Two new shows are set to be unveiled at the Reach Gallery Museum Abbotsford this month. The University of the Fraser Valley’s Indigenous Arts Certificate Graduation Exhibition and Perfume Bottles by Lindsay Craig both open on July 9.

Eleven student-artisans who completed the University of the Fraser Valley’s year-long Indigenous Arts certificate program present their masks in The South Gallery.

The artisans are Ron Austin Jr, Ali Buffalo, Crystal Chapman, Isadore Charters, Bernadette James, Vaughn Jones, Vern Millward, Lee Prevost, Harvey Robinson, Augie Williams and Tony Williams.

They were mentored by instructors Francis Horne Sr. and technician Rocky LaRock. The exhibition runs until Sept. 6.

“This will be the first public presentation of these masks,” explains Scott Marsden, curator of The Reach.

In its ongoing effort to reach out to local artisans, Marsden says this show is an example of how the gallery can find space to exhibit local talents.

“This is an opportunity to build relationships within the community. To build relationships with emerging artists, with UFV and with First Nations artists.”

In all, seven masks will be on display and Marsden expects a big response from the show.

“It’s going to be a small, shorter show, but I’ve always believed in quality over quantity,” he says.

He also hints that a bigger show featuring first Nation art works is being organized, but not until 2011.

“You always have to be planning ahead,” he says.

The other new show, Perfume Bottles by Mission artist Lindsay Craig, consists of interpretations of female archetypes past and present.

“These perfume bottles examine the female body and are quite interesting. There are some figures that will likely get quite a reaction, but you’ll have to come and see for yourself,” Marsden says.

The bottles have an ancient ancestry and are seductive in their beauty, their shapes and as tactile material.

Perfume Bottles also opens July 9, in the Grotto, and runs until Aug. 2.

A Meet the Artists reception will be held on Thursday at 7 p.m. for both shows.

For more information, contact Scott Marsden at 604-864-8087 or e-mail him at smarsden@thereach.ca

Workshops:

Park in the Dark Arts bring their Fairy Tale Theatre program to The Reach this month as part of an exciting array of Summer Arts Camps.

Children are encouraged to develop their imaginations as they explore the performing arts through the magical realm of fairy tales. Over the course of a week children choreograph, compose music, and design costumes for their own performance to be shown at week’s end to family and friends.

In addition to being educators, Park in the Dark Arts instructors are artists in their own right. Lisa Sars is a children’s educator, performer, and storyteller. Her dance training has spanned the past 21 years and she has taught pre-school to youth dance – everything from ballet to modern.

She has choreographed numerous pieces and performed at festivals, such as Winteruption and the Maple Ridge Children’s Festival and many other venues in the Lower Mainland.

Joining her is musician and music educator Astrid Sars. Astrid has performed around the globe and appeared at many festivals including the Vancouver Jazz Festival. She has taught piano, flute and saxophone since 1994.

Both instructors create an atmosphere where children are encouraged to take their ideas and work together during the week to create wonderful performances.

“It’s really exciting for the kids to see their visions take flight,” says Lisa, “and their parents are amazed with what they have accomplished in a week’s time.”

Fairy Tale Theatre runs Monday to Friday (9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) the week of July 13-17 or July 20–24 for children aged six to 12 years.

For more information on this and other summer art camps visit www.thereach.ca.