Karina Svalya’s On the Sixth Day exhibition runs until October 9 at the Dal Schindell Gallery.
The description of Karina Svalya’s current showing at the Dal Schindell Gallery (formerly the Lookout Gallery, still upstairs at Regent College) is brief:
This exhibition features large-scale portraits in oil of safari animals: giraffes, zebras, elephants, rhino and lions.
Svalya doesn’t address On the Sixth Day directly on her own site, but does speak about how she approaches God’s creation as an artist:
My belief in the Biblical narrative of a loving God is what ultimately gives me the impetus to study created things. Nicholas Wolterstorff says in Art in Action:
So the artist who sees life and reality as a Christian will not despise the creation in which he finds himself. He will not see it as something from which to be liberated. If he is a painter, he will have no horror of the object. He will be free to dwell in loving detail on the object, trying to capture it, to render it.
I do see life through the lens of Christianity, and I marvel at how it is that lens which prompts me to dwell lovingly on objects or scenes, aspiring to capture and render them on canvas or paper.
I am able to pursue my art fully because I believe that my process of studying God’s creation is glorifying to God. My vocation is to explore and celebrate the world through representation and through that create and bear witness to the living God. Creating art reflects my belief in a creative Father and my creativity represents Him. Being a Christian artist means I have been educated, trained and immersed in the Christian story and my paintings result from that frame of mind.
I haven’t seen the show, but Ron Reed offers praise on Soul Food Vancouver:
There’s a stunning exhibition of new paintings at the Dal Schindell Gallery. The artist is Karina Svalya, who I met in the Vocation of the Artist seminar a few years back when I co-taught it with Loren Wilkinson. Large, vivid, painterly studies of African wildlife. Truly extraordinary work. If anything takes you out to the UBC campus – such as, for example, a visit to the Regent Bookstore, the largest theological book shop on the continent – you must make a point of viewing these remarkable works.
The exhibition continues until October 9.
Against Uyghur oppression
Three local churches are welcoming a Uyghur speaker to address the topic Speaking Against the Oppression of Uyghur Muslims.
Turnisa Matsedik-Qira will speak next Thursday (October 3), 7 pm, at St. James Anglican Church in the Downtown Eastside.
Victoria Marie of Our Lady of Guadaloupe Tonantzin Community said of the gathering:
October 3 is the eve of the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi. At a time when Christians and Muslims were fighting each other, St. Francis reached out in peace to Sultan al-Malik al-Kamil of Egypt. The two spoke and developed admiration and respect for each other as men of God.
Today, the Chinese government is oppressing Christians, but what they are doing to the Uyghur Muslims is unspeakable. Please join with us to listen with compassion to a woman from the Uyghur community, Turnisa Matsekik-Qira.
Turnisa has asked to speak to Christian faith leaders and we are happy to provide the opportunity. So please, if you cannot attend yourself, send someone from your community. On the vigil of the Feast of Saint Francis, let us follow his example by stretching out our hands and opening our minds and hearts in compassion.
Organizers quote remarks by Omer Kanat, director of the UN Uyghur Human Rights Project on July 16, 2019:
In 2013, UHRP published a report on religious freedom documenting how the Chinese government has gradually criminalized faith and imposed harsh punishments for observing Ramadan and for parents who gave their children religious instruction. China has now taken the logic of this repression to the limit. The mass internment of one and half, possibly three, million Uyghurs includes repetitive propaganda on the so-called “evils” of religion.
The other churches hosting the event are St. James Anglican and Salal & Cedar Watershed Ministry.
A September 25 article in The Vancouver Sun offers some very suitable reading in preparation the gathering: Canadian went to China to debunk reports of anti-Muslim repression, but was ‘shocked’ by treatment of Uyghurs.
Modular housing
Vancouver Magazine posted an encouraging story about modular housing September 23. Here is a portion:
Housing Vancouver’s growing homeless population will take political courage and funding from senior levels of government. But until that surfaces, the city is expanding the search for spaces to host temporary modular housing (TMH) units to include neighbourhoods previously exempt.
OneCity Councillor Christine Boyle’s big ask was answered positively last week, when she put forward a motion asking for temporary modular housing units to be built in lower-density residential neighbourhoods.
These areas make up a majority of the city’s land, but zoning restrictions made them off-limits for the over 600 TMH units that have gone up in Vancouver in the past two years.
For the full article go here.
While there is nothing particularly religious about this story, it is true that Boyle is ordained as a United Church minister; her biography refers to several church-related initiatives she has been involved with.
Shaila Visser is national director of Alpha Canada.
Shaila Visser, who leads Alpha Canada, will lead a discussion on Hope for the Future: Gen Z in Our City, next Friday (October 4) at the Vancouver Club. Here is a description of the event:
We are bombarded with statistics on Generation Z, the first truly global generation that is ever-connected but lonely, and increasingly anxious about the world around them. As business leaders, parents and grandparents, there is increasing concern about what we are going to do to reach this generation with the gospel.
Shaila Visser will host a panel of practitioners who are mobilizing students to reach their own generation, all the while challenging us to consider how we are raising up and empowering the next generation of leaders.
As national director of Alpha Canada and global senior vice president for Alpha International, Shaila was executive producer of both The Alpha Youth Film Series (2013) and The Alpha Film Series (2016). Alpha is being run all over the country, and by the end of 2018 Alpha Canada had reached over one million guests through their courses. These included Catholic and Protestant churches, as well as youth, senior and prison-specific contexts.
Sep 2019
Journey with God Prayer Retreat – September 26, 2019 - September 28, 2019 at All DayWebinar: How to be a more politically engaged, active citizen – September 26, 2019 at 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Modern Technology and the Diminishment of the Human – September 26, 2019 at 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Does Immigration Matter?: Douglas Todd – Is Unity Possible in a Metropolis of Enclaves? – September 26, 2019 at 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Multiplying Authentic Disciples (video transmission) – September 27, 2019 - September 28, 2019 at All Day
Christian Workplace Kitsilano – September 27, 2019 at 7:00 am - 9:00 am
Global Climate Strike (at Christ Church / march from City Hall) – September 27, 2019 at 12:10 pm - 3:10 pm
Jim Byrnes – September 27, 2019 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
LifeWay Living Proof Simulcast – September 28, 2019 at 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Rummage Sale – September 28, 2019 at 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Mission Champions Orientation & Development – September 28, 2019 at 10:00 am - 11:30 am
St. Agnes Community Day – September 28, 2019 at 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Walk the Wall Vancouver – September 28, 2019 at 10:00 am - 1:30 pm
By the Grace of God (VIFF) – September 28, 2019 at 12:15 pm - 2:15 pm
Christian Forum: Climate Crisis – September 28, 2019 at 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
DVD Meeting: Egyptian Chronology and the Bible – September 28, 2019 at 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Infinitely More: The Blessings Tour – September 28, 2019 at 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
The Federal Election and a Christian Conscience – September 28, 2019 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Early Music Vancouver: Le Concert Spirituel – Baroque Orchestra Suites featuring Jeanne Lamon – September 28, 2019 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Fort Night Comedy Presents Saturday Night Improv (two shows) – September 28, 2019 at 7:30 pm - 11:00 pm
Happy 22 Years Worship Invasion! – September 28, 2019 at 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Joan of Arc (VIFF) – September 28, 2019 at 9:00 pm - 11:15 pm
Infinitely More: The Blessings Tour – September 29, 2019 at 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Casting Crowns: Only Jesus Tour – September 29, 2019 at 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
A Hidden Life (VIFF) – September 29, 2019 at 8:45 pm - 11:30 pm
Oct 2019
Church Renewal Round Table – October 1, 2019 at 9:30 am - 11:30 amBy the Grace of God (VIFF) – October 1, 2019 at 8:15 pm - 11:30 pm
EFC Webinar: Things Change! Reviewing Your Charitable Purposes & Activities – October 2, 2019 at 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Mission Pastors Roundtable: Martha Stewart Style or Jesus Style Hospitality – October 2, 2019 at 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Pastor Luncheon by Answers in Genesis Canada – October 2, 2019 at 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Joan of Arc (VIFF) – October 2, 2019 at 1:00 pm - 3:15 pm
Tapas & Table Talk: a Guided Conversation with Dr. Kent Anderson – October 2, 2019 at 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Water for Life Initiative – October 2, 2019 at 6:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Alpha @ Fairview (Wednesday evenings) – October 2, 2019 at 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Bursting Your Bubble Training: Integrating Business, Life & Faith – October 2, 2019 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Newman: a Saint for Our Times – Panel on the Life & Thought of Cardinal Newman – October 2, 2019 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Karina Svalya: On the Sixth Day – October 3, 2019 - October 9, 2019 at All Day
Mother of the Maid by Jane Anderson – October 3, 2019 - October 5, 2019 at All Day
Federal Election Debate from a Catholic Perspective – October 3, 2019 at 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Bursting Your Bubble Training: Integrating Business, Life & Faith – October 3, 2019 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Speaking Against the Systemic Oppression of Uyghur Muslims – October 3, 2019 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Water for Life Initiative – October 3, 2019 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Hope for the Future: Gen Z in Our City, with Shaila Visser (Alpha Canada) – October 4, 2019 at 7:15 am - 8:30 am
Leverage Leadership Summit Tsawwassen – October 4, 2019 - October 5, 2019 at 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Holy Spirit in the Now Conference – October 4, 2019 - October 6, 2019 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Marcus Mosely Ensemble – October 4, 2019 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Ride for Refuge – October 5, 2019 at 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Blanket Exercise – October 5, 2019 at 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Of Games and God: Thinking Critically About God, Faith, Video Games & Gaming Culture – October 5, 2019 at 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Seminar with Iain Provan – October 5, 2019 at 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Connecting with God: A Half-Day Retreat – October 5, 2019 at 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Life, Together: Strengthening Our Small Group Gatherings – October 5, 2019 at 9:30 am - 2:00 pm
Empowering Family Caregivers EXPO – October 5, 2019 at 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Michael Park: Music for Your Soul – October 5, 2019 at 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Harriet (VIFF) – October 5, 2019 at 3:00 pm - 5:15 pm
Lennon Wall & Rally – October 5, 2019 at 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
St. John the Evangelist Café Church: Peter Haigh, North Shore Rescue Team – October 5, 2019 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Taste of Cambodia: a Film and Food Experience – October 5, 2019 at 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Evening of Hope (Villages of Hope Africa) – October 5, 2019 at 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Pray for Our Political Leaders – October 6, 2019 at All Day
The Two Popes (VIFF) – October 6, 2019 at 2:30 am - 4:30 am
Vancouver Life Chain – October 6, 2019 at 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Blessing of the Animals – October 6, 2019 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
The Two Popes (VIFF) – October 7, 2019 at 6:00 pm - 8:15 pm
Memorial Service for those who have died recently in Hong Kong – October 7, 2019 at 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Metro Vancouver LeaderImpact Forum with Don Van Meer – October 9, 2019 at 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
All Candidates Meeting – October 9, 2019 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Langley / Surrey LeaderImpact Forum with Don Van Meer – October 10, 2019 at 7:00 am - 9:00 am
South Surrey Christian Women's Annual Fall Fair Banquet – October 10, 2019 at 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Pipe Organ & Politics: All Candidate Debate – October 10, 2019 at 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
True Girl: Pajama Party Tour 2019 – October 11, 2019 at 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Cathy Peters: Anti-Child Sex-Trafficking – October 11, 2019 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The Eisenhauers – October 11, 2019 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
A Rocha's Harvest Celebration – October 12, 2019 at 12:00 am - 4:00 am
Consonantia: a school of spiritual practice – October 12, 2019 at 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Alzheimer Café – October 12, 2019 at 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Rend Collective: The Revival Anthem Tour – October 12, 2019 at 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Homelessness Action Week – October 13, 2019 - October 19, 2019 at All Day
Pray for Hong Kong – October 13, 2019 at 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Jazz Vespers in the Valley: 'Brentwood Musickers' Dan & Ben – October 13, 2019 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Homelessness Action Day – October 14, 2019 at 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Jesus on Mission: Come and Surrender – October 16, 2019 at 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Election Forum: Vancouver East – October 16, 2019 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Six Primrose – October 16, 2019 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Awareness, Witness and Joy: Thomas Merton’s Vocation and Ours – October 16, 2019 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Global Leadership Summit – October 17, 2019 - October 18, 2019 at All Day
Global Leadership Summit – October 17, 2019 - October 18, 2019 at All Day
25th Annual Fundraising Banquet featuring Dr. Marc Newman – October 17, 2019 at 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Real Truth Real Life Apologetics Conference – October 18, 2019 - October 19, 2019 at All Day
BC Lions Faith & Family Night – October 18, 2019 at 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Telecare's 30th Anniversary Celebration! – October 18, 2019 at 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Rummage Sale & Fall Fair – October 19, 2019 at 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Inspiring Dominican Saints: Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati – October 19, 2019 at 9:15 am - 12:15 pm
Through the Seasons: Encountering God's Faithfulness Women's Conference – October 19, 2019 at 9:30 am - 8:30 pm
Intercessors Prayer Conference: Plug into the Power of Prayer – October 19, 2019 at 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sharing Food. Sharing Culture – October 19, 2019 at 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
New Beginnings Fundraising Dinner – October 19, 2019 at 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Eat and Drink: Octoberfest – October 19, 2019 at 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Harvest Thanksgiving with Rio Samaya Band – October 19, 2019 at 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Atesto Surrounded – October 19, 2019 at 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm