Later this month local artist Caroline Liggett will host a night of brushes and brews at Wildeye Brewing. It’s a chance to have some fun, try something new and take home a piece of art at the end of the evening.
Painting with pints
Lynn Valley’s Liggett is heading down the hill to Wildeye Brewing, Tuesday, August 16 from 7-9 pm to guide new artists through a paint party.
“It’s really fun, I am goofy and silly which takes the pressure off,” she said.
Well-versed over the past two years in Zoom paint parties, Liggett is pumped to pick up and share her techniques with the public again.
“We used to do this all the time at restaurants. I have been slowly returning to small private groups and continuing my lessons but this is my first one [since the pandemic began] that is open to the public. I’m excited.”
The idea is simple: bring an apron or clothes that can survive a bit of paint and Liggett will take care of the rest.
“Show up a bit early, have a bite to eat, grab a pint and everything is set up for you,” she said. “I have the supplies and I guide you through the steps. You will have a piece of art you will want to hang at the end of the night.”
August 16, would-be artists will be painting a grove of cedar trees.
“This is geared to the beginner painter, but it will be a good time for someone with a bit of experience who wants to share the evening with friends. It’s not a technical painting. I have done it before and broken it down so I can teach it step-by-step.”
Directions will be given throughout the evening with Liggett floating between artists to offer one-on-one support.
Art for everyone
As a busy working mom, Liggett became an artist through grief. In a search for beatuy to help overcome the loss of her sister, Liggett began to create.
“It’s almost like therapy,” she said. “I think over the last few years mental health has suffered for so many people.”
It is also an excellent way to connect and learn something.
“I was an education assistant and I use that training when working with children. I work with many families of children with autism and families I met in the school system. As special needs kids age out of school, there aren’t a lot of opportunities. I love working with them.”
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Art can mean many things to the artist. It’s relaxation, it’s creative, it’s fun, said Liggett.
“It’s about having fun. It’s usually mostly women, so if you are looking to meet an artistic babe…” laughs Liggett. “There are lots of opportunities to laugh and try something new.”
To register for the Aug. 16, Wildeye Brewing event, the cost is $35 per person and can be done by contacting Liggett. The deadline to register is Aug 14. Visit her website, Facebook or Instagram to connect with her.
Looking for more?
There’s always something fun and exciting happening in Lynn Valley. Check out our Community Events Calendar or learn more about Local Activities, Mountain Biking or Hiking and Walking Trails.
July 16, 11 am-1 pm 
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Doing a little digging, it appears North Vancouver Rec is adding additional programming on Tuesdays and Thursdays evenings in the plaza with Family Big Games starting June 28 but the organization would not confirm any specific information at this time. Check out their page sometime in the future. 
“We are excited,” said Tania Newman, LV Lions secretary and co-producer of Lynn Valley Days. “We are seeing a lot of interest in the parade and exhibitors – it seems like people are keen to come back.”
With the planning process given the green light, LV Days will be much the same as previous years with special care given to covid-safety. 
“We have some new ideas for food service,” said Newman. “And for the first time, we will have Lynn Valley wood carver [Ben Hemara] creating a piece on site.”
“What I am most proud of is the Lions’ ability to react,” said Newman. “Just days before 2018 Lynn Valley Days we had the tragic Mountain Village Garden Apartment fire where two people died. We saw the community come together and we were able to act as a collection place for donations. Ever since then, the [Lynn Valley] Lions have had a community emergency fund and the Lynn Valley community donates throughout the year.
“We do have a lot of fun but we are a humanitarian organization,” said Newman. “The international Lions’ slogan fits: ‘Where there is a need, there is a lion.’”
The programmers are aiming to encourage community engagement and highlight cultural richness and diversity. Successful applicants bring unique and engaging experiences that are intended for audiences in a variety of North Vancouver neighbourhoods and are delivered through outdoor workshops or performances. 
“We have eight events, with six guest presenters,” said Cassie Allard, Ecology Centre education programer. “There are five online and three in-person events. We are so happy to be back being able to do something outside – to be able to look at some things, touch some things, and even taste some things. There is a lot happening – the birds are chirping and plants are starting to grow.”