Sometimes projects get started but never seem to get finished. These events encourage people to complete and submit their work
From textiles and art projects to creative writing, Islanders have opportunities this spring to practice and showcase their work. The Nanaimo Arts Council is hosting an Unfinished Object (UFO) Day, as well as co-sponsoring the Islands Short Fiction Contest.
The Nanaimo Arts Council will be hosting its third UFO Day of 2015 as an opportunity for people to collaborate with their incomplete creations.
While the idea started with textile and beading projects in mind, it is not at all limited to that, executive director of the Nanaimo Arts council Sarah Schmidt said.
Bring anything that is portable to work on,” Schmidt said.
People can simply drop in at the Harbourfront Library on March 21 between 11 am and 2 pm.
“Some people have come and finished projects that were seven years old,” Schmidt said. “The collective sharing of skills and information people get is great.”
The Short Fiction Contest is also sponsored by the Vancouver Island Regional Library as well as the Vancouver Island University Department of Creative Writing and Journalism. It seeks entries of up to 2000 words in three categories: Adult (19 and over), Youth (13 to 18), and Junior (12 and under).
Over $2k in prizes and cash will be awarded to the winners and finalists. Last year, the contest drew over 75 entries.
“We’ve been able to raise the prize amounts this year, which we hope will attract even more interest from writers throughout the Islands area,” Schmidt said.
Judge of the Adult category this year is VIU Creative Writing instructor and Governor General’s Award-winning author Robert Hilles, while VIRL librarians Jennifer Seper and Justin Unrau will judge submissions in the Youth and Junior categories.
The entry deadline is March 16, 2015. Entry forms are available on the Nanaimo Arts Council website, and at the Nanaimo Arts Council Gallery (North Town Centre, 4750 Rutherford Rd). A $20 fee is charged per adult entry, or $15 for Junior and Youth entries.
Winners will be announced at a reception on Thursday, April 23 at 7 pm at a Nanaimo library branch TBA. The winning entries in the 2014 Islands Short Fiction Contest may be read on the VIU Creative Writing and Journalism website.
