Yaletown
The Vancouver Friends for Life Society hosts its 21st annual Art for Life Gala and Art Auction Nov. 22 at the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre.
Proceeds from the event help support Friends for Life in its quest to offer complementary services for individuals with serious illnesses, including HIV/AIDS, cancer, cystic fibrosis, Hepatitis C and ALS.
This year’s event, dubbed Art You Can Feel — An Experience for the Senses, was inspired not only by the evolution of this city’s art scene over the past two decades, but also the future of its artistic communities.
To that end, for the first time the gala goes beyond the canvas to incorporate culinary and live arts experiences as a way to incorporate sight, sound, taste and touch.
Presented by Murrick Insurance Services and Murrick Insurance Services West End, the event features artwork donated by artists, galleries and numerous private collectors with 100 per cent of proceeds dedicated to Friends for Life.
A live and silent auction includes works from artists including Attila Richard Lukacs, Cybele Ironside, John Capitano and Ken Wallace. Last year’s gala garnered more than $225,000 adding to a total of $3 million gathered since its inception. The gala begins at 8 p.m. and the auction at 9 p.m. For ticket information, visit artforlife.net.
Downtown
The Vancouver Christmas Market is celebrating its fifth anniversary at the Queen Elizabeth Plaza from Nov. 22 to Dec. 24 with more than 50 vendors, delicious food, shopping for hand-crafted items and thousands of twinkling lights.
Once again traditional wooden huts will fill the plaza — this year decorated with handmade Herrnhuter stars. Look for more than 17 different food options, including Dutch mini pancakes, Ukrainian crepes, vegan options and more.
Parents are encouraged to bring their kids so they can decorate their own gingerbread, take pictures with market mascots Holly and Jolly, try their hand at making their very own Herrnhuter star and ride the city’s only Christmas carousel.
Entertainment includes the X-mas Factor singing competition, a holiday-themed contest for singers to showcase their talent through interpretations of classic holiday songs, which begins Nov. 28 and ends with a grand finale Dec. 20. As well, the always popular Dal Richards and his Big Band will perform Nov. 30 and Dec. 19 from 7 to 9 p.m. New this year is a photo hut — not new this year is an opportunity to sip authentic Glühwein while strolling. After purchasing one ticket, it can be registered and then act as a seasons pass for the rest of the market’s run. For hours and ticket information, visit vancouverchristmasmarket.com.
Shaughnessy
Take the family to Christmas at Hycroft for visits with Santa, live entertainment, hand-crafted gifts and goods, the Terrace Bistro and courtyard fun.
Enter for a chance to win a private French dinner for eight at Hycroft worth $1,200. Due to the nature of the heritage property, disability access is limited to the main level of the house.
As well, strollers will not be permitted inside the house. Visits with Santa take place Nov. 20 and 21 from 3 to 5 p.m. and Nov. 22 and 23 from 1 to 4 p.m. Christmas at Hycroft is open from 11 to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For ticket information, visit uwcvancouver.ca or call 604-731-4661.
Downtown
Chimo Community Services is hosting a star-studded gala in support of women fleeing domestic violence at Birks, 698 West Hastings, Nov. 28.
Hundreds of guests are expected to attend the Chimo Second Stage Housing Fundraiser at Birks with catering by Sala Thai and a fashion show sponsored by Gianni Maanaki.
Breakfast Television host Dawn Chubai and OMNI TV anchor Bowen Zhang will serve as MCs for a program featuring the best of local musical talent.
The VIP reception begins at 6 p.m. and the main gala runs from 7 to 10 p.m.
All proceeds from the event will benefit Chimo’s push for second stage housing services, building on the success of Nova Transition House. Located in Richmond, Nova House provides a safe harbor for women and children fleeing domestic violence and abuse. Upon leaving Nova House, women and children face a critical shortage of second stage housing options that allow them to live independently.
sthomas@vancourier.com
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