6050A 176th St (at 60 Ave), Surrey, BC, Oct. 31st - Nov. 2nd. This event will be of interest to woodworkers, carvers and artists alike. For show information telephone 1-888-999-5513 or visit http://canwestshows.com/woodshow/vancouver

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Call for Proposals at Gallery Vertigo

Gallery Vertigo is an artist-run organization located in downtown Vernon, BC. Gallery Vertigo is currently accepting proposals for the 2004 exhibition season. Deadline for proposals is October 15, 2003. Contact Judith at 250-503-2297 or email judithjurica@shaw.ca

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CAG Membership Information

The Contemporary Art Gallery is a non-profit public art gallery dedicated to the research, exhibition, documentation and dissemination of information about contemporary visual art. Their programs include exhibitions, publications, artist's talks, lectures and tours, which provide the conditions for dialogue, connection and new understandings of art. By purchasing a membership you will receive benefits while helping to support their growing programs. For details, please contact the Gallery at 604-381-2700 or email info@contemporaryartgallery.ca

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Tom Lynch Airs on the Knowledge Network

BC's Knowledge Network is airing the Tom Lynch watercolour series once again. The program started on September 9th and runs until October 28th on Tuesdays from 1-2pm. For details visit www.knowledgenetwork.ca or call 1-877-i-know-tv.

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Studio & Gallery Tour

Gabriola's best emerging and established artists will open their studios for the 7th Annual Thanksgiving Weekend Studio & Gallery Tour on October 11th - 13th from 10am - 4pm daily. This self-guided tour with 81 artists in 58 venues is an ideal way to explore this creative island community. For details contact Virginia at 250-247-7409, email festivalgabriola@shaw.ca or visit www.festivalgabriola.ca

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Painter's Art Studio

Looking for space to practice painting or drawing with other artists? The new Painter's Art Studio at West Point Grey Community Centre might be of interest to you. It is open on Wednesdays from 12:30 - 3:00pm until December 10th. Drop-in is $9. For more information telephone 604-257-8140 or visit www.westpointgrey.org

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2003 FANS Night Gala Event

Join the North Shore this year for their annual FANS Night Gala Event on Saturday October 4th at 7pm. This event is held each year for three primary reasons, first, it is an event through which the North Shore can publicly recognize and honour nationally renowned artists who are North Shore residents. Second, this evening is a celebration of the wonderful diversity in the arts which is emerging on the North Shore; and third, FANS night is a primary fundraising opportunity to raise money for the Fund for the Arts on the North Shore.

The Fund for the Arts on the North Shore exists to support and assist individual artists and artistic activities on the North Shore. Specifically, grant monies assist individuals and local arts groups with worthwhile endeavours which are not covered by the municipal Arts Assistance Grant Program. FANS was specifically created to fill this gap and to support North Shore artists.

We encourage you to come out on October 4th and support FANS. Tickets for this event are $25 per person, and the event takes place at the North Vancouver Municipal Hall, 355 West Queens Road.

At Opus, we are proud to support the visual arts community on the North Shore by providing FANS with a donation of a silent auction item and two door prizes. We hope to see you there! For tickets and details please telephone 604-980-3559, or visit: www.northvanarts.com

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Simon Charlie Receives Order of Canada

Artist Simon Charlie, a master carver and member of the Coast Salish First Nation, has been named a Member of the Order of Canada. His totem poles and masks are featured in the Royal BC Museum in Victoria as well as in the Parliament buildings in Ottawa.

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CARFAC National AGM & Conference

All visual artists are welcome to participate in CARFAC's upcoming National AGM & Conference. The theme of this year's conference is Surfacing: Emerging Patterns and the 21st Century Artist. The Conference takes place on October 17th & 18th, 2003 in Vancouver, BC at Emily Carr Institute of Art + Design. Admission fees range depending on your member or non-member status. For more information please contact CARFAC National Office at 613-233-6161 or email carfac@carfac.ca

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Idols, Icons & Heros: A Young People's Art Show

This exciting juried exhibition at Place des Arts in Coquitlam, BC, is organized by kids for kids. The theme is for young artists to create their favourite role models, symbols, fantasy characters and animals, and to show off their talents. 2-D and 3-D work will be accepted in any medium. To enter 2-D work pick up an entry form and your mat board to create the work, from Place des Arts 1120 Brunette Avenue in Coquitlam. The maximum size is 32" x 20". If you enter 3-D work you also need to bring your creation to Place des Arts with a completed entry form. Deadline for submissions is October 8, 2003. One entry per young artist. The opening reception is on October 18th from 1-3pm and the exhibition runs until November 5th, 2003. For more information, entry forms, and important dates visit www.placedesarts.ca/idols.htm, call 604-664-1636, or email info@placedesarts.ca

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Artists Among Us: Voices from the Edge

This special exhibition and sale runs from October 2nd to 10th at the CN Heritage Railway Station at the Corner of Ellis and Clement Streets, in Kelowna, BC. The primary purpose of this event is to celebrate the artists' strengths, abilities and creativity as well as show mental illness in a new light in the community. You are invited to the grand opening reception on October 2nd. For more information, please call Cori via the BCSS office in Kelowna at 250-868-3119. This event is made possible through the generous donations of time and money of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Kelowna and District Arts Council, BC Schizophrenia Society (BCSS), Interior Health Authority, Okanagan Advocacy and Resource Society, Consumer Funds Committee and countless volunteers.

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Healing and the Arts

The Alliance for Arts and Culture in Vancouver recently reported on an article from The Financial News & Daily Record of Jacksonville, Florida. The newspaper published an article on the healing properties of art and music. A nurse practitioner at a local nursing home conducted a study demonstrating the quantitative effects of a program called Body and Soul: The Art of Healing. The program had nursing home patients exposed to art and music on a weekly basis. The article affirmed findings in a similar study conducted in London in 2001 that revealed access to the arts as beneficial for a person's health and well-being. To read the full article: www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=39068

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More on "Learning through the Arts"

"I recently read the article you wrote for the Opus Visual Arts Newsletter (it was entitled "Proving the Value of Art in Education"). I am thrilled to see that someone else has noticed the Learning Through the Arts Program! Indeed LTTA is about to celebrate its 10th season in the Toronto area and it has spread across Canada and overseas (200 plus schools). I am the new Regional Manager for LTTA here in British Columbia and I wanted to let you know that the program is currently operating in several schools in BC. The program expansion was first piloted in the Vancouver area five years ago and we are continuing to seek additional schools.

"Not every student learns through reading and writing and as academic research has shown, there are many different kinds of "intelligences". LTTA partners professional artists with classroom teachers to deliver core curriculum using arts as tools. It is an exciting and engaging program and Dr. Upitis' and Dr. Smytherin's research shows that it is also effective in improving academic scores!

"I am excited to be a part of the blending of the rich artistic and educational communities in British Columbia - here's hoping that every child has an opportunity to Learn Through the Arts!"

Sincerely, Tracy Houser
Regional Manager, BC Learning Through the Arts
604-903-4770 (Vancouver), 250-658-3063 (Victoria Office)
email: dancetraces@shaw.ca

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CARFAC and the Federal Status of the Artist Act

CARFAC, the national visual arts professional association has placed ads in various national publications indicating that it seeks a re-definition to its certification under the Status of the Artist Act (SAA). The SAA, passed in 1997, gave artists the right to collectively bargain at the federal level, and CARFAC was certified to represent all visual and media artists outside Québec (RAAV represents artists in Québec. CARFAC works in partnership with RAAV to achieve national continuity in representing Canadian artists). By seeking a re-definition of its certification, CARFAC is aiming to "expand its ability to negotiate terms for Canadian artists." If the application is successful, artists may be paid higher fees and benefits for all services rendered. Why is this important? Because, CARFAC believes, once the National Gallery conforms to negotiated CARFAC terms, the same terms will soon apply to major art institutions across Canada. As Karl Beveridge writes in the latest CARFAC newsletter, "There are three main forms in which a visual/media artist can earn a living from their art: sales of work, arts grants and fees. Artists and CARFAC/RAAV have very little control over the first two. But we can do something about the third. In fact, we can start to think."

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North Shore International Film Series

The North Vancouver Community Arts Council is proud to present the North Shore International Film Series in partnership with the Toronto International Film Festival. Join them for screeings of Whale Rider on October 15 at 7pm, Together on November 5th at 7pm and I Capture the Castle on November 26th at 7pm. Screenings are at Park & Tilford Cineplex Oden Theatre, 200-333 Brooksbank, North Vancouver. Advance tickets available at the CityScape Community Art Space. Telephone Linda at 604-988-6844 for more information.

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Federal Cultural Spending, 2003/04

Planned spending for the Department of Canadian Heritage: 1.196 billion (1.126 billion in 2002/03). Net planned spending is as follows: Cultural Development and Heritage (arts cultural industries, broadcasting) will be at $496.7 million; Canadian Identity (Official languages, identity, multiculturalism and sport) will be 621.7 million. Corporate management (policy coordination, strategic planning, financial and human resources management and communications) will be $78 million.

Planned spending for other cultural organizations: $151.3 million for the Canada Council for the Arts (down from $153.7 million in 02/03); $1.0174 billion for the CBC (Down from 1.045 billion in 02/03); $26.3 million for the National Arts Centre (down from $26.6 million in 02/03); $63.2 million for the National Film Board of Canada (down from $65.3 million in 02/03); $41.3 million for the National Gallery of Canada (down from $42.5 million in 02/03); and finally, $130.1 million for Telefilm Canada (down from $137.1 million in 02/03).

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Canadian Subsidy Directory 2003

The 2003 edition of the Canadian Subsidy Directory is currently available from Canada Books, 36 Felix Renaud, Alymer, QC J9H 7C1. This directory is a comprehesive tool which outlines more than 2000 direct and indirect financial subsidies, grants and loans. While this book covers many areas, it does have information on arts, cinema, theatre, music and the recording industry. For information please call 819-682-7983.

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2003 Annual NOAA Members Show

Gallery Vertigo and the North Okanagan Artists Alternative annouce the Third Annual Members Exhibition, Number Five Orange. The exhibition will run from October 14th - November 8th, 2003. This exhibition is free to members, and exhibitors must have a current NOAA membership. Your artwork can be dropped off on October 11th between 11 - 4pm, with no late entries being accepted. Artists must complete the proper paperwork in order to participate. Only one work is allowed per artist, and the work must address the theme. For more information contact Judith at 250-545-5164 or email: judithjurica@shaw.ca

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Life Drawing with L.A.U.G.H

Are you drawing skills rusty? Do you desire to draw in a zany and non-critical atmosphere? Do perspective and foreshortening currently give you hives?

If so, join L.A.U.G.H (Long-haired Aesthetics Uplifting Graceful Hipness) for a two-hour life drawing session in the Douglas Recreation Centre Gym on the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month, at 7:45pm. Upcoming dates are: October 8th and 22nd, November 12th and 26th and December 10th. Please note there is no session on December 24th. No teaching or supplies are provided. There is a $5 drop-in fee.The Douglas Recreation Centre is located at 20500 Douglas Crescent in Langley, BC.

These classes are sponsored in part by Opus Framing & Art Supplies.

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Create Small This Fall

It is time once again to start thinking about Place des Art's annual Miniature Exhibition & Sale taking place November 10th - December 17th, 2003. Artists may submit up to six miniature works for an entry fee of $15.00. Works may be 2-D or 3-D and must fit within the following size restrictions: 2-D works are to be no larger than 12 square inches (l x w), framed pieces must not exceed 100 square inches. 3-D pieces must be no larger than 35 cubic inches (l x w x h).

Forms and registration fee are due November 1st, while all artwork must be received on November 7th. Exhibition guidelines and entry forms are available at Place des Arts or from their website, www.placedesarts.ca For more information telephone 604-664-1636.

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Yarrow Community Hall Fundraiser

Artists in our Midst in Chilliwack is having its first mixed-media exhibit and sale on Saturday, October 18th from 10am - 5pm and Sunday October 19th from 10am - 4pm. All sales from this exhibit will go to the Yarrow Community Hall in Yarrow, BC. Some of the works on view will be carvings, watercolours, collages, weavings, art quilts, pottery and much more. There is a $2 donation at the door, with various door prizes donated by artists and light refreshments will be provided. The Yarrow Community Hall is located at 4670 Community Street in Yarrow, BC. For more information contact Maureen at 604-824-9337, email: mcq@ponymail.com or visit www.artistsinourmidst.net

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Calling all Photographers

The third annual Expressions of Humanity photography contest in underway. Snap a picture that captures a wonderful moment of humanity, and help Habitat for Humanity provide affortable housing in Vancouver. Photographs are judged on their creativity and ability to express acts of humanity.

In addition to winning great prizes, photographs will be exhibited at the lobby of Harbour Centre during the last two weeks of November. All proceeds go to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Vancouver to build affordable housing for families in need of adequate shelter. For complete detail visit www.vancouverhabitat.bc.ca/expressions. Deadline for submissions is October 31, 2003.

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Quadra Arts Centre Opens

Quadra Elementary School Annex building located at Quadra at Finlayson in Victoria) is the site of an exciting new community arts space. Come to the official launch on October 15th from 3:30 - 5:30 pm. To find out more about how you can be involved, contact Arlene at Promoting Action Toward Health (PATH) project by email at ajcarson@uvic.ca

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Call for Entry: The Grand Forks Art Gallery

The Grand Forks Art Gallery invites you to submit up to three works in any medium for the exhibition, "a rose is a rose is a rose is a rose" to be held from January 20, 2004 - March 6, 2004. A fee of $6 per work entered must accompany your entry form. A modest artist fee will be paid to help offest the cost of shipping which will be the artists responsibility. Entries must be accompanied by slides or photographs of each submission and must be postmarked no later than Friday, November 14, 2003.

The theme of this exhibition is broadly based on concepts that may be suggested by the words "a rose is a rose is a rose is a rose" written by Gertrude Stein. What do these words suggest to you? For more information please contact Grand Forks Art Gallery at 250-442-2211 or email gfagchin@direct.com

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Two Bears Studio Tour

You are invited to join the inaugural studio tour of 7 local Lake Cowichan artists on October 25th & 26th from 10am - 4pm. This group of artists offers a unique collection of cedar garden structures, paintings, prints, drawing, cards and more. Pick up a self-directed map and tour brochure from the Cougar sign in front of Darling's Tire and watch for the bear signs which flag the artists studio for you. Each studio is located within a short distance from each other.

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