This weekend I point you towards frighteningly-good places for art, faith, hope and love in Edmonton.
The Leader
‘Odious' OPEN WALLS at Bleeding Heart
photo by Bronwyn Nuefeld
A little self-serving? Sure. But I wouldn’t make OPEN WALLS the top of this weekend’s recommendations if I didn’t truly believe this is a show you need to see. And better yet, participate in. Submissions are ongoing, throughout the exhibit, so come one, come all, and bring some art.
http://www.bleedingheartartspace.com/open-walls/
The Attitude
LESS IS MORE from Keith ‘The Werewolf’ Walker
Any show that proudly displays blown glass (how do I put this?) truck balls deserves to make the attitude part of this week’s list.
LESS IS MORE is a wild and wonderful journey through the world of hot glass, with Keith Walker as our guide. I took in the show this week, and will have plenty more to say about it. For now, let this extremely high recommendation suffice. Well, that and these words from artist Keith Walker himself.
"With this exhibition Less is More, I am exploring the notion of a simpler way of life and an honest day’s work. I remember as a young boy spending time out at my grandparent’s farm, jumping in the hay barn, gathering eggs from the chickens, riding goats by the horns and learning how to drive cars out in the open field. This series of mixed-media installations are my interpretations of childhood memories. I will be incorporating my custom blown and fused components of glasswork with found objects. The addition of re-purposed materials is a continuation of my exploration of the installation art-form."
See it. It’s at Alberta Craft Council, and it’s free. While you are there, be sure to head downstairs for MASTERWORKS as well. So much to see in that little space right now.
http://www.albertacraft.ab.ca/discovery-gallery/
The Faithful
Dead Vinyl Society - Bring Out Your Dead
This week’s ‘faithful’ offering is a little different. It’s about being faithful not to beliefs or convictions–not even a way of living or a person. It’s about being faithful to a medium. The vinyl record.
This monthly event offers vinyl aficionados and newcomers the opportunity to swap, sell and talk shop in community.
From their facebook event;
"BRING OUT YOUR DEAD returns to the Black Dog Freehouse with a revised schedule. Going forward, we'll now be at the Dog on the first Sunday of every month.
Buy, sell or trade or records with us.
This is a great environment to come and hang out, have a beer, enjoy old and new music, meet new people, share digging war stories and celebrate vinyl collecting culture."
https://www.facebook.com/events/886756211414803/
The Outlier
Dia De Los Muertos Weekend at Prairie Gardens
"It’s a Fiesta De Desfrazes – a Costume Party in honour of Day of the Dead! The Day of the Dead is a multi-cultural event. There will be ofrendas (altars), parades, calaveras (skull) and Day of the Dead art."
Head just out of town this weekend for a colourful cultural festival–Day of the Dead! This year’s fest even includes a local connection, with the addition of Catarina - a beautiful sculpture by Alberta Avene resident, and OPEN WALLS artist, Ritchie Velthuis (pictured).
http://www.prairiegardens.org/festivals-events/dia-de-los-muertos-weekend/
The Unsung Hero
‘Eerie’ Edmonton Photographic Trade Show
Not an art show per-se, but certainly the birthplace (or perhaps conception place) of many future photographic works. Come geek out on new photographic gear at "Western Canada’s Largest Photographic Trade Show"
Sunday, November 1st from 9:30am - 5:00pm at the U of A Butterdome (114th St. & 87th Ave).
"Every leader in the photographic industry will be in attendance showcasing the latest and greatest in photographic equipment. Get hands on experience with the newest DSLR, mirrorless system and point & shoot digital cameras, as well as the latest must-have accessories to complement your growing collection of gear.” (from their website)
http://www.mcbaincamera.com/ept/index.html
The Bonus
‘The Count’ VON BIEKER plays The Carrot
I am playing a show at The Carrot tonight. I won’t be headless. I won’t play monster mash. But I promise you a night of music so good it’s scary :)