Shadowjam! with Mind of a Snail

Shadowjam is a fully participatory event where everyone is a performer and everyone is the audience. It’s basically a magical blend of improvised musical jam, in-the-moment shadow puppetry, and spontaneous storytelling. We start by crafting shadow puppets together around a theme. Then we set up a sheet in the middle of the room, with an overhead projector and puppets on one side and musical instruments all around. Everyone is encouraged to try any role, whether it’s as a puppeteer, musician, narrator or whatever else. No experience is needed and spontaneity is encouraged. The only requirement is that people try to be present in the moment, listening and responding with the whole picture in mind. Shadowjam provides a framework for unconditional play within an expressive, inclusive group experience. Participants often describe it as a shared dream.

A Waltz with Ann Walsh Through History, Mystery, and More

Ann Walsh has written many books set in Barkerville during the gold rush. Join her to learn about miners and murders, hurdies and hangings, gold and guilt and meet some of the characters who lived during this exciting era. Ann will also share tips about writing, helpful for creating song lyrics. Check her website http://www.annwalsh.ca/

Needlefelting the Easy Way with Sharon Cahn

There is a $15 cost to buy the supplies for this workshop (cost is not included with festival pass). This charge includes materials enough for you to make several items. We will make one in the one hour class, but you can later can go on to needlefelt outside the class, having gained confidence in your ability to needlefelt. If you need a refresher course, the kit includes a DVD that goes over the process again. It is an easy foolproof way to begin. http://www.pluckings.com/

PLUS, Sharon will be teaching a second textiles workshop:
Nuno Felting with Sharon Cahn. Also known as Laminated Felting, nuno felting is a process where wool is felted into an open weave fabric. The materials cost for this workshop is $35. In this class we will make a nuno-felted silk scarf. There will be a material fee for the supplies, but you will go home with the ability to go on from here to wherever felting takes you.

Expressing Your Power of the Feminine with Trish Belsham

A movement workshop open to anyone. We’ll play with ideas of what the feminine means to you. This is a co-creative opportunity to dip into your imagination through movement. No experience necessary; only a willingness and curiosity to explore and express your interpretation of the feminine. Bring your ideas! Not recommended for children under six years old. All children under ten must be accompanied by an adult.

Organic Farmers in the Round

What does it take to grow food in the Cariboo? The challenges, the opportunities, the experiences–join facilitators Sage Birchwater as we get to meet the local farmers who so generously support our ArtsWells festival with their fabulous work and produce. Murray and Janette Boal of Dragon Mountain Farm, Rob Borsato and Cathie Allen of Macken Creek farm, Terri and Chris of Roads end Farm, Mike and Stephanie Bird of Slow Train farms, Corine Singfield of Bella Coola CSA, and others will share their experiences and answer questions. This is a great opportunity to meet the pioneers of organic farming in the Cariboo as we all move towards food sustainability in these changing times.

Vocal Improv with Doug Koyama

Learn to feel the rhythm, feel the rhyme. No, it’s not bobsled time. Doug is willing to
teach you his skills. He can get you started on improvising singing around a beat… goes well with campfires and magic.

Hip Hop with DEJA and Lee Asher

Exactly what it sounds like. He’s badass and so is this workshop. There’s dance involved too. DEJA has been involved with teaching Vancouver youth about producing beats, rapping, freestyle and hip hop culture while Lee teaches hip hop dance.

Persian Music Workshop

Discover new rhythms and vibes with this workshop taught by world class Persian music instrumentalists.

Living the Dream In Wells with Jason Griffin

This place is great – what’s it like to live here? New this year, this workshop is for people interested in moving to Wells. We’ll discuss community life, the artist co-op, business/employment opportunities, recreation, what winter is like, housing, community forest, amenities, etc. This will be an informal workshop – bring your questions and ideas.

Yoga with Kate Sulis

Kate Sulis has been leading yoga classes in Wells and Quesnel for a number of years. She is a registered massage therapist and uses this experience to help lead participants through a fairly energetic yoga routine which focuses on core strength and flexibility. She follows no particular brand of yoga, but draws on experience from different classes she has taken over the years. Come prepared with a yoga mat if you have one and a light-weight blanket. We will be outside (weather permitting) so bug dope might be in order!

Washtub Bass with Paul Hendriks of Blackberry Wood

Are you tired of conventional music? Can you hold a stick? Have you mastered every instrument, and don’t know what to do next? Can you count to one? Do you have cake? If you answered YES to any of these questions, then you may be interested in having your mind blown wide open by an infosational multimedia-extravulation detailing the rise and fall and subsequent rise of what many consider to be the perfect instrument.
Chief bucketeer and blackberry plank’s Paul Hendriks will hold your hand through the dark places as we explore together the washtub bass!

Wells Walks with Mary Forbes

Wander the streets of Wells and hear the sordid stories and stupendous sallies of the the little town that could and still does. From miners to minstrels on a tailings pile or snob hill. From any vantage point Wells will warm your heart and help walk off last night’s dance and prime you for more culture than you can carry in a Cornish water wheel. Let’s go for a walk! http://www.dandelioninterp.ca/index.cfm

Signs of the Times

At various times through out the festival.
Join Williams Lake astrologer Martin Comtois for an entertaining and informative look at the astrological perspective of the changing times. Using the Astromantic Mandala Table take a journey through the symbols of astrology; the signs, elements, modalities and polarities; and the personal, social and transpersonal planets. Gain insight into the meanings behind the present Cardinal Grand Cross alignment and its creative impulse into your life. Astrology contributes a sense of clarity and purpose as we seek personal fulfillment and empowerment while navigating these complex times. Check the school gym for information on times and place for this inspirational workshop. For readings or more on Martin’s work visit his website at www.mountainmystics.ca or email at mountainmystics.martin@gmail.com.

Get Musical: Creative Sound Exploration with Shelder the Electric Clamfish

Using our bodies, voices and any instruments available, we will explore a multitude of ways to create sound, which will ultimately lead to a final spontaneous and improvised group performance. Activities we will do include passing the sound (allowing the sound to morph as it is “passed” from one person to the next), small group improvisations, sound painting, and responding to improvised gestures. the idea is to create an environment where everyone is free to express themselves and does not feel inhibited by technique, rhythm or pitch.

Sound Exploration Walk with Kristen Roos

Walk through town and listen to the interior sounds of objects using contact microphones. This workshop is great for anyone who hasn’t been exposed to the magic of contact microphones, come listen to a sign post, drum on a wall, turn a playground into an instrument.
Great for a variety of ages: 6 yrs old and up! www.kristenroos.com

An Introduction to West African Dance with Sally Miller of Nice Verdes

A fun, energetic and lively introduction to West African dance and rhythms. Participants will learn some traditional dance steps to a particular rhythm. Suitable for all ages and levels, but be ready for some moving! There will be live drumming, too!

Banjo, the People’s Instrument

Jason and Pharis Romero will take you through the history of the banjo and its populist roots. They’re good story tellers and there ain’t nothin’ like a good banjo.

Lyrical Dance Class with Jessie Herman

Learn some basic elements of jazz and ballet mixed together to create a flowing and modern movement known as Lyrical dance. Dive into some choreography, let the music fill you up and carry you away. No experience is required, just a open mind and open heart. Please wear clothing that will allow you to move freely!

Lyric Writing with Linda McRae

Want to find ways to unblock your creative flow? Come have some fun and Linda will show you how to jump start the writing process and improve your writing no matter what discipline you’re in…songwriting, pros, poetry, journalist, what have you. Please bring paper and a pen.

Basic Makeup Special Effects with David Jeffery

An all-ages, hands-on workshop in creating bruises, cuts, abrasions, black eyes (and a little general info on how to make your own stage blood, etc.). Materials provided for up to 15 participants.

Top Hats and Tails with Jessie Herman

Class and steamin’ hot sass all rolled into one! This dance class will focus on good old Cabaret style JAZZ! Top hats and tails will be provided for all you cats who come on out! Ladies, fish nets and heels are smiled upon but not necessary. Gentleman, bare chests and suspenders are smiled upon but not necessary. This class can be rocked in bare feet and clothing that will allow you to move freely.

Tri-Loom Weaving with Katie Nahachewski

Tri-loom weaving is a simple, portable, and versatile way to create that woven item you have always wanted to create. Your loom can be anywhere from a few inches short to many feet long, allowing you to create anything and go anywhere the modest triangle can take you. Participants will have use of the looms provided and basic weaving materials. Extra quantities of weaving materials, hooks, needles, and looms will be for sale if the participants wish to continue their projects after the workshop is done. A small project will be completed within the time frame of the workshop. Bring a pillow or jacket to sit on, this is best done on the floor/ground for beginners.

Radical Folk History 101 with Joey Only

The working class has used folk music for centuries to represent their struggle against the system. Joey Only will take you on a musical journey through the slave rebellions, the strikes of 1877, the death of Joe Hill, the Industrial Workers of the World (1905-1930) and the songs of Woody Guthrie, Utah Philips and more.

Nurture Nature Now! (N3)

N3 is the way 2 B!
This workshop is focused on entertaining and engaging youthful people! Activities are based around experiential education. This workshop is led / performed by the nature-loving Skyla. Activity specifics include warm-up, trust and active games, the natural world around/inside us (spirit animals), make a human dream catcher (a web of connections), group sing-a-long-play-a-long songs, nature crafts, and silly skits. How are we all interconnected with each other and the world around us? Come and find out with Nurture Nature Now!

Bandleading with Kris Mitchell

Find out how to get a band right up there to hero. Find out from the veteran band leader of Blackberry Wood. There go all of Kris’ secrets…

Hula Hooping with Doug Gook

Doug offers you his hula hoops or bring your own. He’s been hooping with ArtsWells since the beginning but this is the first official workshop.