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Lynn Valley Arts Scene

LIFE
LYNN VALLEY ARTS SCENE

Lynn Valley has been home to artists of countless genres for well over a century.

Lynn Valley Artists: Then and Now

Lynn Valley has a rich history of artists.  Pioneer historian Walter Draycott was one of Canada’s only military topographers and sketchers during the First World War, while Frederick Varley, a member of Canada’s famed Group of Seven (and a WWI war artist) lived in a rented shack up on Rice Lake Road from 1934 to 1937. There he painted works such as Bridge Over Lynn Canyon and was said to have been visited by fellow painter Emily Carr. (source: http://blog.evelazarus.com)

In more recent years, Lynn Valley was childhood home to the young rocker Bryan Adams, many members of the Spirit of the West and Paperboys bands, actor Jason Priestly, hip-hopper Kyprios (David Cole), international ballet dancer Danielle Gould, and numerous actors, writers, artists and musicians of all description.

There are many ways to become involved in the Lynn Valley arts scene, either as a participant or supporter. Check out some of our local events and arts groups, and learn more about the current North Van
cultural community through the Arts Office housed in the Lynn Valley library building.

You can also visit this page of the Arts Office website for a downloadable guide to 10 public art features in Lynn Valley, and a video clip featuring the artists behind the stacked books outside of the Archives building, and our infamous Walter Draycott statue!

Events and Attractions

One of North Van’s newest art galleries is also one of its most accessible –the District Library Gallery is located on the second floor of the  Lynn Valley Library. Gallery exhibitions facilitated by the North Vancouver Community Arts Council change regularly and allow book-borrowers to witness the range of talent in the local visual arts field. Each new bi-monthly exhibition features a Public Opening Reception hosted by the “Friends of the Library,” with the artist in attendance.
Info: http://www.nvartscouncil.ca/ or 604-988-6844

You don’t have to go to Granville Island for theatre sports any more, thanks to Friday Night Live at Lynn Valley United Church. With their novel musical theatre improv, the AddLibretto troupe transforms audience suggestions into a hilarious evening of fun.  Each week a different guest performer is featured as well – check the FNL site  for upcoming acts. The evening starts at 7:30 p.m., includes goodies and coffee from Waves – all that for $10/ticket, $25 family!

Lynn Valley Village is also home to the popular Summer Concert Series that runs most Friday evenings in the summertime from 7 to 9 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or join the impromptu dancers as you enjoy tunes ranging from blues to Beatles and everything in between. Details will be on our Events Calendar as soon as the season’s performances are finalized.

Live music is often on the menu at Waves Coffee House at 3050 Mountain Hwy., across from Lynn Valley Village. Check out their on-site posters for details, or call 604-990-8799. You can also visit the Lynn Valley branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, who welcome guests to their oft-held Sunday afternoon music sessions that feature a variety of local musicians. Call 604-987-2050 for info.

Join the culture of conversation at a Philosophers’ Café in Lynn Valley Library. Part of Simon Fraser University’s original Philosopher’s Café initiative, they are held on the third Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. and moderated by Dr. Mark Battersby of Capilano University. Info: http://www.sfu.ca/philosopherscafe/lynnvalley.htm

Lynn Valley Arts Groups

The Lynn Valley Black Bear Band is an adult concert band that plays concerts throughout the community. Even if you haven’t picked up your instrument for a while, you’ll get a warm welcome at the rehearsals, held on Monday evenings at Argyle Secondary School. Contact: www.blackbearband.ca

The North Shore Celtic Ensemble is headed by Lynn Valley’s own Jay Knutson and Claude Giguere. The ensemble has grown to encompass several groups of young musicians, the most advanced of which tour internationally. The musicians use strings, percussion and wind instruments to perform lively, original compositions and arrangements of Celtic orchestral-based music. Info: www.northshorecelticensemble.com

St. Clement’s Church is home to the Harmony Mountain Singers, an adult choir with a varied repertoire that encompasses jazz, Latin, African, pop and more. Director Karla Mundy conducts the group in its twice-yearly concerts that help benefit the Stephen Lewis Foundation and Doctors Without Borders. Contact: hms.karlamundy.com

If you like to jam with fellow musicians, bring your guitar, harmonica or fiddle to one of Mollie Nye House’s informal music sessions. Contact: Gillian at Mollie Nye House, 604-987-5720

RNB Dance and Theatre Arts at 3355 Mountain Hwy is a non-profit dance school with a long history on the North Shore. It offers classes in a variety of dance styles, for preschoolers through adults, and students can be seen performing at many community events, as well as at annual RNB recitals at the Centennial Theatre. Info: 604-980-3040 or www.rnbdance.ca

Municipal Support for the Arts

The North Vancouver Arts Office, located on the third floor of the library building in Lynn Valley Village, is a bi-municipal agency of the City and District of North Vancouver that supports and promotes arts and cultural activities on the North Shore. The Arts Office oversees grants programs, offers workshops, provides local arts groups with networking and promotional opportunities, and manages the Public Art program for the City and District of North Vancouver.

For a self-guided tour on public art in Lynn Valley, click here. The Arts Office’s on! events calendar contains detailed information on arts, culture and heritage events. Local arts groups are invited to upload their event information to the on! calendar free of charge.

February 14, 2018 in Uncategorized

Parks and Rec Centres

SECTION
LYNN VALLEY PARKS and REC CENTRES

Because of Lynn Valley’s various parks and recreational activities, its residents are never far from fun!

Rec Centres Exercise Mind & Body

You can stretch your mind as well as your limbs at our municipal recreation facilities. Click here for a listing of North Vancouver’s rec centres; those in Lynn Valley include Karen Magnussen, Lynn Valley and Seylynn. Between them, they offer a wide range of sports, arts, fitness and social programs for preschools, youth, adults and seniors alike.

Karen Magnussen Rec Centre is home not only to our busy ice arena, but also a leisure pool with wave action not to be found anywhere else on the North Shore.

Public swim and skate schedules, along with a calendar of drop-in fitness classes, can be found here.

Mollie Nye Heritage House:  Home for All

Mollie Nye House, located near Karen Magnussen rec centre on Lynn Valley Road, was afamily home built by local pioneer Jack Nye in 1912. The heritage house is now a busy hub for seniors’ programming (including popular walking groups, arts, music and health classes) as well as youth offerings such as Mad Scientist summer camps.

Mollie Nye House can be rented for meetings, social events or workshop leaders. Click here to learn more about the programming and opportunities at Mollie Nye, and mark December 1 on your calendar, when the community gathers to celebrate the lighting of the house and grounds for Christmas.

Lynn Canyon Offers Thrills & Chills

Strung high across the crashing river below, the wobbly Suspension Bridge connectingone side of Lynn Canyon to another has been a favourite destination for generations of Lynn Valleyites and visitors alike. Though it initially cost a dime to cross the bridge, this landmark is now a free attraction. Lynn Canyon Park (first known as “Lynn Valley Auto Park” when it was developed by a land agent wanting to lure people to the area) is now a 250-hectare municipal park owned by the
District of North Vancouver.

A 1919 landslide wiped out the park’s original playing fields, but there is no shortage of things to do in Lynn Canyon today. Hikers have their choice of hiking trails, which network with the adjacent wilderness parks to provide adventures for all fitness levels. Running through Lynn Canyon, for example, is the Baden Powell trail, a continuous path from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver to Deep Cove at the far eastern end of the North Shore.

An all-season park destination is the Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre which is open free of charge (suggested donation: $2). A number of exhibits bring local plant, animal and environmental learning to life, and visitors can choose to view any one of more than a hundred nature films that the centre has on hand to screen in its small theatre. Check the ecology centre’s website for current information on nature walks, junior naturalist programs, or gardening workshops.

30-Foot Pool is a longtime local swimming hole popular on hot summer days, and park rangers often patrol to ensure posted safety rules are being observed.

While in the park, you might also visit the Lynn Canyon Café, where you can enjoy food and drink under the forest canopy during the summer season.

Playgrounds and Water Parks

With various parks and elementary schools in the area, Lynn Valley residents are never far from slides and monkey bars.

Of special note during the summer months are Kilmer and Viewlynn Parks, which offer water park fun for kids looking to cool off. Skateboarders, on the other hand, will want to know about Kirkstone Park, adjacent to Karen Magnussen Rec Centre, as it offers boarders a safe place to challenge themselves and practice their skills.

Click here for a complete listing of North Vancouver parks.

February 14, 2018 in Uncategorized

Family Day fun for 2018

As we head closer to B.C.’s newest holiday, Family Day LynnValleyLife has put together some great North Shore events.

Lynn Valley family fun

There are a number of Family Day events organised by North Van Rec. In Lynn Valley Karen Magnussen will be offering its family rate for skating on Monday, Feb.12 from noon-3:15 p.m. and public swim from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. That means each family member gets in for $2 each.

There are two days of activities at Lynn Valley Centre – Family Day and Valentine’s Day from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.  On Feb. 12 enjoy free family carnival games and crafts and Feb. 14 take part in games and take home a design from a glitter tattoo artist.

Quay to fun

Lonsdale Quay has a day of events On Feb. 12. It begins with the Lonsdale Artisan Farmer’s Market – complete with a petting zoo for the kids. There will also be some Valentine’s Card making and a puppet show. All the details of the Lonsdale Quay website.

Winter fun

All three of our ski hills are having special pricing, events or both. Highlights include family-friendly events at Grouse and 50% of ticket prices. Cypress has special kids pricing and some activities. Seymour is offering free skiing for kids with paying adults all weekend long.

February 7, 2018 in Blog, Community Events

Lynn Valley-made Spring Break Solutions: Nature

With March Break fast approaching there is always a bit of panic: how will the kids keep busy when you are at work? LynnValleyLife is looking at three made-in-LV solutions to engage and challenge children and provide some experiences far different than the classroom. 

Nature School

For nine years Soaring Eagle Nature School has been taking kids out of the traditional classroom into the forest.

“We are  a nature-based school that has an emphasis on naturalist skills as well as survival skills,” said Jenna Rudolph, co-founder, director and lead instructor of Soaring Eagle Nature School. “We are based completely outside – we don’t have any indoor space. We go out to the forest get the kids really comfortable being outside and learning skills that go hand in hand with being outside.” 

Based in Lynn Valley, Soaring Eagle offers weekly and monthly programs throughout the school year as well as camps during the spring and summer breaks. The growing interest in forest schools has helped the school expand from the Lower Seymour Conservation Area to Pacific Spirit Park in Vancouver and Minnekhada Park in Coquitlam.

What is forest school?

For the uninitiated, forest school, defined by the Forest School Association, “is an inspirational process, that offers ALL learners regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a woodland or natural environment with trees.” One report concluded that children, especially, acquire knowledge experientially, through play, experimentation, exploration and discovery. Research shows that many of the fundamental tasks that children must achieve, such as exploring, risk-taking, fine and gross motor development and the absorption of vast amounts of basic knowledge can be most effectively learned through outdoor play.

What kids learn

More than anything, in my family’s experience, forest school is fun. Where else do adults encourage kids to run endlessly, coat themselves entirely in mud or make them pause to listen to the forest? They learn about things like plants and seasons, erosion and weather, insects and animals. Moreover through play they conquer intangibles like compromise, creativity and social development.

Rudolph echoes that some impacts are obvious – others less so.

“I think the rewards are that they can bond and connect with something that is real which can help them learn more about themselves,” she said. “I think they get a lived experience of what it means to take care of yourself. Today was the wettest day we have had all year and the four-year-olds I was with learned that if they are not prepared that will impact their experience and their fun in the forest. I think that lived experience shows the reality of caring for oneself and for others.”

Children will also grow and develop physically be being part of such a program.

“Kids learn to use their bodies in different ways – we have to climb over logs, avoid puddles. We have to climb under branches,” said Rudolph. “The change in body movement is pretty huge. We have to look at solving problems in a different way. If it’s wet – where might we go to find cover or different situations come up where we have to work together to figure things out. It’s different than being in a classroom because it is happening right there, and it needs to be dealt with in real time.”

Spring Break adventure

For Spring Break, Soaring Eagle is offering a number of camps. Like most of its programs, the camps fill up quickly.

“It will be full of nature-based games, cool nature discoveries and adventure in the forest,” said Rudolph. “Basically exploring whatever the forest is doing. Spring is an incredible time. There are many of plants coming up and growing, a lot of birds returning so there is definitely a lot to explore, to learn what’s new and to see what is changing.”

There will be plenty of activity to keep warm and explore the forest, but facilitators will also take time with the children to slow down.

“Kids often want to be really loud and excited in the forest but a lot of the games and activities require the kids to be quiet and sneaky,” said Rudolph. “It’s those games where we have some really special moments. Hiding in a bush, we might see a spider or insect crawling by that we might not have noticed otherwise.

“Being quiet and moving slowly allows us to get closer to wildlife than we would have otherwise and I think that brings a deeper sense of reverence for the forest when we are fully aware of where we are and realizing we are in some other creatures space. That is when the really magical things start to happen – in the quiet and still.”

Like any outdoor adventure on the North Shore, both children and staff need to ready for just about anything.

“Be prepared for any kind of weather: having lots of warm clothing, having some extra layers, having good rain gear and boots,” explained Rudolph. “Be prepared for the newness of being outdoors for a long period of time. Being aware of your safety and others safety – keeping warm. We make sure that each child is dressed appropriately or has what they need in their backpacks. As staff we always have extra gear in our packs for kids if they need it. Often on cold days we have stoves and water to make tea. We always have tarps with us.”

With time and space to explore and grow in the forest Rudolph hopes participants walk away a little bit changed.

“Expect that after just a few hours in the forest it feels like the you have known the people you are with for a very long time,” she said. “You can expect new and different experiences that other people don’t get to have.”

To learn more or to register for any of Soaring Eagles’ programs visit its website.

Are you or your organization offering spring break nature activities in Lynn Valley? Feel free to let the neighbourhood know by posting directly onto our Facebook page!

February 2, 2018 in Blog, Eco-Awareness & The Great Outdoors

Lynn Valley-made Spring Break Solutions: Art

With March Break fast approaching there is always a bit of panic: how will the kids keep busy when you are at work? LynnValleyLife is looking at three made-in-LV solutions to engage and challenge children and provide some experiences far different than the classroom.

Growth through art

From textiles to Picasso to Murakami, Kudzu Studio will be offering four classes this spring right here in Upper Lynn.

Artist Jeri Engen has been working with children for decades from creating grassroots arts education programs in the Seattle, to launching programs with the North Shore Arts Council, to guiding students through the Vancouver Art Gallery. Even with all those plates in the air, for the last few years Engen has been offering popular classes through her home studio.

“This is something I am incredibly passionate about – not necessarily to grow fine artists but to create an excitement about and a passion for art,” said Engen.

Kudzu Art StudioThroughout out the year Kudzu Studio offers classes to children from preschool to teens. The popular classes tend to fill up from word-of-mouth praise, but she is open to creating new classes if there are at least four students interested. To get a taste of what Kudzu is like, Engen is offering four classes this Spring Break as well as week-long camps throughout the summer.

Life Skills

“Art is a great share with kids social and historical events,” she said. “It also gives them an opportunity to make sense of their own world – often they can’t verbalize it but they sure can draw. It’s such a privilege to work with kids and share in their experience and get them excited.

“To see them gain confidence in what they are doing – to seem them take risks, take chances. To learn that mistakes are okay. That’s part of life. To think ‘Oh no, I don’t know what to do’ and still give it a shot and if doesn’t work give it another shot – and again. It’s a great safe way to do that.”

Kudzu Art Gallery

  • Art Around Town
  • Picasso Camp
  • Tween-Teen Drawing
  • Textile Camp - Silk Painting

For elementary age children they will explore the latest exhibit at the Vancouver Art Gallery by Takashi Murakami and other art currently featured in local galleries in Art Around Town.

“My biggest objective is that they have fun and create but my second objective is to get the kids excited about art and the artist – to start a relationship that will inspire them to see the original work. They can take their parents and have an experience beyond the studio here,” said Engen.

Her second elementary program will feature the works of Picasso and fostering courage and resilience.

“I think everyone knows Picasso but there is so much more to Picasso than people think,” said Engen. “His always did the things he didn’t think he could do in order to learn to do them – and that is the underlying theme of this camp – go forth and do things you can’t do. Taking the techniques of Picasso like drawing upside down and having the child draw what they want – but upside down. We always have one child who love cats – so that will be their subject matter ”

There are also two tween/teen camps featuring textiles and drawing. In textiles students will explore silk, felting, embroidery and much more. In drawing Engen will cover basic foundational skills and then introduce new techniques that students likely won’t have tried at home – but could if they resonate.

“It is about creating art and it is also about learning some life lessons and having the courage to try something new,” said Engen. “These things they don’t always realize they will carry forth into other aspects of life.”

For details of classes and dates visit the Kudzu Studio website. For registration visit her here or call 604-971-1147. 

Are you or your organization offering spring break art activities in Lynn Valley? Feel free to let the neighbourhood know by posting directly onto our Facebook page!

February 2, 2018 in Artistic Endeavours, Blog

Lynn Valley Real Estate Market Analysis – January 2018

 

January 2018 Sales Recap

Will this Spring bring a busy real estate market? Home buyer demand seems to depend on property type over the past few months. Attached and apartment homes are in demand across Metro Vancouver while detached home buyers are facing less competition at the moment.

Here is the latest on the Lynn Valley market for January 2018.

Single Family Homes:

  • There were 5 detached homes sold in January with an average sale price of $1,632,000 (median = $1,675,000)
  • The average sale price achieved was less than list price by 1.75%
  • Detached homes that sold in January took an average of 81 days to sell (median = 40)

 

Apartments and Townhouses:

  • There were 8 attached homes sold in January with an average sale price of $846,700  (median = $868,000)
  • The average sale price achieved was less than list price by 0.41%
  • Attached homes that sold in January took an average of 57 days to sell (median = 65 days)

 

Find out more about the January Greater Vancouver stats here

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February 1, 2018 in Market Analysis

Neighbourhood News – February 2018

Hi Neighbour!

Well, the long stretch after the holidays is almost over and hopefully the Family Day long weekend will bring some much needed downtime for everyone. Right on its heels, comes Valentine’s Day celebrations to spread some love around.

Have you seen the crocuses and daffodils appearing? Hooray, Spring is getting closer. Now’s the time to book a last minute Spring Break getaway or line up some activities if you’re already booked -don’t forget to check your passport. Planning a staycation? Check out our local ideas for kids below.

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February 1, 2018 in Neighbourhood News

An ancient antidote to the modern rush

Looking to be an antidote for the rushed, the busy and the overwhelmed Lynn Valley United Church has turned to the ancient labyrinth to offer locals a space to look inward, reflect and spiritually connect.

New building, historic idea

Lynn Valley United Church walkers

On the floor of the new contemporary church building is a very old tradition. Marked on the new floor is a labyrinth based on one of the world’s most famous in Chartres, France. The design in that cathedral is thought to have been built in the early 1200s. The four-quadrant design holds a path leading meditative walkers into the centre and back out.

Lynn Valley United Church invites anyone to come an used the peaceful walk to slow down and reflect. It is open to walk anytime the office is open (10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Tuesday-Friday) and during several special sessions throughout the month.

“We live in a culture where so much is coming at you – that is driven by ego. Anytime you can put aside the ego and listen to the inner you – I would say it is a spiritual moment,” said Kimiko Karpoff, Minister for Faith Formation at LVUC.

“The labyrinth is where you can bring your deeper questions and longings to the inner wisdom that exists in in each person. Walking a labyrinth is a spiritual practice – it can take you into deeper conversation. For some people it resonates with, that can be a deeper conversation with God. If that doesn’t resonate with you – a deeper conversation with our essential self,” she said.

“You can come and walk it as you are and approach it as you need to.”

Old traditions

Labyrinths exist in the history of just about every culture across the world. Just about as universally they are used for reflection and connection. Despite their wide symbolic appeal they are relatively rare in the Lower Mainland. A small handful exist in other churches and while there is an outdoor labyrinth at The Bridge Church in Deep Cove, there is no other indoor labyrinth on the North Shore.

Lynn Valley United Church finger board“One of things about a labyrinth is that people often mistake it for a maze,” said Karpoff. “A maze is designed to trick and fool. Whereas a labyrinth is actually a singular path where you can’t get lost. It is one single path that takes you into the centre. When you look at the pattern it switches back and forth, so when you are walking you don’t know where you are but the labyrinth knows where you are.”

She says that this is liberating because your mind must be occupied enough to follow the path and but still allows focus on other things.

“It is contemplative, so some people meditate,” said Karpoff. “You are paying attention, but it’s so simple you don’t have to think about it. Your body is doing something but your brain is given space to be creative.”  

LVUC has more information on the history of the practice and how one can meditate in the labyrinth on their website. Traditionally, the labyrinth is walked slowly at the pace you need in order to be reflective. Mentally it is approached in four steps:

  • Remembering – Acknowledge the people and things you are thankful for; be grateful to yourself for taking this time out, and your feet for getting you to the labyrinth.
  • Releasing – Let go of the negative, and the chatter that busies our minds, open yourself
  • Receiving – During the walk open yourself to the guidance, interior silence, peace, or a creative idea; whatever it is your soul chooses to nourish itself, however unexpected this may be.
  • Return – as you exit the labyrinth honour your insights and try to find space for them in world.

“I would love to see people have that time for peace,” said Karpoff. “It doesn’t necessary take a lot of time to do a spiritual practice. It is a simple as sitting and being or walking and being. If all you have is 20 minutes you can walk the labyrinth.”

There is more information on hand at the church on the labyrinth and how it is used and staff are happy to answer any questions labyrinth walkers may have.

“At Lynn Valley United Church we want people feel comfortable to come and be,” said Karpoff. “Some come and walk the labyrinth and go. Others come and connect and talk – that can be simple chit chat or deeper conversation.”

Special walks throughout the month:

LabyrinthFirst Wednesday – 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. – Walk with hymns and sacred music played on the piano.

Second Wednesday – 9 a.m. – Parents are encouraged to stop by for self-care after dropping children off at school.

Third Wednesday – 7 to 9 p.m. – Walk with contemplative music.

Fourth Wednesday – 4:45 p.m. onwards – Walk the labyrinth during Mid-Week Moments, an event for families of all shapes and sizes that integrates a shared meal, gathering for all-ages community worship and activities to stimulate spiritual connection, reflection and curiosity… which includes a playful and exuberant exploration of the labyrinth!

For more information reach out to Lynn Valley United Church at 604-987-2114.

January 25, 2018 in Blog, Getting Involved, Notable Neighbours