ArtBeat, the Friday night art walk and street party in downtown Chemainus, has introduced theme nights this year, and the excitement continues unabated this month.
Every Friday in August, there will be new themes, artists, musicians, performers and more activities for everyone.
“We introduced theme nights to ArtBeat this year to make the event even more interactive and engaging for our visitors, and everyone has responded so enthusiastically,” says co-founder Phil Mavis.
As dusk comes earlier through the month, ArtBeat will light up Chemainus with a “Luminaire Parade” for its closing night Aug. 30. Everyone is invited to bring a luminaire and join the parade.
The other theme nights for August are:
• Aug. 9 — “Kid’s Night.” Join ArtBeat for giant bubbles, hopscotch and fun with clay. Bring your Teddy Bear and join Busker Bear in the Secret Garden. The Pottery Store will be featuring guest artists Ellen Statz, John Charnetski and Rondeau Fenton. Cap the night off with the zany antics of Oh! Ogopogo!
• Aug. 16 — “Old Time Chemainus Costume Party.” Dress up in any old-time items you can find — check out Chemainus Murals for inspiration or go and raid your (great) grandma’s treasure box! Featured performers are soulful folk singer Chris Ronald and country/folk songwriter and singer JoHannah Knight.
• Aug. 23 — “Luminaire Workshop.” If you don’t know how to make a luminaire for the parade on Aug. 30, you’ll want to attend the workshop with demonstrations and instructions. Then, enjoy the jazz stylings of Douglas Rollo and Sacha Pétulli.
Visitors to ArtBeat will find a variety of art forms to see and learn about, including doll making, photography, woodworking, origami, beaded jewelry, wool-dry felted paintings, handcrafted flutes, stone carving and pet sketching. The St. Joseph’s School “Artinfusion” will have an art display with activities each night.
Find an up-to-date schedule at www.ArtBeatChemainus.com.