By Paul Gessell

"Wall Street" by Cara Tierney.

Cara Tierney seems to take the Bible, or at least one passage, to heart: Go Forth and Multiply.

That is exactly what this emerging artist has done. She has created a series of staged photographs in which she plays all the parts in the narrative. Sometimes Tierney poses alone. In other images, there are several versions of Tierney interacting with each other like a group of remarkably similar looking best friends.

The result is an intriguing exhibition at Carleton University Art Gallery titled Go Forth and Multiply.

Some of the photographs have a vaguely familiar look. That is because Tierney has recreated poses by such artists as Italian Renaissance painter Sandro Botticelli and Canada’s Edwin Holgate from the Group of Seven. The models in the originals were nude. Tierney tends to pose clothed, wearing a T-shirt that says Nude.

“Tierney’s photographs ultimately propose personal identity as a fluid and open construct, open to negotiation,” says Sandra Dyck, curator of the exhibition and the gallery’s new director. “As Cara has said, the obsessive multiplication of the self in the photographs not only raises the idea of a fractured self, but is a deliberate response to the lack of visible queer subjects in mainstream society.’”

"Nude in a Landscape" by Cara Tierney

Tierney was looking a little fatigued at the recent opening of the exhibition. That’s because earlier in the day, she had to defend her Bachelor of Fine Arts thesis at the University of Ottawa. Essentially, Tierney was defending the art in the Carleton exhibition.

“You just get a pass or a fail and I passed,” Tierney exclaimed.

Tierney’s photographs are reminiscent of another young Ottawa star, Genevieve Thauvette, whose most celebrated body of work is the artist posing, simultaneously, as all five of the Dionne Quintuplets. Very mischievous and very dark.

Thauvette is preparing a new body of work based on Les Filles du Roy, the so-called King’s Daughters sent to New France so all the early, mainly male, habitants would have someone to marry. The exhibition will be Sept. 13 to 26 at her dealer, St. Laurent+Hill Gallery in the ByWard Market. The show will overlap with Ottawa’s first Nuit Blanche Sept. 22. Expect to be shocked and awed, judging by the teaser image Thauvette emailed me of herself posing as a very naughty nun.

Tierney’s exhibition at Carleton continues until Sept. 30, also overlapping with Nuit Blanche and with Festival X, the citywide photo extravaganza that runs Sept. 20 to 30.

The post THE ARTFUL BLOGGER: How to pose nude while fully clothed — Carleton University Art Gallery’s latest exhibit appeared first on Ottawa Magazine.

Shannon Kaya of TeoMae Designs will be on hand at Glamour in the Glebe.

GLAMOUR IN THE GLEBE
Just in time for Mother’s Day, this jewellery show will showcase pieces by more than 30 designers. Grab that last-minute gift for Mom (you’re welcome for the reminder), or just browse through all the different bling made by local artists for that unique piece to add to your wardrobe. Opening night on Friday will include a fashion show and refreshments. $6 on Friday, May 11, 6:30 p.m. Free on Saturday, May 12. Glebe Community Centre, 175 Third Ave., www.gnag.ca.

FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS
No, not that kind of benefits. FWB is a silent auction and dance party aimed at reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness. Bid on some great packages, including hotel stays, golf equipment, and spa treatments, to benefit the Jennie James Depression Research Fund, while sharing stories of depression. Then lighten the mood by dancing your socks off to DJs Zattar, Memetic, and Eric Roberts. $20. Friday, May 11, 8 p.m. Elmdale Tavern, 1084 Wellington St. W., www.werfriendswithbenefits.wordpress.com.

FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES
The final night of the “Jack’s Picks” series will showcase two movies from the National Film Board (Jack Horwitz, former NFB Executive Producer, picks his personal favourites from this internationally acclaimed agency). Teens will love the first one, following the rise of Ottawa-native Paul Anka to teenage stardom (tell them he’s the Justin Bieber of their parents’ day). The second film, which was banned in the U.S., takes a serious look at acid rain, its origins, and its consequences. $10 families, $8 individuals, $5 students and seniors. Friday, May 11, 6:30 p.m. Crichton Cultural Community Centre, Memorial Hall, 39 Dufferin Rd., www.crichtonccc.ca.

TAKE A SIP FOR FAIR TRADE
Fair never tasted so good! Take a Sip, which promises to be the “fair trade event of the season,” will showcase the area’s best food and drink. Locally produced cheese and beer (good combination) will be served alongside fair trade chocolate and wine (an even better combination). Also take in guest speakers such as Engineers Without Borders CEO George Roter and Fairtrade Canada’s director of communications, Michael Zelmer. $25 in advance, $30 at the door; includes one fair trade cocktail. Saturday, May 12, 7 p.m. Great Canadian Theatre Company, 1233 Wellington St. W., www.fairtradeottawa.ca.

Chinatown Remixed kicks off its month-long art exhibit with entertainment and activities.

CHINATOWN REMIXED (FREE!)
This month-long art event kicks off Saturday to show the city that Chinatown has more to offer than just awesome Asian food (though it has that too). Over 40 local artists will feature their work in surprising venues, like laundromats and corner stores, along Somerset Street West. Exhibitions will be on display until June 12, but the real action is this weekend. Check out chalk artwork, take a walking tour of the neighbourhood, and enjoy JUNO-nominated DJ Rise Ashen spinning tunes, along with other cultural entertainment. Saturday, May 12, 1:30 p.m. Somerset St. W. between Bay St. and Preston St., www.chinatownremixed.ca.

OUTDOOR CHEMISTRY MAGIC SHOW (FREE!)
Gather your budding chemists for this exciting show that takes place on Saturday night as part of Science Rendezvous, a national day that celebrates science in Canada. The Carleton University Chemistry Department wants to showcase the fun — and dare we say, cool? — side of science with this one-hour show that features explosions, the inner workings of fireworks, spontaneous combustion, things that glow in the dark, and more (that is cool!). There will also be hands-on activities before the presentation. Ideal for kids eight and up. Saturday, May 12, activities start at 7:30 p.m., chemistry magic show starts at 8:30 p.m. Carleton University, Amphitheatre between Southam and Paterson Halls (in case of inclement weather: Theatre B, Southam Hall). Hands-on activities take place adjacent to the Amphitheatre (or Theatre B), www.carleton.ca/chemistrymagicshow.

LOCAVORE ARTISAN FOOD FAIR (FREE!)
Who knew so many delectable treats could be made with ingredients grown within 100 miles of Ottawa? Everything from perogies to pizza to pies will be available from more than 20 local vendors. A silent auction will also benefit the Ottawa Network for Education’s school breakfast program, which benefits 11,000 children every day. Saturday, May 12, 10 a.m. Crichton Cultural Community Centre, Memorial Hall, 39 Dufferin Rd., www.ottawalaff.ca.

OTTAWA COMICCON
Calling all fantasy nerds, comic book enthusiasts, and trekkies! Don your best costume, because for the first time ever, Comiccon is landing in the capital and bringing legends from TV shows, movies, and comics with it. On board are Sir Patrick Stewart of Star Trek, Lou Ferrigno of The Incredible Hulk, and Adam Baldwin of The X-Files and Transformers fame. There will also be shopping, drawing workshops, photo ops, panels, and a replica of The DeLorean Time Machine from Back to the Future. But don’t get too distracted by all the glitzy celebrities — there will also be many local artists to appreciate as well. $25. Saturday, May 12. $20 Sunday, May 13. CE Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr., www.ottawacomiccon.com.

The post WEEKENDER: Cool chemistry, plus Chinatown gets remixed, the Glebe gets glamorous, and more this Mother’s Day weekend appeared first on Ottawa Magazine.

By Paul Gessell

Diana Nemiroff, director at the Carleton University Art Gallery, has been awarded a Governor General Award for Visual and Media Arts. Photo by Martin Lipman

One of Ottawa’s treasures, Diana Nemiroff, will be presented March 28 with the $25,000 Governor General’s Visual and Media Arts Award for her “enduring impact on the Canadian art landscape,” the Canada Council for the Arts has announced.

“This is a very big deal for me,” says Nemiroff.  “In my field this is the most important award that I could win. And winning a specifically Canadian award that is considered to be the pinnacle of recognition makes it especially meaningful to me.”

Nemiroff is currently the director of the Carleton University Art Gallery and previously worked 20 years at the National Gallery of Canada as a curator, mainly in contemporary art, becoming one of the most influential figures in the contemporary art scene.

Despite working on a broad national canvas, Nemiroff never ignored her home community. She was and remains a familiar figure at local art exhibition openings. Unlike many other National Gallery curators, Nemiroff believed in maintaining strong ties to the local art community and championing the work of such important Ottawa artists as the late Dennis Tourbin.

Nemiroff was also a collector of contemporary art. She once showed me a cheeky light sculpture by former Ottawa artist Reuel Deschenes she had just purchased at Dale Smith Gallery for her husband as a Valentine’s Day present.

While at the National Gallery, Nemiroff organized such landmark exhibitions as Elusive Paradise, which starred Janet Cardiff’s spectacular sound-based art project 40-part Motet, and Land, Spirit, Power: First Nations at the National Gallery of Canada. Indeed, Nemiroff laid the groundwork for contemporary aboriginal art in Canada to be accepted as mainstream art and not segregated in ethno-cultural museums as some kind of folk art.

Nemiroff left the National Gallery in 2005 to head the Carleton University Art Gallery, yet her name circulated for years as a potential successor to Pierre Theberge as National Gallery director. Instead, to the surprise of many, the gallery board chose Marc Mayer.

Among the artists Nemiroff brought to the National Gallery was Montreal’s Jana Sterbak, whose infamous meat dress riled many members of Parliament. (Sterbak, incidentally, will also be honoured this year with a Governor General’s Award.)

The other recipients of the Governor General’s Award are Margaret Dragu, Geoffrey James, Jan Peacock and Royden Rabinowitch. As well, the winner of the annual Saidye Bronfman Award for fine craft was announced, with Charles Lewton-Brain as winner.

Nemiroff plans to retire from Carleton this June but maintains she will remain active in the art community.

The post INDUSTRY BUZZ: Diana Nemiroff’s enduring legacy garners GG award appeared first on Ottawa Magazine.

CANADIAN QUIDDITCH CUP (FREE!)
The final movie has come and gone, but it’s still possible to get your Potter fix. While they won’t be flying around on Nimbus 2000s, Carleton University plays host to more than 100 muggles for the first-ever Canadian Quidditch Cup. The non-flight version of Quidditch, which still involves broomsticks, is a modified version of the sport that mixes rugby, dodge ball, and tag. Eight teams will battle it out to decide who gets to go to the Quidditch World Cup tournament in New York City in November. Come cheer for Carleton, ranked second behind McGill. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check it out on campus at the Ravens’ Road Field. Map of campus can be found here.

Emilio Chapela's "Ask Google" exhibition uncovers some shocking truths, looking at what web surfers ask on the censorship-free Google

ASK GOOGLE
A rising star on the international scene, Mexican artist Emilio Chapela brings his first solo art show to Canada at the Saw Gallery. Using Google as the star of his show, he presents a series of eye-opening (and mind-blowing) image- and text-based works generated from search engines. Up for discussion: race, language, and translation. Until Nov. 12. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. 67 Nicholas St., 613-236-6181, www.galeriesawgallery.com.

THE CREEPY QUEER COMEDY SHOW
Start your Halloween off with a laugh at this fundraiser for Pink Triangle Services, a local organization that serves the gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, two-spirit, and queer communities of Ottawa. Featuring the comedic talents of Darcy Michael and Trevor Boris, as well as the only transgendered comic in North America, Ms. Alison Grillo, the event is being billed as a Night of Undead Laughs. Thursday, Oct. 27. 8 p.m. $25, $30 at the door. Bronson Centre, 211 Bronson Ave.

THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW
Do the time-warp again at the annual screening of rock musical TRHPS, the longest-running theatrical release in movie history. This cult classic encourages audience partipation — check out this Virgin’s Guide on the official fan site for tips on what to bring, wear, expect, etc. With special guests the Absent Friends. Friday, Oct. 28, Saturday, Oct. 29, and Monday, Oct. 31. See website for showtimes. $10 members, $15 non-members. Mayfair Theatre, 1074 Bank St. www.mayfairtheatre.ca

WHISPERING PINES (AND PINTS!)
It’s a world premiere! In the divided city of Berlin in 1987, live Renate and Bruno, artists who want to make a new world. When Thomas, a Canadian academic, arrives on their doorstep bearing gifts from the West and dreams of life beyond the Wall, their lives are turned upside down. Years later, in a peaceful cabin on the shores of Lake Superior, the three come together one last time to confront the betrayal that tore them apart. Politics, intrigue, and the cold war. Sounds like the makings for a great play. And, bonus!, on the opening night (Friday, Oct. 28), the German Embassy has partnered with GCTC for Whispering Pints (geddit?). Stop by after the show (10 p.m. to 1 a.m.) for German beer, food, and music. Cover charge is $5. The play runs Friday, Oct. 28 to Sunday, Nov. 13. Tickets are $45 (adult) and $34 (students and seniors). 1227 Wellington St. W., 613-236-5196, www.gctc.ca.

HAUNTED WALKS
What better way to celebrate Halloween than by scaring yourself silly with true tales of ghostly happenings? Sign up for a tour that will take you through some of the city’s creepiest locales. The Ottawa Jail Hostel? Check. The site of the last working gallows? Check. Haunted buildings? Check. Our pick is the adults-only tour of the Canadian Museum of Nature on Friday night. Once the doors close to the public you can enjoy wine and cheese and see for yourself where ghostly encounters have taken place. If you dare… Halloween edition tours are offered nightly until Oct. 31, see website for schedule. $17.75, students $16.75, children (six to 12) $10.75. 613-232-0344. www.hauntedwalk.com

DARK CARNIVAL
This party rages on for not one, but two nights of sinfully good weekday fun. On Halloween, the arts and music fest features German musicians En Esch, Gunter Schulz, and vocalist Mona Mur, as well as Ontario’s own Promonium Jesters playing “psychedelic industrial thrash music.” The second night is jam-packed with Canadian electronic-industrial acts and dancing by Poi Sin from the Sin Sisters (dancing with her glow-in-the-dark poi spinning), a plethora of burlesque shows, modern and traditional belly dancing, live art, interactive body painting demos, a showcase of local artists, and (unbelievably) much more. Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, 8 p.m. One night $20, both nights $30. Must be 19 and older. Zaphod Beeblebrox,  27 York St. www.deathdisco.ca

The post THE WEEKENDER: Creepy queers, Rocky Horror, haunted walks, and four more ways to enjoy Halloween weekend appeared first on Ottawa Magazine.

Ottawa Magazine’s October issue uncovers “hidden Ottawa” with a hole-in-the-wall handbook that embraces the city’s undercover ambience, celebrating 39 overlooked nooks, hipster hideaways, secret foodie sources, and other mysterious locales. Get your copy at Britton’s magazine store and other newsstand locations around town.

Expect plenty of brass, bass, and maybe even some Bossa nova, at Groovy's Roti Hut on Sunday nights. Photo by Angela Gordon.

Groovy jazz
While Groovy’s Roti Hut regularly serves up flavourful (and filling and affordable) Caribbean cuisine, there’s something else special on the menu on Sunday evenings: jazz standards. It gets going around 7 p.m., and it’s a jam night, so no promises about who will show up. One night seven middle-aged men took to the lowered stage, covering trombone, drums, guitar, upright bass, alto sax, vocals, and keys. Later on, some kids straight out of High School Musical straggled in, instruments in hand. Food is mostly in the $9-to-$14 range, with lots of Caribbean faves like goat and codfish, as well as vegetarian options. On Sunday nights, the music takes over. 292 McArthur Ave., 613-744-1551. – Dayanti Karunaratne

In character
Taverns teem with drama — tall tales, fights, broken hearts — so what could be more logical than Chamber Theatre mounting plays in the venerable Carleton Tavern? The sightlines aren’t great (an incentive to get there early), but it’s a dandy place to watch slice-of-life theatre while quaffing a few. Tavern regulars seem mildly bemused by the events and stick to one side of the tavern during the shows. Their conversation sometimes spills over into the performance side, adding reality to the show (or is it vice versa?). Michel Tremblay’s Marcel Pursued by the Hounds opens Nov. 23. 223 Armstrong St., www.chambertheatrehintonburg.ca – Patrick Langston

Down and in
Next time you’re at the corner of Bank and Somerset, stop for a second and cock your ear to hear the beats trickling out of Fall Down Gallery, the new art space in the narrow store formerly occupied by Daniel Richards Gallery. Follow the bass to find an urban arts mecca: one wall features native-inspired Fall Down T-shirts (designed by co-owner Robbie Lariviere) and colourful skate shoes; the opposite side showcases photography and art books. In the middle is an island of comfy benches and a display case of colourful skateboard components, as well as a custom BMX. Adorned with feathers and fur, the funky BMX is a not-for-sale piece by Ottawa artist Jeff Dudka. Visit the back room for a walk down memory lane: one full wall is decorated with flyers from bygone Ottawa concerts and art exhibits. Event alert: On Sunday, Oct. 16, local arts group The Collective Seen will be joined by vintage clothing sellers Crackshots & Petticoats and upcyclers Hand Down Your Pants,  with beats by DJ KROM. Free.  288 Bank St., 613-421-3269. www.falldowngallery.tumblr.com – Dayanti Karunaratne

Cool treats
The Dairy Queen located at the unlikely corner of St. Laurent Boulevard and Hemlock Road has been around forever. What distinguishes this place from any other DQ in the city is the vintage sign: neon, so old and solid as to resemble a pop-art sculpture, and a nostalgic beacon to all those wishing to return to a childhood ideal. Sitting at one of the exterior tables, you can look out over the field it backs onto and recall the hot summer nights of childhood when you would drop your bicycle and hit the ground running, scrambling to the DQ for one last Mr. Misty before the store closed for the season and school started up anew. 345 St. Laurent Blvd., 613-749-2280. – Michael Murray

Photo op
Back in 2007, Len Ward left the firm Temprano Young & Ward Architects Inc. to open a storefront operation in Old Ottawa South combining his two great passions: architecture and photography. The resulting magnet for neighbourhood art aficionados serves as architectural office, frame shop, and art gallery exhibiting the works of Ward and other photo-artists. Exhibitions this past year have included the minimalist, architecturally themed compositions of Sylvia Klein and a multi-artist show titled The Nude in Nature. Event alert: Vernissage for The Art of Asana, a series of warm, black and white photos resulting from a collaboration with local yoga teachers. Proceeds from the sale of the prints and donations made during this event will benefit cancer research. Free. 1181 Bank St., 613-737-7300, www.artsandarchitecture.ca – Paul Gessell

Between the covers
The sign on the door of After Stonewall says it all: David’s Bookstore and Daycare. Former nurse David Rimmer not only sells gay-themed books (Neil Plakcy’s Hawaiian detective thrillers are the top sellers) but also offers sage advice to troubled and lonely customers. “I often wish I had an OHIP number,” says the Saskatoon native. Romances have even blossomed at the overcrowded shop: two men who met at Rimmer’s former book club have been a couple for 14 years now. The store’s name refers to the 1969 riots at New York’s Stonewall Inn that launched the gay-liberation movement. That makes After Stonewall definitely post-revolutionary and very gay-family-friendly. 370 Bank St., 613- 567-2221. – Paul Gessell

Raw Sugar owner Nadia Kharyati welcomes students and self-employed types by day, indie rockers and poets by night. Photo by Angela Gordon.

Raw Sugar Café
While still a relatively new addition to the scene, it’s already hard to imagine Ottawa without Raw Sugar Café. In daylight hours, it serves as a workspace and meeting place for all types of self-employed folks, who enjoy the bright interior, kitschy furniture, quiet nooks, and ample reading material (because even freelancers need a brain break). After sunset, indie musicians and their fans fill the funky joint, craving Beau’s beer and everything else that comes with the alt scene. Homemade goodies, both savoury and sweet, appeal to the vegetarian set. It all adds up to a space in which one can easily spend hours. A dream realized by owner Nadia Kharyati, who spent years collecting retro furnishings, Raw Sugar is a welcome respite in an industry overrun by chain establishments. 692 Somerset St. W., 613-216-2850. – Dayanti Karunaratne

Girl power
This fall, Voices of Venus, Ottawa’s female spoken-word showcase, moved to Venus Envy, our town’s in spot for the G-spot. The second Wednesday of every month, female-identified poets gather to slam and bam (thank you, ma’am) in verse form at the independent woman-run shop where books and toys to tickle your every fancy keep folks coming — back for more, that is. Actively queer- and trans-friendly, the shop is a dandy match for the upstart, open-minded Voices of Venus gang (not to mention Breathless, an adult community centre and private club that occupies the second floor). VoV, BTW, also plays host to live lit and spoken-word performers from across the country and, natch, there’s a lively blog. 320 Lisgar St., www.voicesofvenus.wordpress.com – Patrick Langston

Picture this
A good photograph prompts you to imagine an entire world beyond the image you’re looking at. The tiny, perfect Red Wall Gallery (it’s actually on one red wall) inside the School of Photographic Arts of Ottawa abounds with worlds you’ve never imagined. Unleash your inner modern-day Columbus at exhibits by emerging and established artists, as well as SPAO students. Upcoming: Moment(o) by John Hewett Hallum and The Family Farm Project by Rob MacInnis. Schmoozing alert: ample chit-chat opportunities (and sometimes homemade cookies) at vernissages. New: Poets, inspired by exhibits, scribble at Call and Response curated by local versifier rob mclennan. 168 Dalhousie St., www.spao.ca/redwall.html – Paul Gessell

Older crowd
This freshman-free Carleton campus watering hole is run by and for graduate students and is populated with those requiring a break from researching and theorizing. Profs and those who want to read the day’s news usually take up the bar stools near the only ample lighting in the small lounge at Mike’s Place. The rest of the space is textbook unfriendly and much more conducive to convivial gatherings. The 75-seat pub, located in the main university centre building, is hard to find, but here’s a hint: it’s just down the way from Porter Hall, a storied venue that saw the likes of the Ramones, the Pixies, and Billy Bragg take the stage in the ’80s and ’90s. The menu caters to the grad student’s vow of poverty, with $2.15 samosas and curries for $5.75. The pub is named after Lester B. Pearson — that was his nickname. The framed letter on the wall, asking for permission to name the pub after LBP, is good for a chuckle. 2nd level of Unicentre, Carleton University, 613-520-6681, www.gsacarleton.ca – Fateema Sayani

The post HIDDEN OTTAWA: Voices of Venus, one great Red Wall, and eight more hideaways where underground scenes flourish appeared first on Ottawa Magazine.

Photography by Rémi Thériault

By Samantha Everts

Ian Keteku is a musician, a journalist, an award-winning slam poet, and a proud Ottawan. Sound like the makings of a future Parliamentary Poet Laureate? Verse Ottawa thinks so, and they’ve nominated him for the plum two-year gig. The prolific artist, who is also in four bands, releases his first solo LP, Lessons From Planet Earth: Re-evolution, this fall. 

Where do you consider home? My story is like that of a hermit crab: you get into these shells and leave them to find a new one. I was born and raised in Calgary, moved to Edmonton in 2007, and then moved to Ottawa for school. I’ve spent a lot of time in Ghana — I lived there for three years in the mid 1990s and have been back and forth for different contracts. I live in Vanier [now] and love it here.

Do you feel your education as a journalist prepared you for the life of a travelling artist? Absolutely. Journalism school at Carleton gave me the prowess to really take hold of writing, whatever form that was, and really apply some skills that allow me to tell stories of different people around the world with an artistic flavour.

How did hip hop and rapping come into play? Edmonton was perfect for learning my roots in music. Stuff I’d never show to the world I had to produce to be where I’m at right now. I made a lot of mistakes artistically. I’m not ashamed to say it was a bit sexist and homophobic — not that I was. I considered myself a very conscious rapper. In the genre of mainstream hip hop, the characters make very predictable self-gratifying, self-righteous statements. I quickly moved away and realized that this was definitely not who I was.

What would you do if you were appointed Parliamentary Poet Laureate? I wanted to enter politics when I was a young warthog. I feel honoured to be nominated by Verse Ottawa, but one of the big goals would be to create a literacy program for youths across the country so that young people can understand the power of their own voice through poetry, spoken word, or whatever literary form they want to delve into. I want to be able to support that — your voices matter, and it doesn’t need to be put under the guise of grandma’s poetry. It’s fun, hip — it’s yours to use.

What inspires you? I really love documentary films. And lyrics. Lyrics are like seasons. Sometimes you’re in a darker, more introspective place. Sometimes you want to tell other people’s stories. Right now, I’m in a love season.

What is your next big project? I have a CD coming out in September called Lessons From Planet Earth: Re-evolution that has been two years in the making. Ottawa cats are all over this album. It has 14 tracks with metal, folk music, hip hop, and jazz influences. It’s all about teaching lessons to the Earth people of 5202 before they self-destruct. It’s time to go back, but before we go back, we need manuals and lessons from the previous time so that we don’t fuck it up again. The lessons are about love, politics, peace, justice, injustice, history, metaphysics, spirituality.

Do you have any guilty pleasures? I love The Office and 30 Rock. I have over 200 hats. I really love fedoras. I really like rocking blazers and Sesame Street character T-shirts.

Outside of poetry and music, how do you divide your time?
I like to read and chill with friends. There are a few spots in Ottawa where maybe there’s a nice shisha spot or café in the west end that are grimy but really cool.

Find Ian Keteku’s album, Lessons From Planet Earth: Re-evolution at Sankofa Bookstore, 430 Rideau St.; Fall Down Gallery, 288 Bank St.; and Compact Music, 785 1/2 Bank St.

The post Q&A: Ian Keteku, Parliamentary Poet Laureate candidate appeared first on Ottawa Magazine.

By Paul Gessell

John Hall, curator of the Canadian Piano Museum in Napanee, with the fortepiano. Photo by James Park.

Marie (“Let them eat cake”) had one. So did Russia’s Catherine the Great and England’s Queen Charlotte.

And now, thanks to Carleton University, Chamberfest fans can hear one – a 1777 Frederick Beck Square Fortepiano, that is.

The event takes place this Monday, July 25, and will begin with a 20-minute lecture-demonstration by Frédéric Lacroix, who studied with the renowned fortepianist Malcolm Bilson at Columbia University. That will be followed by a talk about early chamber music by Ruth Bell, a longtime Chamberfest supporter who received an honourary doctorate from Carleton in 1984 for her work in improving the status of women in Canada and beyond.

The 234-year-old instrument is believed to be the oldest functioning piano in Canada and one of the oldest in the world. It has been recently restored through a project led by Carleton Music professors Alexis Luko and James Wright. The $10,000 restoration costs were mainly covered through fundraising and contributions from Carleton donors and alumni. The restoration was completed by John Hall, curator of the Canadian Piano Museum in Napanee, Ont.

“It has great historical significance as an artifact,” says Wright. “This kind of instrument would have been frequently played by Haydn, for instance, and the sons of Johann Sebastian Bach wrote extensively for the fortepiano.”

The piano was once owned by Frances Barwick, one of Canada’s first harpsichordists. She donated the piano to Carleton. She also donated many works of Canadian art that ultimately led to the founding of the Carleton University Art Gallery. Carleton does not know who owned the piano before Barwick or when it came to Canada from Europe.

The antique instrument was originally built by Frederick Beck, a German instrument maker who moved to London during the Seven Years War and the reign of George III. Only a handful of Beck instruments still exist, dating from 1772 to 1778.

For more information on the event July 25, visit http://www.ottawachamberfest.com/tickets <http://www.ottawachamberfest.com/tickets>

Monday, July 25. 10 a.m. Free. Dominion Chalmers United Church, 355 Cooper St. www.ottawachamberfest.com.

Alexis Luko, a professor of music at Carleton, is helping to restore the fortepiano. Photo by James Park.

The post ARTFUL BLOGGER: On July 25, you, too, can hear the 1777 piano that was once ‘fit for a queen’ appeared first on Ottawa Magazine.

BY ILAN MESTER

Calling all foodies and science geeks: Carleton University is hosting a May 11 food event called The Four Courses of Chemistry, at the luxurious Le Cordon Bleu (453 Laurier Ave.). The four-course dinner will feature an examination of the chemistry of food – by way of molecules.

Dr. Malcolm Butler, dean of the faculty of science, will be on hand — along with graduate students — to celebrate the International Year of Chemistry.

Guests will be treated to a molecular gastronomy presentation before the meal and will also learn about the chemistry of wine and chocolate, as well as getting an update on current research projects in Carleton’s Food Science program. But the real treat is the four-course meal.

The demonstration and reception starts at 6 p.m., followed by a dinner featuring graduate student discussions at 7 p.m. Tickets are $99 and can be purchased at alumni.carleton.ca/events or by calling 1-866-287-7683. For more information, visit alumni.carleton.ca.

The post DINNER DATE: The Science of Food at Le Cordon Bleu appeared first on Ottawa Magazine.

Festivals, shows, tours, and talks for those craving big ideas, beautiful objects, and inspiration

Oct. 15 – Nov. 7

Window Shopping by Eryn O’Neill is based on the act of searching for inspiration by “window shopping” for source material, and features oil-on-canvas paintings of restaurants, stores, and other places around town you might find familiar. Dale Smith Gallery, 137 Beechwood Ave., 613-321-0101,
www.dalesmithgallery.com

Oct. 21 – 24

Handmade creations by more than 150 artisans, artists, and designers are on the bill at the Signatures Ottawa Christmas Show. If you covet unusual pieces, check out fine art cement decor from Montreal artist Dapila. $7. Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park, 1015 Bank St., www.signaturesottawa.ca

Oct. 20 – 24

Pieces of furniture are the stars of the show at Furniture of My Mind, a series of screenings at the Ottawa International Animation Festival that look at these household mainstays as adversarial, comical, ironic, even sex-crazed. The films include an Academy Award winner, plus flicks by Walt Disney and Pixar. $12 per screening. Various locations, 613-232-8769,
www.animationfestival.ca

Oct. 22 – 24

Silvano “Nano” Campeggi is renowned for movie posters and graphic illustrations created for over 60 Academy Award-winning films. The Artophile Gallery, exclusive dealer of his original works, will be on hand at this year’s Ottawa Antiques Show. $10. Carleton University Field House, 613-521-1970, www.asinter.com

Oct. 28

Urban Capital presents New Thinking in Designing Cities as part of the Trends in Design Series for 2010-2011. George Dark, a landscape architect and urban designer, leads a discussion on the changing dynamic of building a successful Canadian city. $20, full pass $80. 453 McLeod St., www.urbancapital.ca

The post FROM THE PRINT EDITION: October Design Calendar appeared first on Ottawa Magazine.

BUTTERFLY SHOW (FREE!)
Hey, if it’s still raining (and there seems to be a never-ending supply of the wet stuff on weekends) this is a great option for frazzled parents. Carleton University’s two display greenhouses are filled with exotic tropical butterflies during its annual butterfly show. Great way to combine fun and education! Get there early — it gets very busy. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Sat., Oct. 2 to Oct. 11. Nesbitt Biology Building, corner of University Drive and Raven Road, 613-520-3513. http://tinyurl.com/27jypud

Autumn Montage by Robert Moeller

ARTISTS IN THEIR ENVIRONMENT (FREE!)
Spread over two weekends, this studio tour lets you interact with artists and craftspeople in their creative environments. More than 22 artists display paintings, pottery, sculptures, jewellery, photography, furniture, and more. Check out Louis Rompré’s vibrant hand-dipped candle demonstrations, John Barkley’s stunning abstract oil paintings, and Robert Moeller’s nature-inspired creations (left). Oct. 2 and 3 and 9 to 11. A printable version of the route map is available on the website and copies of the brochures are available en route. Chelsea and Wakefield, 819-459-3233. www.tourcw.com

FESTIVAL X POTLUCK SLIDESHOW
Get creative with art and food. Festival X’s potluck slideshow (or SlideLuck PotShow as the organizers prefer to call it) starts with a fantastic potluck dinner followed by a photographic slideshow set to music. Photos are submitted by local and international photographic artists. Admission is free for those who submit work or bring a dish for the potluck. Sat., Oct. 2. Dinner starts at 6 p.m.; slideshow at 8 p.m. www.festivalx.ca/slideluck_en.html

RENDEZ-VOUS DES SAVEURS
Three days of foodie heaven await at the Casino Lac-Leamy. There is much tasting to be done at this annual gastronomic food and wine showcase as more than 50 exhibitors — mostly from the Outaouais — showcase their wares. Got kids? New this year is a “mini academy” for kids aged three and up, with crafts, games, and workshops. Sign them up while you attend the show. Oct. 1 to 3. Day pass $10, three-day pass $15. Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Casino Lac-Leamy. www.rendezvousdessaveurs.com

BATTLE OF THE BALLOTS: THE CIVIC ELECTION STORY
The signs have popped up on people’s lawns and there’s new dirt everyday in the media; with all the election talk going on, you should check out this exhibit at Billings Estate National Historic Site. Get the lowdown on the civic election system in Ontario, the political careers of past mayors, and discover issues that were important to Ottawa from 1850 to 1950. Heck, it might even help you make your decision when you head out to the polls. Exhibit runs until Oct. 3. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. $6, seniors $5, children $3.50, children under five free, families $15. 2100 Cabot St., 613-247-4830. www.ottawa.ca/museums

BIRDWATCHING AT PINHEY’S POINT
Embrace the autumn air, and bone up on your birding skills, during this 90-minute hike through Pinhey’s Point Historic Site. With the help of expert guide Tony Beck, spot some of the fine feathers flying through our region on their annual migration. Local birders have reported sightings of warblers, kinglets, rusty blackbirds, and scarlet tanagers (the latter in their more demure fall plumage). So get out your field guides, binoculars, and hiking boots and join in the search. 10 a.m. $6, pairs $10, families $15. Pinhey’s Point Historic Site, 270 Pinhey’s Point Rd., Dunrobin. 613-832-4347. www.ottawa.ca/museums

SILENTS IS GOLDEN: FAUST
The Silents is Golden Film Festival, which presents nine silent films with live music, debuts with the classic story of Faust, accompanied by music by Ottawa’s The Flaps. The 1926 film tells the legendary tale of Dr. Faustus, a successful scholar who nevertheless becomes bored with life and sells his soul to the devil in exchange for unlimited power and worldly pleasures. The original deal with the devil, when set to retro-instrumental music and enjoyed with a McAuslan beer or a fine Ontario wine, is a perfect fit for a moody autumn evening. Oct. 2. 7 p.m. $15, seniors and students and members $10. The Mayfair Theatre, 1074 Bank St. 613-730-3403, www.mayfairtheatre.ca

The post The Weekender: Butterflies, birds, ballots, and four other things to do this weekend appeared first on Ottawa Magazine.