Sweet Heart Gala
I love my job. I have the privilege of working with Evangel Chapel, bringing great events to the community of Fort St John such as Party in the Park and Candy Planet. At a recent staff meeting the question of Valentine’s day came up. Could we plan a super awesome, heart-themed event for the community? Should we? Of course!
The discussion brought up all the usual Valentine ideas. Couples, time together, family, love. And for our area in particular, the notion of the craziness of ‘the patch’ lifestyle and what that can do to a family or relationship and the sort of special support that might be needed. Before I knew it, we were planning an evening of great food, incredible entertainment, wonderful company and, of course, a great time with your significant other. The list just grew. As did mine. But it’s all okay, because I am part of planning something great. Something that I would want to attend even if I was not planning it. I would definitely want to go out with my man and eat an incredible meal with Naomi Shore serenading us, while having great conversations with old and new friends. And I would want to laugh a little or a lot while watching some people make complete fools of themselves re-enacting their own version of the Marriage Ref. I would like to hear even more music, maybe from Joseph teBulte, and then I would like to finish off the night with a decadent dessert and a little dancing with my sweetheart.
Yes. That is exactly what I would like to do! I love my job. I get paid to plan the best date night ever!
EVENT: Feb 10, Quality Inn Grand Ballroom
TICKETS: $70 per couple available by calling 250- 785-3386 or emailing
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Church and the Arts
When thinking of vibrant artistic communities, a church is not always the first place that would come to mind. However, if you have ever studied Art History, it is notable that you inevitably run into the Church along with it. The Protestant Church often employed resident artists and/or commissioned work. It is the reason we have such wonders as the Sistine Chapel. The influence art has on a culture, to both document and shape it, was understood and art was not labeled according to it’s makers religious affiliation.
At some point, Protestant churches began to shy away from the expressions of art, fearing the undefined interpretation. As a result, many church goers lacked the language to discuss, interpret or just enjoy the arts. There was a separation of spirituality and artistic expression instead of a blending into one as an expression of the person. Often attempts to rediscover a connection resulted in an ultra simplistic form that almost mimicked propaganda and neglected the ability of the viewer to interpret.
There has been a recent trend in Protestant churches towards rediscovering the connection to and value of the arts. Evangel Chapel is working towards making the arts part of their culture. When you step into Evangel you view creative interior design and music is a regular means of expression. Evangel is purposeful about including a variety of expressions into the Sunday morning experience, such as live painting and interpretive dance, that are designed to embrace the creativity of those involved and give opportunity for interpretation.
As human beings, our creativity will affect not just one, but many facets of our lives. Evangelites (those who call Evangel Chapel their home church) consistently embrace creativity and expression. As they work to express their individual creativity, enjoy other’s expressions and develop as artists, Evangelites can be found taking part in the rich artistic culture of Fort St. John, participating in open mics, performing at festivals, singing in choirs, as cast members in theatrical productions, exhibiting art, competitive dancing and taking arts classes.
We could learn something from history. There was not a distinction between “Christian art” and other art. There was an understanding of the importance of artistic expression in developing and supporting a culture. We can all be challenged by the arts to look inside ourselves, learn something about humanity, and grow in our own creativity. Or, we can simply enjoy it!
A Night of Art and Music at Whole Wheat 'n Honey
Experience an evening of great food, great art, and great music on Saturday January 29th at Whole Wheat 'n Honey. Visual artist Amy Te Bulte will be transforming Whole Wheat 'n Honey into a one day art exhibit. As an artist, Amy loves portraits and is drawn to the energy and intimacy of human form. Combining her love for creativity and community, Amy also works part time as the Music & Arts Director at her local church, often painting live on stage during the music as well as developing a small gallery space in the building. Like many young families, Amy and her husband were initially drawn to Fort St John for work, and were thrilled to discover, and subsequently become part of such a thriving, exciting and supportive arts community.
If you haven't seen Amy's work - this is the ideal opportunity to see many of her best available pieces, all at once.
To complete the evening of entertainment, a concert will be performed by Rik Leaf, with friends Joseph Te Bulte (Amy's husband), and Adam Winn.
Rik Leaf is the kind of artist that inspires all the people around him to add a little creativity into their lives. Rik’s career is as diverse as the cultural climate of his hometown of Winnipeg; a city where English, French, First Nations and Metis artists and cultures create a truly unique creative environment. Featured on six internationally released compilation CDs in addition to four of his own, Rik has consistently worked to establish an intimate and lasting relationship with audiences drawn to his thought provoking and socially conscious music. Click Here to listen to Rik’s music.
Portions of this evening will be filmed as part of Amy's story featured in the "Where The Art Is" Project. For more about the project, click here.
Doors open at 7:00 with performances starting shortly after.
