salt spring island events...january 10th blog entry...

January 10, 2009.

Here's an interesting idea, to catch one's attention in this January "pause" moment! Jill Louise Campbell's gallery is offering a Dutch Auction idea, on selected paintings. You need to be quick, here -- it began on the 6th and runs through to the 18th (definitely a time llimited offer). Only 100 canvases are available -- no orders/no rain checks. When they're sold, that's "it". A great time to gift either yourself, or someone near and dear to you, who might be having a birthday or anniversary celebration, in the near future. Don't miss this!

Something else to consider: Creative Fire Studio offers children's clay classes from Jan. 30th to Feb. 27th, on Fridays between 10 a.m. and noon. For more details, email at: www.creativefirestudio.org (cost is $175).

Looking for a fun workshop, with the goal of creating a clay gift for your sweetie, for Valentine's? Again, contact Creative Fire Studio (1375 Beddis Road), and enjoy yourself. No previous art experience is necessary! ($50 for adults, and $25 for children/youth).

Mark your calendars, too, so you don't miss the Potters Guild Events, upcoming: *The annual Guild Spring Show & Sale begins on May 9th, this year, at Mahon Hall, between 10 a.m. & 4 p.m. (opening reception on the 8th, at 7 to 9 p.m.). *The wonderful Marks Work Wearhouse Display, held each year in July/August. This year's theme is: The Harbour. *And, of course, Fall Fair with the Potters Guild Display and Demonstration (this year, it's on Sept. 12 & 13). Big stars on these dates! See you there!

ArtSpring's second season of professional theatre offerings begins on Jan. 17th, with You Fancy Yourself (on the 17th and the 18th). A one woman play, by Toronto actor/playwright, Maya Ardal, it's set in 1950s Glasgow. On Feb. 6 to 15, Scott Hylands, noted local actor, presents five performances of Waiting for Godot, the signature play by Samuel Beckett. This subscription series of theatre closes with If I Were Me, running from May 21 to 31. Three short plays, written by Mort Ransen, another noted Islander, will be presented. Again, big stars on these dates! Wave, if you see me.

Don't forget to give yourself a treat, every Tuesday, one to four p.m. -- it's Afternoon Tea at the Salt Spring Inn. A great tradition!

ArtSpring's very proactive Recession Buster Pass idea is worth exploring -- contact ArtSpring direct, re details (250-537-2102). One Dollar gets you a lot of "extras"/benefits. Check this out!

Did you know that Rock Salt Cafe was offering wine tasting Wednesdays? Call them for details!

When you open your property assessment this month, remember that you are only paying the lower of the two values you'll see there. It's only for this year that there is this option. The notice will show the market value (in the tax assessor's opinion) of your property as of both July 1, 2007 and July 1, 2008. The lower of these two assessments is your official 2009 property assessment and will be used to calculate your 2009 property taxes. Check out www.bcassessment.ca for further information.

The course calendar for Community Education options is now available. Check out your choices at: www.ssicommunityed.com and register, or call them at: 250-537-0037 for more details. If you'd like to offer a course, call that same number.

Yes, it's January, and yes it's still definitely the heart of winter, but there's lots to see and to do and to explore...a softer and quieter season, with time to reflect and enjoy the opportunity to learn something new. Important to feed the mind, too!