The fifth annual Art & Soul art show, benefit concert and silent auction is being presented by École H. J. Cody Fine Arts Department on Apr. 13th.
The H.J. Cody Fine Arts departments of music, art, and drama are putting together their biggest fundraiser for the year, after just wrapping the musical Once Upon A Mattress.
The afternoon event, features live music, over 100 pieces of student art, and a silent auction. This event helps support the fine arts department and the students at H. J. Cody through scholarships, workshop enrolment and fees, facility upgrades as well as helping students travel with the arts.
Tanya Ryan is the headlining act. She was recently showcased on CMT’s new series Big in a Small Town. A singer/songwriter, she was born and raised in Saskatoon and now resides in Okotoks.
It is in these Foothills that Ryan has grown as performer and songwriter, earning several titles including the Calgary Stampede’s Nashville North Star 2012, 2012 Ponoka Talent Competition winner and Country 105/Lammles’ 2011 Rising Star.
“I recently saw Tanya perform at the Alberta Country Music Association’s Annual Awards show and she blew me away. She was fun to watch, has a killer voice and was a really genuine performer. We are thrilled to have her coming to our event”, said drama teacher Jacqui Renwick.
A returning favourite is guitarist Shawn Kingston. He has been at every Art & Soul event and seems to just keep coming back. “I Love, LOVE, coming to Art & Soul. It is a highlight of my year and a great gig to perform,” said Kingston. Renwick and Kingston met about seven years ago when they performed together in a band in the Calgary area.
“Shawn has the biggest heart of anyone I know, he is so talented and I love to watch him play.
“We are so lucky to have a community of people who love music, art and drama support our schools and support our kids by attending these events.
“Art & Soul is a great afternoon of good music and well worth the price of admission when we see all of the good it does for kids throughout the year. This is just one way we can give back and build the fine arts programs at H. J. Cody.” said Renwick.
Music teacher Kerry Heisler will also join the concert and lend her powerful voice to the cause.
Art teacher Bruce Thompson has been working hard preparing his students and the work they will be showing at the art show. He is also coordinating H. J. Cody staff who have volunteered to talk to local businesses who wish to sponsor the event or donate items for the silent auction.
“The community has been very generous for this event in the past. We thank them for their support and how much they give to make the event a success and we hope we can count on them again this year.” Renwick said.
Tickets are on sale at H. J. Cody’s main office. The show is on Apr 13. Bidding begins at 2:30 p.m. and the concert begins at 3:30 p.m.
For more information, contact Jacqui Renwick at 403-887-2412. If you would like to be a sponsor or donate a silent auction item, contact Bruce Thompson at 403-887-2412.
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