Guild Members Demonstrate at Arts Alive 2016 in Langley
By Allan Cusworth
On August 20, 2016, Bill Olsen, Jay Mapson, Dan Breck and Allan Cusworth set up canopies in Langley City at the annual Downtown Langley Business Association’s Arts Alive Festival. Phil Vetra was a part of the day with his turned pieces being displayed on Dan’s table. Phil had to work but still took the time to help set up and take down the displays.
This is the sixth year members GVWG and FVWG turners have been demonstrating at Arts Alive, starting with Bill Olsen, Colin Delory and Allan Cusworth in 2011. From the one booth used the first year, the display has gotten larger to the three booths that were used this year.
Allan’s wife Natalia, and Jay’s wife, Lin filled the important role of sales and marketing specialists by looking after the sales tables while the turners demonstrated and visited with the customers.
The crowd showed great interest in woodturning. Many visitors said they had done some turning in high school, and some were thinking of trying to start the hobby again. We handed out a number of guild meeting invitations.
We all had a great time demonstrating our craft to the visitors and many of them purchased a variety of pieces that we had for sale.
Allan and Natalia did double duty again as they performed their music (Cypress Creek Duo) on the stage in McBurney Lane for an hour starting at 3:45.
We all felt that the day was successful and look forward to next year’s event.
Annual Arts Alive Festival
Arts Alive takes place on the third Saturday of August every year. This annual celebration of the arts in downtown Langley hosts over 200 visual and performing artists. Check it out on Facebook at facebook.com/Langley-ArtsAlive.