Garden 2 – Connected

A fourth generation Chinese-Canadian, Garrett Andrew Chong's digital art and multimedia artworks have evolved through spiritual influences; specifically, sacred teachings, daily meditation and Hatha yoga. Chong was recently recognized as one the Top Five Digital Artists in CultureCrawl, 2022 by Stir Vancouver, and he earned Artist-of-the-Week honours by Tri-City News. Working with the multiple interpretations of "light", Chong's pieces explore the imagined "light" of auras, the "light" of the sun as a life source, and the "light" which radiates in environmental consciousness. Liminal Illusions, his latest body of work captures BC's forest stewardship through the flow of nature. Chong's artworks witness the environmental portals, gradually emerging in Gaia. These iridescent thresholds may appear as vibrating apparitions, metaphorical illusions or signposts to the imminent climate crisis. Acting as a voice for environmental stewardship and global conservation, his lens-based images represent the physical, emotional and symbolic openings appearing in liminal space within our natural world.

Stages of Creativity (SoC) is a group of young adults with disabilities attending the STAGE program offered by the North Shore Disability Resource Centre. Participants come to the program to learn life skills and transferable skills to employment. Back in 2015, SoC started learning to work with wood. Participants worked together to bring their strengths and produced a beautiful bird house. Participants go out in the North Shore community and take pictures that is later transferred onto the wood using an ink to wood transfer method. SoC have now branched out to make matching bird feeders and explored more BC communities. Artists are exploring with different material and mediums and continue to create new pieces. "We are friends getting together to create group art inspired by our beautiful North Shore community. Stages of Creativity is a program teaching skills to young adults facing barriers to employment. "

Tary Majidi identifies herself as an international artist. During her stay in India, she graduated from New Delhi Art College in 1991. Tary continued her sculpting and modern art training in Vancouver since 2003 which further reflected 3D ideas into her paintings. Living and travelling all around the world has allowed her to learn and experience different cultures. Tary enjoys art because it allows her to self-express and tell stories with her creations typically representing peace, love, unity, humanity, and nature.

Dina Majidi started creating art from early childhood and continued to be a part of her college years. Dina is a member of North shore art council and has showcased her pieces in numerous exhibitions. She uses acrylic paint and mixed media to create her work. Her art work represents aspects of peace, unity and love. Dina exhibited her art works at Gallery Gachet. She also was a part of Arts in the Garden show in the past.

A fourth generation Chinese-Canadian, Garrett Andrew Chong's digital art and multimedia artworks have evolved through spiritual influences; specifically, sacred teachings, daily meditation and Hatha yoga. Chong was recently recognized as one the Top Five Digital Artists in CultureCrawl, 2022 by Stir Vancouver, and he earned Artist-of-the-Week honours by Tri-City News. Working with the multiple interpretations of "light", Chong's pieces explore the imagined "light" of auras, the "light" of the sun as a life source, and the "light" which radiates in environmental consciousness. Liminal Illusions, his latest body of work captures BC's forest stewardship through the flow of nature. Chong's artworks witness the environmental portals, gradually emerging in Gaia. These iridescent thresholds may appear as vibrating apparitions, metaphorical illusions or signposts to the imminent climate crisis. Acting as a voice for environmental stewardship and global conservation, his lens-based images represent the physical, emotional and symbolic openings appearing in liminal space within our natural world.

Stages of Creativity (SoC) is a group of young adults with disabilities attending the STAGE program offered by the North Shore Disability Resource Centre. Participants come to the program to learn life skills and transferable skills to employment. Back in 2015, SoC started learning to work with wood. Participants worked together to bring their strengths and produced a beautiful bird house. Participants go out in the North Shore community and take pictures that is later transferred onto the wood using an ink to wood transfer method. SoC have now branched out to make matching bird feeders and explored more BC communities. Artists are exploring with different material and mediums and continue to create new pieces. "We are friends getting together to create group art inspired by our beautiful North Shore community. Stages of Creativity is a program teaching skills to young adults facing barriers to employment. "

Tary Majidi identifies herself as an international artist. During her stay in India, she graduated from New Delhi Art College in 1991. Tary continued her sculpting and modern art training in Vancouver since 2003 which further reflected 3D ideas into her paintings. Living and travelling all around the world has allowed her to learn and experience different cultures. Tary enjoys art because it allows her to self-express and tell stories with her creations typically representing peace, love, unity, humanity, and nature.

Dina Majidi started creating art from early childhood and continued to be a part of her college years. Dina is a member of North shore art council and has showcased her pieces in numerous exhibitions. She uses acrylic paint and mixed media to create her work. Her art work represents aspects of peace, unity and love. Dina exhibited her art works at Gallery Gachet. She also was a part of Arts in the Garden show in the past.

Mountain Sound is an engaging indie Folk/Rock duo comprised of Glenn Matthes and Barb Steele. We are based out of the beautiful west coast of British Columbia and our songs grapple with all things life related, both the ups and downs and the in between. Our sound is influenced by the many musical sounds that we continue to grow up on including soul, rock, folk, reggae and bluegrass. We are collectively inspired by artists such as Neil Young, KD Lang, Bonnie Raitt, Beth Hart and Joni Mitchell to name a few!

Vancouver based singer-songwriter recording artist, Norine Braun released her 13th album, the groove oriented Songs For Trees in 2022. Thanks to a Canada Council For the Arts Award and a First Peoples’ Cultural Council Award, Norine set her musings during the ongoing pandemic to focus on climate change and the healing power of trees. Norine has created a transformational musical walk through a west coast forest to help enlighten and inspire. Nominated for a 2018 Western Canadian Music Award, an LA Independent Music Award winner and a winner of SIBL International Songwriting Competition. Norine’s ancestry is Metis and Ukrainian and self identifies as Two Spirit. Stuart Derdeyn names Songs For Trees in The Vancouver Sun as “one of 5 albums you need to hear!” “Songs For Trees” is unlike any other album I’ve ever heard. It’s beautiful and genius.” Taylor Williams SubbaCultcha “Each song is beautifully tied together to create a music forest with a very important message.” A.A. Christi NYC Broadway World Charted on SiriusXM Indigenous Music Countdown reaching the Top 10 and on Earshot College radio Folk/Blues/Roots. The album has also garnered play on US AAA and non-commercial stations.

Mountain Sound is an engaging indie Folk/Rock duo comprised of Glenn Matthes and Barb Steele. We are based out of the beautiful west coast of British Columbia and our songs grapple with all things life related, both the ups and downs and the in between. Our sound is influenced by the many musical sounds that we continue to grow up on including soul, rock, folk, reggae and bluegrass. We are collectively inspired by artists such as Neil Young, KD Lang, Bonnie Raitt, Beth Hart and Joni Mitchell to name a few!

Vancouver based singer-songwriter recording artist, Norine Braun released her 13th album, the groove oriented Songs For Trees in 2022. Thanks to a Canada Council For the Arts Award and a First Peoples’ Cultural Council Award, Norine set her musings during the ongoing pandemic to focus on climate change and the healing power of trees. Norine has created a transformational musical walk through a west coast forest to help enlighten and inspire. Nominated for a 2018 Western Canadian Music Award, an LA Independent Music Award winner and a winner of SIBL International Songwriting Competition. Norine’s ancestry is Metis and Ukrainian and self identifies as Two Spirit. Stuart Derdeyn names Songs For Trees in The Vancouver Sun as “one of 5 albums you need to hear!” “Songs For Trees” is unlike any other album I’ve ever heard. It’s beautiful and genius.” Taylor Williams SubbaCultcha “Each song is beautifully tied together to create a music forest with a very important message.” A.A. Christi NYC Broadway World Charted on SiriusXM Indigenous Music Countdown reaching the Top 10 and on Earshot College radio Folk/Blues/Roots. The album has also garnered play on US AAA and non-commercial stations.

North Vancouver-based Lamondance (LMD) is a Not for Profit/Charity Professional Dance Company and Contemporary Training Program dedicated to the evolution of contemporary dance locally, nationally and abroad. Founded in 2008, Today, LMD is guided by Artistic Director Davi Rodrigues; each year, we present a season of artistic programming consisting of multiple performances throughout the year, and three full-length shows at the Blueshore Financial Centre for the Performing Arts on the Capilano University campus, welcoming 1150+ audience members each season, the Company has toured to Brazil and Germany. Importantly, too, alumni of LMD have joined leading dance companies in Brazil, Germany, Austria, and the US.
Our vision is to contribute to North Vancouver’s strong, vibrant artistic community and Canadian dance through professional, high-level training; exhibition; and cultural exchange with communities across Canada and abroad—putting North Vancouver and Canada on the world map of dance.
Our mandate is to promote and expand the reach of professional contemporary dance in North Vancouver by offering professional training programs, performances, roundtable discussions, workshops, and other meaningful events open to the public, bringing our community cultural exchange with global creative artists and high-calibre training and performance.
Diversity and inclusion are important guiding factors within the faculty, student body, and dance artists. LMD is committed to creating a strong connection between all ages, backgrounds, and ethnicities to provide an inclusive, supportive entry for emerging artists into a dynamic, comprehensive professional training program and professional dance company.

An award-winning North Shore group, invites you join them in their song and dance. Experience “island” Folklore ranging from traditional aboriginal “kahiko” to the romantic hulas of Hawaii, from the tribal Maori beat to the pulsating drums of Cook Islands and Tahiti. Their community spirit has resonated on Canada Day, Folkfest, PNE, Kitsilano Showboat, Greek Festival, and many Ethnic Festivals, various theatres, Hospitals, Seniors’ homes and numerous private and public events. Historical events include: Expo ’86, Grey-Cup half-time show, Pope’s 1984 visit, telethons, ’76 Olympics in Montreal, opening of the Vancouver Art Gallery, 1977 Premiers’ Conference, Prince Phillip & Prince Andrew’s visit in 1978.

About the performance:
“Minds in Motion” is a dance series that blends Renaissance sculpture and painting imagery with contemporary dance. It is a story that touches something in all of us: a daring hope for transformation, for rebirth. A metaphor of sculptures coming to life, this dance asks: can we break the moulds that others shaped us into? The performance explores the struggle to emerge from being stuck in the past and the moments of real connection that we find along the way.

About Voirelia Dance Hub:
Voirelia Hub is a contemporary dance company. Our mission is to create contemporary dance that connects and inspires. We are a small, grass-roots non-profit, founded in 2017. Voirelia brings together dancers, artists, and scholars in a supportive environment. We take bold artistic risks through innovative collaborations. We also create dance-focused community engagement events. Our creative process prioritizes mental health and wellness by creating a safe space for interdisciplinary exchange, breaking barriers that isolate communities, and building bridges between artists, scholars, and the public. We are passionate about inspiring people to engage with dance. We share dance as a way to engage our community and invite all to look for common ground and connection through movement and creativity. Our vision is to contribute to building a thriving artistic community that inspires people to move in creative ways. For more information, check out our website voirelia.com and for the latest updates, go to our Instagram: @Voirelia.

About the choreographer:
Alina Sotskova is a professional dancer and choreographer. Alina began studying dance at a young age in Crimea, Ukraine. After immigrating to Canada as an adolescent, her connection with dance was interrupted. She returned to dance years later to focus specifically on studying contemporary dance and ballet. She has choreographed and performed in many contemporary dance works across Canada. She has presented original choreography in collaboration with Victoria Dance Theatre, Dance Victoria, Flux London Dance Festival, Broken Rhythms, Scotiabank Dance Centre, Addo Platform, among others. Alina also holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology. Her psychology practice informs her interests in understanding the depths human experience and telling stories through dance. In 2017, Alina founded Voirelia Hub as a platform for contemporary dance creation and interdisciplinary collaboration. As the Artistic Co-Director of Voirelia Hub, Alina continues to create, develop dance pedagogy, and curate interdisciplinary dance and art events.

North Vancouver-based Lamondance (LMD) is a Not for Profit/Charity Professional Dance Company and Contemporary Training Program dedicated to the evolution of contemporary dance locally, nationally and abroad. Founded in 2008, Today, LMD is guided by Artistic Director Davi Rodrigues; each year, we present a season of artistic programming consisting of multiple performances throughout the year, and three full-length shows at the Blueshore Financial Centre for the Performing Arts on the Capilano University campus, welcoming 1150+ audience members each season, the Company has toured to Brazil and Germany. Importantly, too, alumni of LMD have joined leading dance companies in Brazil, Germany, Austria, and the US.
Our vision is to contribute to North Vancouver’s strong, vibrant artistic community and Canadian dance through professional, high-level training; exhibition; and cultural exchange with communities across Canada and abroad—putting North Vancouver and Canada on the world map of dance.
Our mandate is to promote and expand the reach of professional contemporary dance in North Vancouver by offering professional training programs, performances, roundtable discussions, workshops, and other meaningful events open to the public, bringing our community cultural exchange with global creative artists and high-calibre training and performance.
Diversity and inclusion are important guiding factors within the faculty, student body, and dance artists. LMD is committed to creating a strong connection between all ages, backgrounds, and ethnicities to provide an inclusive, supportive entry for emerging artists into a dynamic, comprehensive professional training program and professional dance company.

An award-winning North Shore group, invites you join them in their song and dance. Experience “island” Folklore ranging from traditional aboriginal “kahiko” to the romantic hulas of Hawaii, from the tribal Maori beat to the pulsating drums of Cook Islands and Tahiti. Their community spirit has resonated on Canada Day, Folkfest, PNE, Kitsilano Showboat, Greek Festival, and many Ethnic Festivals, various theatres, Hospitals, Seniors’ homes and numerous private and public events. Historical events include: Expo ’86, Grey-Cup half-time show, Pope’s 1984 visit, telethons, ’76 Olympics in Montreal, opening of the Vancouver Art Gallery, 1977 Premiers’ Conference, Prince Phillip & Prince Andrew’s visit in 1978.

About the performance:
“Minds in Motion” is a dance series that blends Renaissance sculpture and painting imagery with contemporary dance. It is a story that touches something in all of us: a daring hope for transformation, for rebirth. A metaphor of sculptures coming to life, this dance asks: can we break the moulds that others shaped us into? The performance explores the struggle to emerge from being stuck in the past and the moments of real connection that we find along the way.

About Voirelia Dance Hub:
Voirelia Hub is a contemporary dance company. Our mission is to create contemporary dance that connects and inspires. We are a small, grass-roots non-profit, founded in 2017. Voirelia brings together dancers, artists, and scholars in a supportive environment. We take bold artistic risks through innovative collaborations. We also create dance-focused community engagement events. Our creative process prioritizes mental health and wellness by creating a safe space for interdisciplinary exchange, breaking barriers that isolate communities, and building bridges between artists, scholars, and the public. We are passionate about inspiring people to engage with dance. We share dance as a way to engage our community and invite all to look for common ground and connection through movement and creativity. Our vision is to contribute to building a thriving artistic community that inspires people to move in creative ways. For more information, check out our website voirelia.com and for the latest updates, go to our Instagram: @Voirelia.

About the choreographer:
Alina Sotskova is a professional dancer and choreographer. Alina began studying dance at a young age in Crimea, Ukraine. After immigrating to Canada as an adolescent, her connection with dance was interrupted. She returned to dance years later to focus specifically on studying contemporary dance and ballet. She has choreographed and performed in many contemporary dance works across Canada. She has presented original choreography in collaboration with Victoria Dance Theatre, Dance Victoria, Flux London Dance Festival, Broken Rhythms, Scotiabank Dance Centre, Addo Platform, among others. Alina also holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology. Her psychology practice informs her interests in understanding the depths human experience and telling stories through dance. In 2017, Alina founded Voirelia Hub as a platform for contemporary dance creation and interdisciplinary collaboration. As the Artistic Co-Director of Voirelia Hub, Alina continues to create, develop dance pedagogy, and curate interdisciplinary dance and art events.