The rumour is that it is Spring. We turned our clocks forward. Now it is time to turn our faces outward and explore the many possibilities for enjoying the arts.

Okanagan College is presenting a World Community Film Festival beginning at 9 am, March 13th and continuing on to the 15th at the college. For those who seek out an intensive film festival experience and the bugged-eyed delight of watching film after film, check out the 30 Canadian and international documentaries by contacting the college for information. www.ocworldfilmfest.net. The films are free but a donation will be gladly accepted for the Kelowna Women’s Resource Centre.
The Alternator Gallery’s big fund raising event is becoming more and more popular every year. This year the event was announced by an enticing parade down Ellis Street. The Wearable Art Gala begins when the doors open at 7:00pm. The show is at 8 with an after-party at 10 pm on March 14th. The event takes place in the Rotary Centre, 421 Cawston Avenue with tickets for sale through www.ticketmaster.ca.
While the Wearable Art Gala is not for children or the faint of heart, the Kelowna Art Gallery is continuing to provide wonderful experiences for a family to explore creativity together on Family Sundays. Drop in every Sunday at 1:00 pm to get involved.http://www.kelownaartgallery.com/art_classes.htm
Also over Spring Break budding actors can go on a fun journey into the world of acting with the Kelowna Actors Studio Theatre Camps starting 9 am March 16th until March 20th. http://www.kelownaactorsstudio.com/
Another possibility for children is the Spring Break Clay and Craft Camp being offered for those between the ages of 6 and 12 beginning at 10 am on March 16th to March 20th at the Rotary Centre for the Arts.
The Okanagan Jazz and Blues Society has been working for years to foster local talent and to bring in accomplished musician to play in the Okanagan. The group has reformed, reconfigured and adapted to changing times. On March 16th at 7 pm at the Habitat, the group will announce its rebirth. They are looking to recruit new members to keep the sound of blues and jazz alive and vigorous. Show up to support this great possibility of create more cultural tourism for our area.
Minstrel’s Cafe and Bar is one of the few places left in Kelowna that hosts live jazz music. Robert Fine will be crooning for your enjoyment March 17th at 7 pm. Phone the Cafe for a reservation. Jane Eamon plays March 31st, presenting original well-crafted songs.
When I first arrived in Kelowna, there were many venues that presented a place for local players to make a living making music. Over the years the number has dwindled. The Coast Capri features live music which is, at times jazz and it is a great place to sit and listen. Jim Copeman’s group Small Change can be heard there March 27th. Several wineries will host special events that feature the jazz group of drummer Danny Sameshima. Stay tuned for those dates.
And for blues… well the Blue Gator is a natural place to dance and rock out.
If you want to feel the music for yourself, what better way than to join the Feel the Rhythm Community Drum Circle which begins at 7 pm on March 18th at the Rotary Centre. Absolutely no experience necessary and the drums are provided by instructor Jim Copeman.
The Rotary Centre also hosts the Sunshine Theatre production Mesa running March 18th to March 21st. I saw this play several years ago when it was first co-produced by Sunshine and the Arts Club Theatre and thoroughly enjoyed this laugh out loud play.
And now for something completely different, go to the Library building, room 312 at UBC O March 19th at 2:30 pm to find out the answer to the question: What’s the Good of Bilbo Baggins? A word study inquiring into the ethics of the hobbit will be sponsored by the UBC Okanagan Office of the Provost as a way for specialists to present their research to the public. This is a perfect occasion for those who wish to mind their Ps and Qs.

The University also presents International Feature Film Fridays at the Fipke Centre, 251 starting at 7:30 pm March 20th. Award winning international films shown for free will be followed by a guided discussion.

For those planning to travel in the future, Kelowna’s own Kristine Polley has taken her globe trotting experiences to write her new book “Lipstick & Luggage: Easy Your Pain When Travelling! How to Get Organized & Stay Safe.” Soft launch of the book was February 4th.

The Kelowna Art Gallery is pleased to host the 23rd annual Art in Action exhibition, In the Making, featuring artwork created by local youth. Art in Action runs March 6th to 31st.

So whether you wish to take your family out to be creative together, to find a chair and enjoy the skill of accomplished artists or join others to explore the creative life of the mind, Kelowna offers the possibilities of the journey into the world of art. Turn your face outward. Spring forward into your community.