Prairie Post

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Winnipeg’s artistic bridge, Calgary Philharmonic’s war-inspired requiem, Edmonton’s yogi family, and Saskatchewan corporation helps kids

“From here until now” public art project

It’s poetry, while you’re in motion. When walking over the Osborne Village Bridge there are many things to set your sights on, and now, thanks to Winnipeg-based architect-artists Eduardo Aquino and Karen Shanski, there is one more. The new public art project is entitled “From here until now”. It celebrates the area’s sui generis history and its idiosyncratic character.

The project was started last year and had it official lighting-up with a public opening on November 7th. The design was developed through the Winnipeg Art Council’s innovative public art program. The process was collaborative, with Shanksi and Aquino working with community groups and neighbourhood residents.

The artwork of From Here Until Now is embedded in the bridge construction itself; some of the balustrades feature text that is backlit with LED lights.  The phrases have a real history with the area, as they are anecdotes, memories, hopes and dreams that have been shared by Osborne residents over the years.

While it is inevitable that times, buildings, and designs change, one phrase embedded in the bridge rings true: “Discussions can continue.”

Source: http://www.cbc.ca/manitoba/scene/other/2012/11/07/osborne-bridge/

 

Calgary Philharmonic tackles Afghanistan; a war-inspired requiem

 Most creative works are inspired from a muse and the new war-inspired requiem composed by the Calgary Philharmonic is no exception.  The words of Suzanne Steele, a war poet are the heart of this ambitious piece. Steel believes there are only two subjects worth writing about: war and peace.

The Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry regiment allowed Steele to experience both states. She is the first poet to be embedded as a part of Canada’s war artist program, which began in Afghanistan in 2009.  This offered the opportunity to experience the entire military life (and sometimes death) cycle: recruitment, boot camp, deployment, war and a return home, and a peace that looked quite a bit different for each participant.

The requiem features a 75-piece orchestra; two choirs, including the Cantare Girls Choir, making a total of 275 artists in all.

Calgary’s Philharmonic Orchestra ‘s president Ann Lewis-Luppino says,  “In our history, we believe that it’s the largest commission we’ve undertaken, and may be the largest we ever will undertake in the future.”

Source: http://www.calgaryherald.com/entertainment/orchestral+victory/7514011/story.html

 

The Killicks family bond through Yoga

 Life can be hectic, and sometimes tending to responsibilities and spending quality family time can be a real balancing act, which is not an issue for the hot yoga loving Killicks. The Killicks family lives about 45-minutes southwest of Edmonton in Stony Plain and sets an example that has found its way into the limelight.

The hot yoga, which they do three times a week at Bikram Yoga West Edmonton, isn’t the only thing that pushes and pulls the family of 6 together. There is the family plumbing and heating business they run from the house. The kids are also homeschooled, and sing and play in the indie/ alternative/rock family band the DiSplaCeD iSlanDerS.

Ty, the father, discovered yoga when he was suggested to try it after hurting his back. It was a positive lifestyle change for him and his family after he got them all on board. While his wife Glenna admits the heat was a bit to get used to, she enjoys how detoxifying and peaceful it can be.  The Killick children have really taken to hot yoga, and with a little encouragement from their instructor, three of them signed up for the Yoga Asana Championship in Los Angeles last June. Their love for yoga can not only be seen in their performance on the mat, but also the family’s band song that is on YouTube.

Video link: http://youtu.be/xQYCvmdsucE

Source: http://www.vancouversun.com/health/diet-fitness/Limelight+turns+Stony+Plain+family+bonding+through/7519823/story.html

 

 Potash Corp raises money for artistic kids

 Money can’t buy love, unless it’s a child’s love of art’s and culture. Saskatchewan’s Potash Corporation partnered with a community organization and raised more than $200,000 for kids and their artistic ambitions.

The campaign is called Colour a Kid’s Life. PotashCorp launched this fall initiative and it has raised $208,449 for Creative Kids Saskatchewan. The two sides began working together last March. PotashCorp matches donations from the community up to $50,000 for arts and culture initiatives in Regina and Saskatoon.

“Arts and culture are key parts of building strong, balanced communities. When kids don’t have access to activities like singing lessons or language classes, that generation misses out on exposure to creative exposures,” said Rhonda Speiss, PotashCorp’s manager of corporate philanthropy.

Source: http://www.leaderpost.com/PotashCorp+raises+arts+culture+Saskatchewan/7520360/story.html

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Chadd Cawson is an intern at Spectator Tribune. Follow him at: @ChaddCawson

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