The First Blossom of HOpe fundraiser was held recently at the Chateau Versailles Design Centre in West Vancouver. An elegant cocktail style event, the night helped raise funds for the Lions Gate Hospital HOpe Centre in support of youth mental health care on the North Shore.
The stunning art at the Equinox Gallery served as the perfect backdrop to the Cause We Care Foundation’s recent glamorous giving event. Founded in 2007 to help raise funds for single mothers and children living in poverty, the invite-only VIP event emphasized the need to give in our community and support programs like their backpack drive, Christmas hampers and YWCA Cause We Care house.
It was like walking into a living art gallery. The St. Paul’s Foundation’s Brilliant gala, held at the Rocky Mountaineer, was a magical from start to finish. Guests were invited to walk into a “Gallery of Wonders” where models dressed as famous works of art decorated the venue. Supporting mental health and addiction programs, the evening raised 1.5 million and included a vibrant live auction, fashion show and live dance performances.
Harmony Arts Best of the West – Every year the people of West Vancouver get a chance to show everyone just how beautiful life by the sea can be. The 10-day long festival of arts, culture, music and more brings people from all over to celebrate. With displays, markets, food and fun – there’s also theme nights and special events. The Best of the West event was held on Ambleside Pier and combined local restaurants with select BC wineries for a stunning posh pairing evening in the sun. Yummy!
Kay Meek Gala
West Vancouver’s most elegant theatre of art, culture and music – the Kay Meek Centre – welcomed dignitaries and guests to its annual fundraising gala. A beautiful garden reception with food by Mangia E Bevi was followed by a rollicking performance by The Second City. MC Vicki Gabereau introduced new incoming executive director Rob Gloor and the evening was capped off with a dessert reception and meet and greet with the cast. Congrats.
The Art of a Woman, a special art unveiling dedicated to breast cancer, took place last week at the Bau Xi gallery on Granville. Sponsored by Diane’s Lingerie as part of their new rebranding campaign, the evening included a first time glimpse of very unique artwork created by a list of Vancouver’s most prominent women. Each participant was covered in body paint and a canvas imprint was taken which then was turned into an amazing work of art. Anonymity was guaranteed as only the subject was told which print was hers leaving it up to each one of the ladies to reveal their own secret. As for secrets, I’m proud to have been chosen as a participant and was more than pleased to be part of this graceful and tasteful exhibit. The art pieces were put up for auction and proceeds raised were donated to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.
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01 – Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CEO Wendy Slavin, left, stands with art model and breast cancer survivor/leader Lenora Gates.
02 – Diane’s Lingerie boutique owner Sharon Hayes, left, and style maven Christie Lohr pose in front of her print.
03 – Diane’s perfect fitters Monica Egea, left, and Mara Mashhour know their lingerie.
04 – Lovely ladies Lynda Barr, left, and Jill Killeen.
05 – PR professional Liberty Lee, left, poses with event MC and media personality Dawn Chubai.
06 – Shaking things up at the bar are award-winning mixologists from West Restaurant David Wolowidnyk, left, and Kevin Brownlee.
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By Catherine Barr – May 1, 2014
Also as seen in the Vancouver Sun Newspaper
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By Catherine Barr
www.CatherineBarr.com | www.WestVancouver.com | www.NorthVancouver.com
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The Gordon Smith Gallery of Canadian Art is one of North Vancouver’s newest and most prestigious places. Built last year, the gallery is purported to be the only public gallery “dedicated to young audiences” which exhibits works of art created through the Artist for Kids (AFK) collection. Last week, patrons of the arts gathered at the gallery to celebrate and raise funds at a gala that included a gourmet meal by Hawksworth restaurant, live auction items and entertainment by Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne.
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01 – Taking part in the fabulous food and wine are fabulous food and wine experts Leslie Stowe, left, Darryl Weinbren and Michelle Jankovich.
02 – Showing support for the gallery are former West Vancouver mayor Pamela Goldsmith-Jones and husband Geoff.
03 – Supporting the arts are VIPs Gordon Harris, left, Pamela Hart and Mark Ballard.
04 – Sitting in the space that bears his name, artist Gordon Smith chats with gala MC and CBC news anchor Gloria Macarenko.
05 – Working to make everything perfect are organizer Gail Johnson, left, chef David Hawksworth and Michele Becker.
06 – Guest Arabella Campbell dines with West Vancouver architect and visionary Russell Hollingsworth.
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By Catherine Barr – Nov 20, 2013
Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Nov 28, 2013
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Last week the District of West Vancouver celebrated 22 years of the Harmony Arts Festival. A lot has changed over the years, including the addition of even more arts and crafts, live music nights, a second stage feature and an outdoor wine garden that has quickly become one of the most popular features of the whole festival. Record crowds came out to help celebrate and take in the various lectures, art displays and outdoor activities that lined the waterfront and beach areas between Ambleside and John Lawson Park. And none of it would have been possible without the help of countless volunteers who helped set up behind the scenes. Congrats to all involved.
01 – The Stromer Swiss bike team stands by near the Ferry Building Gallery to show off the latest trends in pedal power. Look for their newest store to open in North Vancouver in September.
02 – Artist Xwalacktun (Rick Harry) is famous across the North Shore and more for his amazing native carvings. Here he rocks out heavy metal style while showing off a custom made bass guitar.
03 – Cheers to House Wine girls Leslie Saito, left, and Michelle Bouffard for keeping everyone’s glasses full in the wine garden every night.
04 – Volunteers Marika Kubinyi and Philip Wright are on hand to answer questions and direct visitors to all the best attractions.
05 – Volunteers Lois Ballance, left, Joan Townsend and Philomena Hunter are among the many people working hard to make the Harmony Arts Festival happen every year.
06 – Feeling Italian? Then grab a nosh from the crew at Mangia e Bevi who are serving up smiles in the wine garden.
By Catherine Barr – Aug 12, 2012
Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook newspaper on Aug 16, 2012
For 21 years now, the West Vancouver waterfront has come alive with the sights and sounds of the annual Harmony Arts Festival. Presented by Odlum Brown, this year’s festival kicks things into extra high gear with the addition of even more special events including a special ticketed artist’s evening with Gordon Smith and Douglas Coupland and a Best of the West wine and food event. Returning favourites, like the Sunset Concert Stage, Artists Market, Wine Garden and Cinema in the Park, help add up to ten days of family fun that can’t be missed. Harmony Arts continues through this weekend and ends Sunday night with a live performance by Gary Comeau and the Voodoo All Stars.
01 – Five year-old Lukas Marosits takes a walk with dad Michael and mom Grace past all the arts and crafts displays.
02 – Equipped with a ladder, a skateboard, some knives and some flaming torches, performer/juggler Piper McKenzie has everyone on the edge of their seats with his stunts and skill.
03 – Street food is all part of the charm of the festival as delicious smells wafts from the smoked meat tent of Dunn’s Original as chef Wayne, cutter Tommy and their crew feed hungry visitors.
04 – Wearing their signature red, Housewine gals Michaela Morris, left, and Michelle Bouffard keep the wine garden well stocked.
05 – Three cheers for the volunteers . . . and the organizers. Harmony Arts organizer and volunteer coordinator Richard Loat, left, and volunteer Wonjun Kim walk the beach keeping things in order.
06 – Capilano University textile arts students Rebecca Fisher, left, and Dana Fisher (no relation) are among the many artisans showing their wares as part of the arts and craft tent fair.
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By Catherine Barr – July 30, 2011
Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Aug 4, 2011
Galas galas everywhere. First up was North Vancouver’s Braemar elementary school where parents and friends donned Mardi Gras beads and masks to celebrate “Arti Gras”. There was music, a casino, silent auction, food, drink – and a live auction of 20 “art-irondack” chairs each painted and decorated by a classroom in the school. Overall the gang raised $22,000 – good job. Next, it was the Red Cross Red Carpet Soiree held at West Vancouverite Jack Evrensel’s fabulous Blue Water Cafe. Sushi, a live auction, raffle prizes and more helped raise funds for this very worthwhile cause.
01 – Beautiful Red Carpet Soiree co-chairs Renee Fischer and Erin Treloar welcome guests on the red carpet at Blue Water.
02 – Red Carpet Soiree volunteer Alex Cubitt peeps out from behind a pair of disco red flashing glasses as she sells raffle tickets for the night.
03 – Red Carpet Soiree past president Anita Cheng, seen here with guest Jean Paul Walden, had to forgo her duties this year as she is soon to be a new mommy. Congrats.
04 – Gala Committee members Kathryn Peck, left, and Deanna Eckstein work the bids in the room at the Red Carpet Soiree.
05 – Arti Gras volunteer Susanne Morris shows us that purple is her passion at the Braemar school fundraiser.
06 – Dolled up in party beads and pink sequin masks, Arti Gras gals Candace Walker, left, and Deanna Loychu get into the spirit of things at Braemar.
07 – Bridgitte Anderson, left, and Elly Safari aren’t masking their good time. A big round of applause for all their hard work and decorations at Braemar’s Arti Gras celebration.
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By Catherine Barr – May 28, 2011
Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on June 2, 2011
It’s a milestone year in West Vancouver as the Harmony Arts Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary. Held in various locations, including John Lawson Park, Ambleside Landing, The Ferry Building Gallery and more, the festival is famous for its art displays, live concerts, lectures and outdoor movies. This year, an outdoor wine garden adds some spice to the mix as does a fashion show by local boutique Leslie Jane. Get out and celebrate this weekend too with an evening concert or a stroll through the craft fair. On until Aug 8.
01 – Sparkling Swarovski crystal jewellery hand crafted by local actress/mom Susie Wickstead, left, is a big seller thanks to the help of girlfriend Dyanne Jack.
02 – Talented West Vancouver interior designer Teresa Bockhold is coaxed onto the catwalk as she models some fabulous fashions for Leslie Jane store owner Walter Giesbrecht.
03 – Camera at the ready, Leslie Jane’s Paul Giesbrecht takes some shots of models like Serena Vassen at the first Harmony arts fashion show.
04 – With their fluffy companion Sasha stealing the show, Gary Howell, left, and Ivan Teo take a stroll through the art gardens.
05 – Helping the models get ready for the big show is Leslie Jane assistant Margaret McCready.
06 – No mystery here as to why Adrienne Lust of Sugar and Co. is so popular with the younger crowd at the Harmony craft fair.
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By Catherine Barr – August 1, 2010
Also published in print by the North Shore Outlook newspaper on August 5, 2010
A new hotel, a new restaurant and a new art opening help wrap up the month of March and a busy Easter weekend filled with activities. First, it was a special private party to celebrate the Grand Opening of the new East Side Mario’s Restaurant and Lounge in the Lonsdale Quay. Food and festivities helped raise funds for the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation. Next, it was an Easter visit to the new Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier at the foot of Lonsdale which features a fabulous chic ultra lounge/restaurant and some of the best view banquet space on the North Shore. And, to wrap up the month, artist Tanya Slingsby’s hosted many North Shore guests at the opening of her “Arcana” art exhibit at her east side atelier.
01 – Artist Tanya Slingsby’s “Arcana” creation are well worth a visit to her atelier.
02 – Pinnacle Hotel’s group sales manager Christie McJannet and executive chef Brian Fodor take pride in their new property and in new menus which feature fresh dungeness crab.
03 – Checking in guests with a warm welcome are Pinnacle Hotel’s Mallory Watt and guests services manager Brendan Stonestreet who both hail from the North Shore.
04 – Choosing colourful Easter flowers are just one of the many talents of Pinnacle Hotel conference services manager Norma Bogart whose banquet rooms feature views to die for.
05 – Outlook sales manager Greg Laviolette, left, is welcomed by East Side Mario’s owners Antonio Simoes and owner/GM Raj Khaira to the VIP opening party.
06 – Lions Gate Hospital Foundation’s Rebecca James, left, and Joanne McLellan express their gratitude to East Side Mario’s Jennifer Domansky for their opening night donation.
07 – In attendance at the opening of the Slingsby art preview are West Vancouver’s John and Anne Green, left, North Van artist Miriam Aroeste and guest Ian Tootill.
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By Catherine Barr – April 5, 2010
Published in print by the North Shore Outlook on April 8, 2010
This week marks the 10th anniversary of the Vancouver International Dance Festival. On until March 21, the festival includes performances by some of the city’s best dance groups at various locations around town. Part of the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad, the opening night gala featured live auction items, performances and more. Get more information at . Also, check out the party action backstage with a few extra celebrity events herein.
01 – It’s always great to see North Shore singer Lee Aaron perform her many hits. Now a mom, she rocked out with music hall-of-famer Red Robinson back stage before her show at his namesake theatre/casino last week.
02 – The last of the Olympic party famous faces to hit town was BC born model/actress Pamela Anderson. Seen here with fashion stylist Richie Rich, left, and Dom Perignon’s Roberto Garcia, this flashy fashion show won’t soon be forgotten.
03 – VIDF producer Barbara Bourget, left, executive director Jay Hirabayashi and publicist Crystal Kwon celebrate at the opening night gala.
04 – North Vancouver’s Margot Gram, left, and Kokoro lead dancer Kristine Richmond check out the auction items at the VIDF gala.
05 – Look for dancers Jennifer McKiinley, left, and Carolyn Chan throughout week at the Vancouver International Dance Festival.
06 – With talent to spare, Ellen Luchkow, left, Molly McDermott and Ziyian Kwan can dance the night away at the VIDF gala.
07 – A little backstage interview last week with the 80’s rock band Honeymoon Suite helped transport me way back to my early teen years. Are they over already?
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By Catherine Barr, March 12, 2010
As published in print by the North Shore Outlook newspaper on March 18, 2010
Spring is definitely in the air and that means it’s time for Gala season again. The newly opened Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel was the scene of last week’s “Shine” event benefitting the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation and featuring a live performance by Canada’s “popera” supergroup Destino. As always, North Shore faces were happy to show up in support helping raise over $200,000 for a new digital breast imaging machine.
01 – Working at Tiffany & Co. makes director Rob Ferguson every girl’s best friend. He’s also a strong supporter of the Shine gala event.
02 – CBC news anchors Gloria Macarenko and Ian Hanomansing keep everyone entertained as MC hosts of the Shine gala.
03 – Royal Columbian Hospital (RCH) Foundation President and CEO Adrienne Bakker, left, and Foundation Board Chair Belle Puri look as glamorous as their surroundings at the Pacific Rim Shine gala.
04 – West Vancouver’s Margot Paris and husband Chuck Brook come out in support of the RCH’s Shine gala event.
05 – West Vancouver’s Pilar Izzard plays hostess to several VIPs and consul guests at a special art viewing of her late husband, artist Daniel Izzard, in Park Royal North. The exhibit continues through this weekend until March 13.
06 – West Vancouver’s Dr. Allan Bergmann and wife Niki Sauder are among the invited guests at Winsor Gallery’s art opening of “Lush Life” by Vancouver artist Tiko Kerr, right. This exhibit runs until March 28.
07 – A special shout out to Vancouver’s most vivacious radio talk show gal Jennifer Thomson, seen here at the Shine gala with Canada’s prominent pop opera trio “Destino”. Her recent recovery and victory over Cancer gives us all hope for the future.
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By Catherine Barr on March 4, 2010
Published in print by the North Shore Outlook newspaper on March 11, 2010
So many events, so little time. Here’s a roundup of some of the spectacular fundraisers and opening night celebrations that took place over the last week or two.
01 – North Vancouver’s Jason Dussault, seen here with girlfriend/model Mashiah Vaughn, whose best known for his super-star endorsed clothing line Deuce, sits front row at the Boys’ Co. 25th Anniversary fashions show and party.
02 – Nanaimo born NBA star Steve Nash, left, and NHL Canucks hero Trevor Linden come out for the kids in support of Steve’s foundation fundraiser “Showdown in Downtown”.
03 – With a wall of TV screens to make you scream, the chic new Boston Pizza, (located at Esplanade and Chesterfield) will be the place to be seen during the game. From left: Franchisee Darrell Lesueur and wife Lisa, Owner/Operator Neil MacLeod and wife Judy, and Caroline Schein, VP of People Development.
04 – A toast to Terminal City Club executive chef Jason Lloyd and sommelier Teresa Alampur for helping to host the fabulous Vina Tamaya / Vina Morande Wines of Chile winemakers’ dinner featuring stunning plates and presentations.
05 – North Van’s Adam Wickstead, left, GM of Pacific Overseas Forwarding Inc. and Jan Beringer, President and CEO of Rohde & Liesenfeld Canada Inc. generously sponsor the vodka lounge at the Arts Umbrella’s SPLASH art auction event on Granville Island.
06 – Partner Roshni Naik, left, and owner Karen Buder are the toast of the town at their sparkly Sugarlime Soiree 2009 fundraiser held at the Vancouver Art Gallery in support of BC Children’s Hospital.
07 – “Facing Ali” producer Derik Murray, left, and Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson, right, are among the VIPs who got to meet legendary heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali during a special screening/reception at the Vancouver International Film Festival.
– Catherine Barr
As published in the North Shore Outlook newspaper on October 22, 2009
The 19th Annual Harmony Arts Festival is always a favourite among locals, but this year, thanks to some spectacular record breaking temperatures, the crowds have gotten bigger and bigger. Art displays, children’s activities, youth rock, weekend craft fairs, evening outdoor movies and live concerts by the sea are all part of the festival that just wrapped up this past weekend with a spectacular outdoor show by Nearly Neil’s own Bobby Bruce. (more…)
The prestigious Vancouver Waldorf school (located in North Vancouver) offers a private education like no other. With emphasis on the arts, the students here get a chance to develop their talents to their full potential – often with amazing results. This past week at Centennial Theatre, friends and family helped celebrate these achievements during their annual Festival of the Arts. Congratulations to everyone involved.
01 – Music/orchestra teacher Robin Streb, left, prepares with Grade 7 violinist Jessica Ahn and cellist Emily Powers.
02 – Getting ready for his lead role on stage, Hamish Campbell dons his pig wig with Grade 3 teacher Abegael Fisher-Lang.
03 – Valhalla bound – Grade 4 students Lauren Ingram, left, Jane Harvey and Sonia Vinogradsky portray the pretty mythical Valkyrie handmaidens.
04 – Comedian/actor Gary Jones, left, joins school director/parent and Leo Awards film producer Walter Daroshin.
05 – Grade 6 students Jeremy Fish, left, Diego Balce and Brogan Ho dance in time as Morris dancers.
06 – The brother and sister duo of Konrad Lasocki and Ola Lasocka stay in tune with things as part of the school orchestra.
07 – Keeping things in order down on the farm as actors in their French play are Rhiannon Pierce as the rooster and Edward Baik as the donkey.
March 17, 2009 (published March 26, 2009)
Catherine Barr’s column appears every Thursday in the North Shore Outlook – 60,000 copies delivered to homes in the North Vancouver and West Vancouver area If you wish to submit an event for coverage please fill in the form found here or email Cat at info@catherinebarr.com.