Party for Violet
When legendary Vancouver actress Babz Chula was waging her spirited battle against cancer, her friends in the local theatre and film community rallied behind her and formed the Babz Chula Lifeline for Artists Society. On Dec. 19, the society and Haven Studios present a fundraiser to support actress Violet Cameron in her fight against Hodgkins Lymphona. The event features a silent auction, performances by Kevin House and DJ Zak Santiago, Violet Martinis, and more. All [Violet] wants to do is live and act and inspire others, but she needs our help to have a chance, writes actor-director Ben Ratner on the ticketing page. At Anza Club (3 W. 8th). $20 at BrownPaperTickets.com.
David Wilson
Fred Herzogs photographs of Vancouver in the 1950s and 60s evoke powerful responses because he made ordinary scenes resonate. He stopped, looked and focused. David Wilson stops, looks and paints. His collection of new works at the Winsor Gallery, Construct/Deconstruct, explores colour and the manipulation of conventional settings and contexts. A car driving over a bridge, the Burrard Bridge aglow at dusk, a woman walking down a rainy street.... He makes us see our city anew, and appreciate the details which we might not realize are important in our lives. Until Jan. 11; 258 E. 1st.
Bringing light to the longest night
Theres a reason why we need festive lights at this time of year. Otherwise wed be far too aware of how early darkness shrouds this city, not releasing us from its grasp until morning finally wrenches us free. At the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, the winter solstice the longest night of the year becomes an evocatively beautiful celebration of the longer days ahead. The Chinese call it dong zhi: the fullness of yin is the turning point as darkness gives way to the yang qualities of light and warmth, when winter waxes and spring brings warmth, light and cheerfulness into the dark time of the year. Artistically crafted paper lanterns hang from trees and walkways, their reflected glow twinkling at us from the ponds surface. Start off this celebration in quiet contemplation, strolling from one peaceful (albeit crowded) idyll to the next. Produced in partnership with the Secret Lantern Society, this years display includes an eco-friendly life-sized horse sculpture, lit from within, and created by ESL students with the UBC Learning Exchange Program. December 21 from 6-10pm at 578 Carrall Street; $5 (cash only) or $10 per family. Julius Reque photo
ALSO: The Roundhouse, Granville Island and Astorinos Hall (1739 Venebles) are also celebrating winter solstice with a lantern festival from 6pm to 1am. All ages, with live multicultural music and performances. SecretLantern.org
