Arts in the spotlight

West Vancouver is gearing up for the 18th Annual Harmony Arts Festival from Aug. 1 to Aug. 10.

The event, presented by Odlum Brown Limited, is the premiere North Shore arts festival of the summer. The public is invited to visit seaside venues to experience the sights, sounds and sensations of this award winning 10-day festival.

Everyone is welcome and all of the events are free. The festival strikes a balance between the charming community feel of its roots and the exciting regional event it has become. It includes numerous events and exhibitions, both big and small.

The festival offers a visual arts program, nightly Sunset Concert Series, a Sunday seniors’ concert, World Music Day, children’s programs, studio tours, Fountain Stage Concerts, Cinema in the Park, Youth Rock, craft market, ArtSPEAKS, ArtDEMOS and the Harmony SHOWCASE Exhibition at the Ferry Building Gallery, The Juried Group Show and much more.

The Opening Reception is on the Park Royal Fountain Stage at Ambleside Landing, Aug. 1 at 6 p.m. Festivities include Yesterday Once More: A Tribute to the Carpenters, on the West Vancouver Community Foundation Stage in John Lawson Park.

Each night of the festival at 7:30 p.m., some of Metro Vancouver’s best musical talent will entertain audiences of about 20,000 people. Returning this year is the intimate Park Royal Fountain Stage Concerts at 9 p.m. on four evenings of the Festival.

A new addition this year is Fashion at the Fountain, presented by local boutique Leslie Jane on the Park Royal Fountain Stage, Aug. 2 at 2 p.m.

The Harmony Arts Festival works to highlight the talent of emerging and established artists in Metro Vancouver.