creatiValley with hundreds of performers and artists launches at The Reach this Friday!

MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release
September 21, 2015

creatiValley with hundreds of performers and artists launches at The Reach this Friday! 

Abbotsford, BC – The first creatiValley festival kicks off this Friday September 25, 2015 at The Reach Gallery Museum Abbotsford. The ambitious celebration culture in the Fraser Valley will welcome hundreds of visual and performing artists to The Reach over nine days from September 25-October 4. Nearly all events are free to the public and the festival promises to be the most exciting cultural event of the fall!

The free Friday kick off will also be an opening reception for the 2015 Fraser Valley Biennale exhibition featuring 16 Valley artists, and Ready and True: India and the Great War a historical exhibition curated by Dr. Prabhjot Parmar, along with a mini art market and teaser performances.

Drop by The Reach on Saturday, September 26^th from 12 to 8pm to browse the artisans market coordinated by the Abbotsford Arts Council, while enjoying live musical entertainment. And wear your favourite fascinator to the Mad Hatter’s Tea where we dish up delish finger sandwiches and dainty sweets. The tea is by pre-registration only at $16 per person or $30 for 2 people.  Saturday evening offers a diverse dance showcase featuring performances by Tha Ream Dance Studio, Fraser Valley Irish Dance Association and the Fraser Valley Dance Academy.

On Sunday, September 27^th from 12 to 3pm, it’s free Sunday Family Arts Extravaganza  with messy, creative activities for the whole family. Join us to squeeze your own sculpture to make a mini monster while jamming to the music of Fiddlin’ Frenzy or being wowed by the thundering talent of the Hurricane Fraser Valley Korean Drum Team.

CreatiValley continues on Monday, September 28 to Thursday, October 1^st with a diverse program of Creative Morning Talks and Lunchtime Literary Series by a host of topical presenters. Evening showcases also continue all week with free curated selections of film, literary, theatre, comedy and music programs each evening beginning at 6:30pm.

The University of the Fraser Valley presents a 12 Hour Multidisciplinary Art Marathon from 10 am to 10 pm on Friday October 2^nd.  Expect an inspiring and dynamic showcase from UFV students from the disciplines of Art History, Creative Writing, Fashion Design, Graphic and Digital Design, Media and Communication Studies, Theatre, and Visual Arts. The marathon will culminate in Art Battle Abbotsford* with admission as follows: students & Emerge members: $10; early bird: $15 and at the door: $20.

On Saturday, October 3^rd, creatiValley at The Reach continues with Live Painting by artists/teachers Shannon Thiessen and Sheline Neufeldt, while the Abby Road Barbershop Quartet and Grand Square Dancers entertain. On the evening of October 3^rd, drop in for an evening of beautiful music as the Langley Ukulele Ensemble, Susan Choi & Friends and the Seranata Singers put the “class” in classics!

creatiValley concludes on Sunday, October 4^th with a lively and entertaining Children and Youth Day. The program includes with creative art-making projects complemented by storytelling by talented local authors. Children’s author Barbara Nickel reads her book, A Boy Asked the Wind, followed by Janet Love Morrison and her tale of heroics, Radar the Rescue Dog. The day wraps up with a hands-on Aboriginal Youth program.

“We’re thrilled to be working with community partners to transform The Reach Gallery Museum Abbotsford into a hub of amazing cultural activity during national Culture Days and beyond. I can’t wait to open the doors at The Reach to so many cultural presenters from across diverse artistic disciplines, and to invite audiences of all ages to enjoy the richness of our creative community. It’s also an excellent opportunity for children to get involved in the wide range of cultural activities that are offered throughout the week,” says Laura Schneider, Acting Director and Curator of The Reach.

creatiValley is coordinated a group of community partners, including the Abbotsford Arts Council, MSA Museum Society, University of the Fraser Valley, the Fraser Valley chapter of the Professional Writers Association of Canada and The Reach.

The majority of the creatiValley programs are by free admission. What an opportunity to enjoy and learn about the varied creative community in the Fraser Valley, all under one roof! For the complete creatiValley program schedule, check www.thereach.ca or call: 604-864-8087.

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Photos:
Fraser Valley Academy of Dance, performs Sept. 26 at creatiValley
Her Brothers, performs Oct 1 at creatiValley

 

 

Media contact:
Laura Schneider, Acting Director and Curator
604 864-8087 x125  lschneider@thereach.ca
The Reach Gallery Museum Abbotsford
32388 Veterans Way, Abbotsford, BC V2T 0B3
www.thereach.ca