A new exhibition by Ken Miner opened April 14 at Excellent Frameworks – Home of the EJ Hughes Gallery. The exhibition features 10 original wet collodion photographs on display until May 5.
Ken Miner is a Victoria-based photographer working in the wet collodion photographic method since 2012. He has been deeply involved in this historic process, rediscovering his passion for handmade photography and reconnecting with his artistic roots, said a press release for the show.
Having previously worked as a freelance commercial photographer in Winnipeg during the film and darkroom era of the mid-1990s and the subsequent digital revolution of the early 2000s, he felt a strong desire to return to the tactile and immersive experience of traditional photography, the release said.
"The Window" is now on display and Miner will be in attendance on Saturday, April 26 at noon to introduce his work to the Cowichan Valley.
"Through this series, I explore...ideas using one large window as both a supporting role and a collaborator," said Miner. "The window itself isn't particularly beautiful — its dirty panes, peeling paint, and dated art deco design hint at a grander past. But the light it creates is pure magic. On overcast afternoons it wraps the space in quiet softness. On clear days bright beams streak through the south-facing glass, spilling onto the old wood floor, filling the room with warmth, movement, and well-defined shadows."
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The Cowichan Artisans are kicking off their Spring Tour with a Mix and Mingle event on Wednesday, April 23 at Live Edge Design in Duncan.
The event is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and will offer a first look at the works of the Cowichan Artisans, from fine furniture and pottery to textiles, glass and metalwork.
"Wander through a stunning wood gallery, meet the artists behind the work, and soak up the creativity that makes this region so inspiring," said a press release for the event. "Whether you’re an art collector, a supporter of local makers, or just curious to see what Cowichan’s creative community is all about, you’ll feel right at home.
"This evening is also a sneak peek at what’s to come during the Cowichan Artisans Spring Studio Tour on April 26-27, when the artisans open their studios to the public for a weekend of exploration and connection."
The event is free for Duncan-Cowichan Chamber members and their guests. Call 250-748-1111 or email chamber@duncancc.bc.ca for more information.
The Spring Studio Tour is on April 26-27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day with 11 artists opening their studios for this self-guided tour experience. Visit as many as you would like. For more information, including a list of artists and a map, visit cowichanartisans.com.
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The Cowichan Theatre Coalition is holding auditions on April 24 and April 27 of the First Annual Independent One Act Play Festival.
The festival will take place June 12-14 and June 19-20 at the Duncan Showroom as part of the Duncan Pride Celebrations during Pride Month.
Auditions are at 6:30 p.m. on April 24 and 2 p.m. on April 27 and take place at the Showroom.
Needed are two males between 20 and 35 for the locally written, original 2SLGBTQ+ play The Good Kisser by T.J. Pratt, which will be directed by Lorne Seifred.
Those wishing to audition do not need to prepare anything. Also needed are a stage manager, producer, costumer and props and set decorating crew.
For more information email cowichantheatrecoalition@gmail.com
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The Koksilah Low Flows Working Group is holding a community information session on May 5.
It will be a free online session for anyone curious about summer low flows in the Koksilah watershed and how the community is working together to improve the health of the river.
The session takes place at 7 p.m. to Register, go to www.eventbrite.ca/e/koksilah-community-info-session-2025-tickets-1313382746149?aff=oddtdtcreator
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St. Edward's, Duncan and St. Mary's, Ladysmith councils of the Catholic Women's League are hosting the 97th Victorian Diocesan Convention at St. Edward's on May 2 and 3.
The groups will welcome more than 90 members from the Island to come together for the annual convention and to visit places in the Cowichan community.
The year, St. Edward's CWL celebrated their 80th anniversary, and St. Mary's group celebrated their 90th.
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Head to the Cowichan Public Art Gallery in downtown Duncan for the Printmakers Only Group's show Then, Now, Today: A Printmaking Retrospective.
The show runs until May 31 and the gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
"Then, Now, Today is about seeing the beauty in the everyday moments around us, and it is these moments, reflected back at us, that make up a life," said a press release for the show.
"This retrospective show is drawn from 30 years of artistic work from 17 different artists and is truly a demonstration of the printmaking craft as it features a wide variety of printmaking methods."
