Web Design, Content and Photos:

Kate Cino previewed arts events for 18 years at Boulevard magazine. She has a History in Art degree and a Public Relations certificate from the University of Victoria.

kate-cino@shaw.ca  250 598-4009

Open Space director Helen Marzolf is delighted that Victoria audiences have a chance to connect with an artist of Trimpin’s stature. The weekend’s events are a preview of a major installation planned for spring 2012. As Open Space approaches 40, Helen Marzolf describes the artist run centre as a place of imagination. “Here visitors can engage with artists’ ideas and experiments in a friendly environment,” she says.

Open Space bridges the gap between generations of artists and different kinds of art: visual, new music, performance, media and literary arts. For Helen, hosting contemporary artists from Canada and around the world is a constant source of inspiration. “Artists both clarify and challenge our ways of thinking,” Helen adds.

Helen Marzolf with Music of Chance by Rhonda Weppler & Trevor Mahovsky.

Doug Jarvis with Stacks (Blocks) by

Rhonda Weppler & Trevor Mahovsky.

Multi-media artist Doug Jarvis was hired last June as Program Coordinator.

Doug enjoys the various genres at Open Space and the way the disciplines interconnect. “The gallery has a rich history of accommodating diverse artists and ideas,” he says. Speaking about the MISTIC concert, Doug is fascinated by the genius-at-play musical world of robotics, wires and gadgets. “When I’m listening, it frees my mind to think of other things,” he says.

Andrew Schloss is a professor of electronic and computer music at UVic. He plays percussion with a Cuban music ensemble and is well-acquainted with Trimpin. Sunday’s MISTIC concert consists of six different pieces from eight composers. “There will be lots of variety at the concert,” he says, “and a captivating mix of soundscapes.” 

Andrew is delighted to be playing a duet called sonicpair #1 with Joanna Hood, viola player with the Lafayette String Quartet. Andrew plays a radiodrum, a virtual instrument that allows sound to be both activated and manipulated in real time. Joanna adds improv responses on violin and viola, combining a traditional acoustic instrument with modern electronic sounds. “Joanna can jump into unconventional situations,” says Andrew, “she’s flexible and relishes new experiences.” 

Joanna Hood’s father was a jazz musician who encouraged improv playing. “It’s satisfying to be a creator and enter the realm of imagination,” she says. The artist-in-residence at UVic has played with Suddenly Dance and arranged and performed rock music with Eric Apoe, Toiling Migits and Feedback Seed. “I’m enjoying my first creative venture with Andrew,” she says. And yes, Joanna really did play a Stradivarius viola on Yesterday with Paul McCartney at the Library of Congress!

Steven Ness (left) is a rock and jazz drummer now completing a PHD in Computer Science. He is studying all aspects of sound.

From an archive of 20,000 hours of Orca whale vocalizations, Steven has created natural sounds combined with robotic drumming. The drum kit he uses is all acoustic which adds life and diversity to the percussive sounds. “I’ve been a fan of Open Space for many years,” he says, “and look forward to the concert.” 

Kristy Farkas initiated the Trimpin project while New Music Coordinator at Open Space. “Trimpin’s creative brilliance and lifelong commitment to his work are exceptional,” she says. “The month long installation in spring of 2012 will be a wonderful setting for concerts and community involvement.” The MA grad in music composition studied with professor Andy Schloss. She now is Concert Manager at UVic’s School of Music.

Open Space is located at 510 Fort Street, 2nd floor. For tickets and information call: 250.383.8833 or visit www.openspace.ca