Here’s what’s on this week:
- Dr. Pratapaditya Pal will be giving a lecture titled “Kashmir: Art from a ‘Troubled’ Paradise” at the Museum of Anthropology on Tuesday, December 4th at 7pm as part of the Asian Illuminations Scholars Series (Imagining the Sacred in Asian Art). Dr. Pratapaditya Pal is recognized as an authority on the arts of the Indian subcontinent and the Himalayas, has written over 50 books and catalogues, and holds doctorates from the University of Calcutta and Cambridge University. Most recently, he organized the first exhibition about the arts of Kashmir, which is being shown at the Asia Society in New York. Tuesday’s lecture will examine the interaction of Hindus, Buddhists, and Muslims as reflected in the arts and architecture of Kashmir.
- The Behind the Wire Speaker Series continues at the West Vancouver Museum & Archives on Wednesday, December 5th. Charles O. Lomudak, Settlement Worker with the Vancouver School Board and a volunteer with UNICEF Canada, will be giving a lecture from 7:00-8:30pm on the topic “Born and Raised in War in Sudan.” Charles was only 10 years old when the second Sudanese civil war began in 1983. Since that time, nearly two million people (one in five of the southern Sudanese population) have died. In his talk, Charles will share his personal account of growing up in Sudan. He and his family were forced into hiding, and later Charles spent several years in refugee camps in countries neighbouring Sudan. Charles lost two brothers because of the war, and was recently reunited with his mother after 21 years of separation. Admission to this talk is by donation.
- Drop-in to Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden on Thursday, December 6th or Friday, December 7th to participate in the community quilt workshop with artist in residence, Sharon Kallis. Please see my earlier post about this activity.
- Fort Langley National Historic Site will be having an Old-Fashioned Musical Christmas on the evening of Thursday, December 6th. The site writes: “Relax with your friends around the bonfire. Join in the singing, share warm wishes with Santa, and enjoy hot chocolate and treats.” Remember to dress for the weather! Please contact the historic site directly for more details about this event.
- The Vancouver Art Gallery will be holding another Out For Lunch Music Series concert on Friday, December 7th. Friday’s concert will feature Vancouver Thunderbirds Men’s Barbershop Chorus singing festive music for the holiday season. The concert starts at 12:10pm in the Gallery Annex (3rd Floor). The concert is free with gallery admission. Remember to arrive early as space is limited.
- The Festival of Lights at VanDusen Botanical Garden begins Friday, December 7th. The lights are always a sight for the eyes, and will be on every evening (except December 25th) from 4:30-9:00pm until January 1st. To view some great pictures of last year’s lights, please visit Moe W.’s Flickr photo set. The Festival features thousands of lights, some of which are dancing lights set to seasonal music (these are fun, magical, cheesy, and magical cheesy fun!). Community choirs will give short concerts on the deck at the Garden Dec. 7-20. Santa will be making appearances December 7-24. Magician David Wilson will be at the Festival from Dec. 26-Jan.1. Please check the Garden’s festival web page for more details and ticket pricing information. To avoid line-ups, you can purchase your tickets in advance at the Garden or through Tickets Tonight.
