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Art’ Category

Sunday Feb. 3, 2013 Visit to Alix Art Gallery

Posted in: Art, Local Talent, News | 1 Comment

While out for a sunny Sunday afternoon walk, Roland and I decided to have an unplanned visit to the Judith and Norman Alix Art Gallery downtown.  It was a wise decision on our part.  We have been several times to the new gallery, including during one of it's grand openings complete with a tour guide.  We were impressed, but not overwhelmed with what we saw.  You have to remember, these are our opinions and the enjoyment of art of all kinds is very personal.   This visit was totally different.  There are two new big exhibits up currently. The first we viewed is called "Fluid Explorations".  It is an exhibit of mostly watercolour paintings from 4 well respected local ladies.  They are stunningly beautiful.  I would LOVE to have any one of them hanging in my home.  Sadly, they are not for sale through the gallery and even if they were, ...

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First Impressions of Alix Art Gallery

Posted in: Art, Friends & Neighbours, News | 1 Comment

Wednesday October 3, 2021 Roland and I had the pleasure of being two of the many downtown merchants and First Friday participants invited to a "sneak peek" at the new Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery. I should state for the record, the opinions given here are mine and mine alone. From talking to customers in the store and reading on-line blogs, I realize not everyone is excited by the new gallery. My view on that is that we (citizens of Sarnia) own some amazing pieces of art that deserve to be seen by everyone. For those not familiar with how we got this art collection, let me give you the thumbnail version of the Gallery's history. During WWI, yes World War I, a group of women raised money to help the war effort. When the war was over, they had money left and formed the Sarnia Women's Conservation Art Association (SWCAA). ...

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World Art Games Sarnia Connection

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World Art Games Sarnia...

World Art Games - the Olympics of artists!  Who knew such a thing existed.  We sure didn't until recently when Valerie MacGregor-Rempel stopped into the store looking for a non-traditional version of 'Oh Canada' anthem.  She needed it to bring with her to Turkey for the international conference leading up to WAG.  Valerie has been chosen to head the National Committee representing Canada for this exciting  world event. Sadly, we did not have a suitable version in stock BUT we had her listen on line to our favourite version of Oh Canada by the band Daylight for Deadeyes (who have played in-store and are regulars at Paddy Flaherty's).  Valerie loved it and felt it was PERFECT.  It does not appear on any of their CD's (which we do have in stock), so I fired off an email to Chris Gormley of the band, who replied almost immediately that he was happy ...

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Wall to Wall Weekend Music

Posted in: ADVENTURES OF CHEEKY CHARLIE, Art, Concerts & Events, First Friday, Local Talent, News | No Comments

The weekend started out on the right note during the September First Friday.  Young singer and songwriter Elena Feick played all original songs she composed as the First Friday crowds moved around the room looking at the artwork of Jale Fancey. Elena's songs, though sung softly, carry much emotion and meaning in them.  Somewhat like the art of Jale.  All pieces are photographs she took that have been enlarged and printed onto stretched canvas.  Her favourite subject matter of nature are similtaniously calming and exciting to look at.  Also as part of her exhibit that is on display until the end of September, there are smaller matted versions and greeting cards for sale.  My personal picks are a group displayed together with fall colours.  Very timely indeed.  My other favourite is a close up of an intensly red Chrysanthemum.  It literally pops from the canvas. Following the First Friday comes Saturday of ...

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Hidden Talents Children Theatre Program

Posted in: Art, Local Talent, News, Workshops & Classes | 2 Comments

June 26, 2022 - HIDDEN TALENTS - Childrens Musical Theatre July-August Program www.hiddentalents.ca - For full details All of us at Hidden Talents would like to invite you to join us for an exciting summer. Please note that we have rearranged our calendar to help accommodate summer vacations. The following are a list of programs we will be offering this year: Hidden Talents Since 1995 A musical theatre program for children ages 7 – 15. Hidden Talents was founded to provide a creative outlet for children with an interest in musical theatre. The camp will be packed with fun and educational activities and will end with three live stage productions at the Imperial Theatre. Tiny H. T.’S Since 2003 (We will offer two different sessions this year. You can sign up for both if you wish) A musical theatre program for children ages 4 – 7. This program is ...

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June 2012 Gallery Walls

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It has become a tradtion for the month of June to have the artwork of the RE-Generation Gap Collective adorned the back walls of Cheeky Monkey.  2012 marks the third year running. The exhibit  spans the decades of creativity with artists of all ages on display.  Each year, there have been new members added to the Collective under the guidance of mentoring elder Jessie. JESSIE J. Rabbitt  has been painting and creating wonderful art pieces for over 50 years.  Her inspirations come from all directions of the country with her main talent being the ability to see and capture colours where most only see bleakness. BRENDAN SCHIEMAN is a  self-taught polymath fromSarnia,Ontario, Brendan has painstakingly crafted a regimented style influenced by analogous greats like Pushead, Arthur Rackham, Glenn Fabry, Ed Repka, and Caitlin Hackett. With his works frequenting record sleeves and other band related memorabilia, Brendan's medium consists of pen, ink and water-colour. Fuelled ...

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Jim Chevalier & Friends Heat up May First Friday

Posted in: Art, Concerts & Events, First Friday, Local Talent, News | No Comments

The air may have had a slight chill to it outside during the May 4th, 2012 First Friday, but the atmosphere was hot inside Cheeky Monkey thanks to Jim Chevalier, special guest Dave Miner along with the art of Adam Miner and Wendy Starr. Jim is always a true pleasure to hear perform but adding in Dave's guitar work and harmonies made the night's music even sweeter.  Going one step further, Adam Miner joined in with his guitar and vocals on a fab version of The Stones 'Wild Horses.' Adam's paintings also added to the heat of the night.  We at Cheeky Monkey were thrilled to host THE first public showing  of Adam's vibrant Neo expressionist styled art.  Not many of us knew that Adam even painted.  We thought his talent was in the music field as a writer, performer and producer.  His approach to painting is polar opposite to the way he ...

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Red Solo WINE Cup as Fundraiser

Posted in: Art, Concerts & Events, First Friday, News | No Comments

Good friend, Carol Goodwin, was just in to introduce us to Cathie Blake. Cathie is VERY involved with the Celebration of Lights and has come up with an interesting, unique fundraising idea. Many of you may not know, but Celebration of Lights relies heavily on donations and volunteers to create the magical setting down on the river front each winter. To raise funds to use towards not just more decorations, but to maintain what is already there, some of the hard working volunteers from the Celebration of Lights group will be here, at Cheeky Monkey for the May 4th First Friday selling RED SOLO WINE CUPS. For just $5.00 you can own one of the most interesting wine glasses I have ever seen and help to beautify the waterfront for Sarnia residents and help create a tourist attraction.

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Enjoying Art at An Event Apart

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Enjoying Art at An Event Apart

Paintings large and small, pottery, photography, wood turnings, basketry, fabric sculpting can all be found on display and for sale at An Event Apart at the Holiday Inn this weekend. Roland and I had the pleasure of attending the Opening Gala last night (Friday April 27) where we strolled among the beautiful displays of art and chatted with several of the artists on hand. No matter what your taste or budget, there is something for everyone. I personally was very drawn to the glass work, jewelry and bird carving, especially of chickadees. We had an enjoyable visit with photographer Leonard Segall who explained not just techniques used, but told us the fascinating stories behind the photos he chose for this show and sale. An Event Apaprt runs until Sunday afternoon and is a fundraising project for St. Joseph's Hospice. This is a chance to find unique, local and international talent artwork for ...

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Call for Exhibitors for SPRING ART FAIR

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4th Annual pring Art Fair @ Grace United Church 2012 Call for Art Fair Exhibitors Application for exhibit space can also be downloaded at WWW.ACBR.COM Event: Spring Art Fair Date: Saturday, May 19, 2022 Time: 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM Location: Grace United Church 990 Cathcart Blvd. Sarnia, ON N7S 2H2 Office Phone: 542-1203 Contact: Bruce Ritchie at 331-6408 or 869-8026 Fees: Single Booth = 10 ft x 8 ft Cost = $35.00 Double Booth = 20 ft X 8 ft Cost = $70.00 · The Spring Art Fair is held indoors in the north end of Grace United Church ...

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