In this week's newsletter: Reader recos from Vancouver
Your picks could appear in next week's email! Tell us about the best places to see art in your hometown
Hello! You're reading the CBC Arts newsletter, and if you like what you see, stick around! Sign up here, and every Sunday we'll send you a fresh email packed with art, culture and a metric truckload of eye candy, hand-picked by our small and mighty team. Here's what we've been talking about this week.
Hi, art lovers!
What am I watching?
Just a happy little art mystery. The New York Times tracked down a giant stash of Bob Ross paintings, but the hunt is just one part of the story. Meet the world's only Bob Ross authenticator! (And her husband — who used to work for the CIA!) Also, if you want to reach Bob Ross Inc., they won't sell you a painting, but they will talk to you: 1-800-BOB-ROSS. There's enough joy in that short doc to make up for the Cats trailer. (Well, almost enough.)
CBC Gem continues to add an overwhelming amount of things to stream (including a YA action series about origami warriors that is, of course, called Warigami). And then there's this: a doc about Lyle Reimer (better known as Lyle XOX), a Saskatchewan-raised artist who's redefining the phrase "zero waste makeup." Those major lewks at the top of the newsletter? Kyle uses recycled junk to create them. This profile story will catch you up on what he's all about. Here's where to follow him on Instagram (because after reading that article there's a 99.9 per cent chance that you'll really, really want to). And, finally, here's where to watch the film, Random is My Favourite Colour.
Another week, another spot on the map — and the travel guide appearing on the site this week is written by playwright Lee-Anne Poole. She'll show you why you should book a trip to Halifax, and really, it comes down to three incredibly solid reasons: pizza, beer and free stuff. Pop a handful of Tums and ride along. That's this week's edition of I He(art) My City.
As for where we're going here in the newsletter, I received this sweet note from Claudia Goldman, a reader on the opposite end of the country. Claudia's hometown doesn't exactly need a hard sell, as far as Canadian travel destinations go, but here's why she he(arts)...
Vancouver
What's the most magical spot in your hometown?
"My favourite spot in Vancouver is the UBC endowment forest (University Endowment Lands). The trees reach to the heavens, just as Emily Carr would have painted them."
(You'll find forest trails in the UEL's Pacific Spirit Regional Park. More info here!)
What's the best place to see art where you live?
"The Vancouver Art Gallery opened my five-year-old grandson's eyes to the beauty of magnificent gowns designed by Guo Pei."
"I was delighted with the power of the VAG to enhance our lives in unexpected ways."
(The Guo Pei show wrapped Jan. 20, but this CBC News story captures some of the exquisite work that was on display.)
Who's your favourite local artist?
"Diana Coop. Her sense of colour is palpable."
And because we promised you eye candy
It's mural festival season! Edmonton and Vancouver: watch the streets for brand new work from Japanese art star ONEQ. She'll be coming to your cities next month for Rust Magic and Vancouver Mural Festival.
Plastic is killing the oceans. I don't need to tell you that — but here's an extremely whimsical reminder, anyway. (Plastic Coral Reef installation by Federico Uribe.)
More beautiful garbage, this time from Toronto's JP King and Sean Martindale. (If you're in Windsor, JP has a solo exhibition that's on now at Artcite Inc. See The Department of Discard Culture to Aug. 31.)
Thanks to AI, we're all as pretty as a painting.
You've got to see this
Ever dreamed of trading city life for the country? - Yeah? Well, this secret road trip wants to show you what it could be like. It's called Sunday Drive: Reunion, and your destination is a massive art show on a private farm in southern Ontario. Hit the road Aug. 9 and 10.
She's the only woman in Canada with her own neon studio - Artist Robin Clason is bending the rules in a male-dominated craft. We met up with her in Toronto.
What Toronto can learn from The Last Black Man in San Francisco - Amanda Parris reflects on the Sundance hit. It's a story that asks a crucial question — one that applies to wherever you live: what happens when people can't afford to live in their own cities?
Follow this artist
Laura Peturson (@laurapeturson) - Hailing from northern Ontario, Laura's one of the featured mural artists at Sudbury's Up Here festival. Learn more about their entire lineup. It kicks off Aug. 16.
Got questions? Typo catches? Story ideas?
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Also, it's still summer — which means I still want your tips for I He(art) My City!
Questions below.
- What's the most magical spot in your hometown?
- What's the best place to see art where you live?
- Who's your favourite local artist?
Until next week!
XOXO, CBC Arts
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