Happy New Year and welcome to arts and culture in Orillia and area in 2020.
I have been involved in the arts in Orillia for close to 20 years. I started writing this column one year ago in the hopes a weekly roundup of arts and culture events, in OrilliaMatters, would be helpful to Orillians. And it seems it is! Thank you for your encouraging words about the column, whether in person, on Facebook, or elsewhere ... they make my day.
So what’s coming up in the next little while? First off, it’s Banff Mountain Film Festival time at the Orillia Opera House this week. This little roadshow of the main event is sponsored by Sojourn Outdoors store in Barrie and has been going for about a decade.
If you enjoy adventure and indie films, this one’s for you! Incredible movies of climbing, skiing, hiking, and lots more are shown up close and personal and it’s just a whole lot of fun.
Last year was the first year it ran for three nights, which meant you could still get a ticket close to showtime. This year, three nights again and there are limited tickets available for Thursday only.
Grab your ticket here. It’s an awesome night of WOW and a chance to win some great prizes from Sojourn as well.
The Peter Street Arts District is in fine form after a good Christmas shopping season.
Otter Art Club has started up again and if you have a kid who is into art, this is such a welcoming, inclusive and magical place to be! Run by Travis Shilling and Naomi Woodman, and lots of different media for kids to get into. Check it out here.
There are a couple of art openings this weekend, that I know about. I don’t always get notice of every opening in time for the column, so check out other arts district galleries as well when you are there.
Hibernation Arts at 7 Peter St. S. has the opening of its Young Artists show this Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. and also an official welcome to artist Tammy Henry, who joined the gallery in December. Come out and see the art and enjoy treats as well.
Three Crows Speak Studio at 9 Peter St. S. has an opening on Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. as well, featuring artist Liz Schamehorn. Titled Sketches of Florence, this show features plein air paintings from Liz’s time in Florence, Italy in the late 1990’s. Lots of wonderful art in the arts district so do come out and enjoy.
On Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. at Hibernation Arts, Orillia Urban Sketchers is celebrating its one-year anniversary with a potluck party. Everyone is welcome, bring munchies to share at $5 to help pay for the space, and your sketching gear!
The Orillia Museum of Art and History (OMAH) has a busy January as well, with lots of new workshops and classes up and running for all ages. The Sir John A. Macdonald dinner on Saturday at Hawk Ridge Golf Club, with guest speaker Dr. Kevin Kee, is almost sold out, but you can try your luck by calling OMAH at 705-326-2159.
OMAH is also hosting its monthly history speakers meeting on Jan. 15, featuring Dr. Harry Hall of Orillia. Dr. Hall will speak on his life’s work in Orillia and around the world. The meeting is free and begins at OMAH at 7 p.m. For more information on all the events going on at OMAH, click here.
Just a heads up that the Mariposa Arts Theatre Film Nights start up again Jan. 22 with Judy, a film about star Judy Garland. Two shows, at 4 and 7 p.m. at the Galaxy Cinema, $10 at the door.
Music in the bars this weekend? You bet. At Fionn’s Friday, Marshall Dane. At the Brownstone Café, Saturday Club Silencio, High Road Pilots, and Mount Mural. At the Hog ‘n’ Penny, Saturday Jakob Pearce. At Casino Rama, Friday Mike Tyson, Saturday Loverboy and Trooper.
Have a great week and send me your arts and culture events to [email protected] by Tuesdays at noon.
