HAPPY HOLIDAYS! See you in 2012

AL COLTON. Skate at St Andrews.

Best of the Season and many thanks to Al Colton and all the gallery artists for sharing their artist talent. And our gratitude to all who have appreciated their works of art.
Hope to see you in 2012. Gallery renovations are underway and will reopen on January 21, 2012.

FORT CHRISTMAS: The Wishing Tree in Fort Langley

Filming of made-for-TV Christmas Movie "The Wishing Tree"

On Thursday evening (Dec 8, 2011) the Fort Langley Community Hall was all decked out for Christmas with evidence of snow, a Wishing Tree, singing of “Silent Night” and a joyful gathering. “The Wishing Tree” a made-for-TV movie is being filmed in Fort Langley. In addition to the Community Hall, filming will also take place out front and inside Fort Langley Bakery and Infusion BouTEAque and inside Eighteen 27 Restaurant and the chapel of St Andrews United Church.

AN ORIGINAL CHRISTMAS: New paintings by Gallery artists

RICHARD BRODEUR. Village Face Off. Acrylic 16x20

This Christmas, give the gift of original art and support our BC artists.

Merry Christmas from the Birthplace of B.C. Gallery

Merry Christmas from the Birthplace of BC Gallery 2011

FORT PUB: South-facing deck to offer village view

Fort Langley to get new public plaza at Billy Brown Rd and Glover Rd

Construction underway at Billy Brown Road and Glover Road will add a whole new dimension to the Fort Pub. A south facing deck is being built to overlook the village and create a unique village pub experience. Interior renovations have already been completed in anticipation of completion this spring. Come celebrate the Fort Pub’s interior renovations this Thursday evening for a fundraiser by Fort Langley Firefighters for the food bank.

South facing deck being built at Fort Pub will add new experience

NEW WORKS: Gallery artists stuff the stockings

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The artists at the Birthplace of B.C. Gallery are showing new works. This Christmas give the gift of original art by some of British Columbia’s best artists.

HERITAGE MATTERS: Willoughby Community Hall restoration

Al Colton's painting of the Willoughby Hall raised over $3,000 at the Heritage Matters Concert

Last year, Brenda and Kurt Alberts’ Heritage Matters Concert raised over $16,000 toward the restoration of the Willoughby Hall. Concert headliner, Cole Armour, was recently featured on Ellen DeGeneres.
Tony and Gwen McCamley’s Athenry Development on 208 Street has commenced construction and includes the Willoughby Hall restoration by Marcon. The funds raised by the Heritage Matters Concert together with contributions by the Baker Family, Langley Heritage Society and Willoughby Hall Society will enhance the restoration work as a tribute to Roy and Shirley Baker, long-time Willoughby volunteers. Restoration work begins in New Year completing Spring 2012.
HERITAGE MATTERS!

Langley Township voters choose a new Mayor

Kurt Alberts, Jack Froese (Mayor Elect), Brenda Alberts

The civic election today produced a new mayor for the Township of Langley. Jack Froese was selected by Township voters to lead the municipal council for the next three years. Congratulations to Jack and the members of Council that won re-election, Charlie Fox, Kim Richter, Bob Long, Bev Dornan, Grant Ward and Steve Ferguson as well as new-comers Michelle Sparrow and David Davis.
See election results in Langley Advance.

Lee Family put shovels in the ground for new Fort IGA

With shovels, Charlie, Robert and Peter Lee beside Marco Paolella (in red coat)

This afternoon (Nov 18, 2011) Charlie, Robert and Peter Lee each put a shovel in the ground under the supervision of their builder, Marco Paolella of Marcon Construction. The community came out in full force to cheer on the Lee Family in the ceremonial start of construction for the rebuilding of the Fort IGA. Long-time Fort Langley resident Gladys Johnson said “I’ve been so looking forward to this day. It gives us hope to know that we will have our store back. Thanks to the Lee family for all their hard work and dedication to keep their promise that they would rebuild.”
Click here to see article by Matthew Claxton in the Langley Advance.
Click here to see Fort IGA story in Langley Times.

FORT IGA: Fort Langley to get its grocery store back

Construction on the new IGA store starts this Friday November 18, 2011

The Lee Family are putting their shovels into the ground on Friday (Nov 18) at 2 pm to celebrate the official start of Marcon’s construction of their new Fort IGA store. The entire community will cheer the start of work on the return of our only grocery store after its loss to fire last January. Thank you Lee Family for hanging in there! We miss you! Go Marcon Go!

Builder, Marco Paolella with Robert, Charlie, Eddie and Peter Lee

LEST WE FORGET: Fort Langley honoured the fallen

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Photos of Fort Langley Remembrance Day Service provided courtesy of Harold Martens. Also more photos by Troy Landerville of the Langley Advance. To see Troy’s photographs of Remembrance Day at the Fort Langley Cenotaph click on the link to Langley … Continue reading →

Fort Langley Remembrance Day Service Nov 11, 2011

Remembrance Day Service at Cenotaph in Fort Langley Cemetery

The Birthplace of B.C. Gallery will be closed on November 11 to respect Remembrance Day. The War Memorial is located in the Fort Langley Cemetery across the road from the Gallery. The Fort Langley Remembrance Day service starts at 10:30 am. Last year 3,500 people attended the service, so allow plenty of time to find a parking place. Once again The Fraser Blues will be doing a fly-past in their vintage aircraft. Cole Armour sings Blades of Grass and Pure White Stones as well as Amazing Grace.
Click here to read about the extra effort to add a flag pole to the veterans’ section of the Fort Langley Cemetery in time for Remembrance Day.

NOW SHOWING: Sculptures by Brent Barton

Sculpture in soapstone by Brent Barton

Brent Barton has been carving soapstone for over 15 years and still considers each piece to be an enjoyable challenge. Most of his works are inspired by nature but at times he likes to create more abstract pieces. “I can only carve what inspires me at the time” he says. Brent has worked with many different types of stone but he prefers Brazilian soapstone and African Wonderstone. “The softness and homogeneity of those stones makes them relatively easy to work with, they resist fracturing, and the finished sculpture takes on a brilliant shine when it’s polished.”
See Brent Barton’s works of art at the Birthplace of B.C. Gallery.

Langley singer, Cole Armour, on stage for David Foster Foundation

Langley Fine Arts School student, Cole Armour on a roll

Today (Tuesday Oct. 25) Cole Armour sings “River Deep Mountain High” on Entertainment Tonight Canada.
On Friday November 18, 2011 Cole performs with a Symphony Orchestra for the David Foster Foundation “Kids Helping Kids” benefit concert at the Red Robinson Show Lounge. Shylo Sharity, another Langley singer and winner of the BC talent search by the Variety Club earlier this year, will also be on stage for the David Foster Foundation. Shylo opened for country superstar Wynonna Judd recently at the theatre.
Cole Armour will sing “Amazing Grace” at the Remembrance Day Service at the Fort Langley Cenotaph on November 11, 2011. Cole also gives back to the community by being an ambassador for Food for Famine created by Mary Martini. The non-profit society manufactures and distributes Cibo, a nutrient-packed food which is shipped to Third World countries.
See more about Cole Armour in today’s Langley Times by clicking here: Langley Times – ‘Top of the mountain’.

FLAG POLE: Community pulls together for Remembrance Day

Work in progress installing a flag pole at the War Memorial in Fort Langley

Work on the installation of a flag pole in the veterans’ section of the Fort Langley Cemetery commenced this morning. The project was made possible by the Fort Langley Lions working together with the municipality through the Neighbourhood Improvement Program. The Lions’ share of the cost was raised at a garden party fundraiser at the Birthplace of B.C. Gallery on Sept. 25, 2011. Gallery owner Brenda Alberts sold all the available tickets for the “Rally ‘Round the Flag Pole” event and raised additional funds which the Lions committed toward the cost of the fly-past for the Nov 11 Remembrance Day Service.
Thanks to everyone that bought a ticket and to all the sponsors: Freybe Gourmet Foods, the Little White House, Wagner Hills Farm Society, Village Square and the Birthplace of B.C. Gallery.
The flag pole will be installed on its base tomorrow (Oct 20, 2011) morning.

COLE ARMOUR: Langley lad on Ellen DeGeneres Show Oct 18

Cole Armour performed at Heritage Matters Concert produced by Birthplace of B.C. Gallery

Tomorrow (Tuesday Oct 18, 2011) Cole Armour performs on the Ellen DeGeneres Show (2 pm on CFTO and 4 pm on CTV). The 12-year-old singer is already a sensation here in BC having won top honours at the Kiwanis Fraser Valley International Music Festival, the BC Junior Talent Search at the Cloverdale Rodeo and the Red Robinson Talent Showdown. His many accomplishments have caught the attention of Ellen DeGeneres who will share Cole’s gift with the millions viewing her show tomorrow. Also appearing are Actors Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez; actress Connie Britton; and writer Philip Galanes.
At last year’s Heritage Matters Concert at the Chief Sepass Theatre produced by the Birthplace of B.C. Gallery, Cole Armour stole the show. This year, Cole will once again sing at the Nov 11 Remembrance Day Service in Fort Langley organized with the help of Brenda Alberts of the Birthplace of B.C. Gallery.
See Cole in today’s Vancouver Sun by clicking here: Langley lad on U.S. talk show.

Brenda Alberts with Armour Family at Gallery

Fort Langley Lions rally the community ’round the flag pole

The stormy weather over the past weekend did not spoil a garden party fundraiser at the Birthplace of B.C. Gallery on Sunday (Sept 25, 2011) evening. The skies cleared just in time to allow eighty supporters to come together to make the “Rally ‘Round the Flag Pole” event both a social and financial success. Sufficient funds were raised for the Fort Langley Lions’ community project to install a flag pole in the veterans’ section of the Fort Langley Cemetery. The flag pole project is a partnership with the Township of Langley and will be completed prior to this years’ Remembrance Day Service. In addition to raising the $3000 the Lions needed for their share of the cost, additional funds were raised which are earmarked to help with some of the costs of the Nov 11th Service such as the fly-past by the Fraser Blues.
The Fort Langley Lions thanked Brenda Alberts of the Birthplace of B.C. Gallery for selling the tickets, Freybe Gourmet Foods for putting on the BBQ spread, The White House for the dessert treats, and Wagner Hills Farm Society for the big tent. Door prizes were provided by Freybe, B.C. Gallery and the Village Square.
Congratulations, Fort Langley!

TERRY ISAAC: Wildlife artist joins Birthplace of B.C. Gallery

Award-winning wildlife artist Terry Isaac at Birthplace of B.C. Gallery

The Birthplace of B.C. Gallery is pleased to announce the addition of Terry Isaac to the Gallery’s group of fine artists. Internationally acclaimed wildlife artist, Terry Isaac, grew up in the Willamette Valley of Oregon where he began his love affair with wildlife. Drawing inspiration from his own backyard and from the captivating vistas of the Northwest, he began to create dramatic wildlife art. He now calls Penticton, British Columbia “home” and, since moving, has continued to create paintings capturing unique characteristics of wildlife and their habitat. Terry travels around the world to capture exciting images, but his main painting focus continues to be on North American birds and mammals.
The design of the picket fence at the Birthplace of B.C. Gallery came from one of Terry’s paintings over 15 years ago. The start of a great painting connection has come full circle with Terry Isaac’s inclusion in the group of fine artists at the Birthplace of B.C. Gallery. Other painters at the Gallery specializing in wildlife are Joyce Trygg and Allan Hancock.

HERITAGE MATTERS: Gallery partners with Fort Langley Lions

The Birthplace of B.C. Gallery has partnered with the Fort Langley Lions to help raise funds for the installation of a flag pole in the veterans’ section of the Fort Langley Cemetery. The goal is to have the flag pole project complete in time for this year’s Remembrance Day Service (Nov 11, 2011) at the cenotaph in the cemetery located across Glover Road from the Gallery. A garden party fundraiser is being held at the Gallery on Sunday September 25, 2011. Call Brenda for tickets at 604 882-1191.

Call Brenda 604 882-1191 for Tickets to Rally 'Round the Flag Pole

Rivers, Rails, Trails Show opened with demos in the garden

Gallery artists at annual Demos in the Garden

Gallery artists kicked off the opening of the Rivers, Rails, Trails Show with two days of “demos in the garden” on the BC Day weekend at the Birthplace of B.C. Gallery. Show continues for the month of August.

FORT LANGLEY: Arrival of the fur brigades

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Spend the weekend in Fort Langley and enjoy the BC Day festivities. At the National Historic Site join Hudson Bay Company workers, Aboriginal traders and trappers as they swap stories, play music, and show off traditional skills like carding and … Continue reading →

BC DAY WEEKEND: Demos in the Garden 2011

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The annual Rivers, Rails and Trails Show starts this weekend with Demos in the Garden by the artists of the Birthplace of B.C. Gallery. Join us for the show opening this weekend when the artists will be demonstrating in the … Continue reading →

AL COLTON: Happy 90th Birthday!

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Tomorrow Al Colton turns 90. He plans on taking a break to celebrate his birthday, especially after completing a dozen paintings for the Rivers, Rails, Trails Show opening this weekend at the Birthplace of B.C. Gallery in Fort Langley.

VILLAGE NEWS: Fort IGA coming back soon!

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On Monday Council will decide the outcome of the Lee Family’s plans for a new IGA in Fort Langley after their store was completely destroyed by fire in January of this year. The IGA site is located within a Heritage … Continue reading →

AL COLTON: New paintings sell quickly

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Today, three new paintings by Al Colton, who celebrates his 90th birthday in two weeks, sold before they could be put into frames. The Dean of Art has been busy painting for his upcoming show “Heritage Really Matters” in September. … Continue reading →

FORT LANGLEY: Trading Christmas in July

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Filming of a Christmas movie for the Hallmark Channel brought a dump of snow on downtown Fort Langley today. The movie, “Trading Christmas”, is based upon Debbie Macomber’s book, “When Christmas Comes”, about a widow who swaps her house with … Continue reading →

Toronto Star features Gallery artist, Richard Brodeur

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“Canucks legend stays in the game — on canvas” by Daniel Girard, Sports Reporter, TORONTO STAR, Monday June 27, 2011, Richard Brodeur made his first set of hockey memories nearly 30 years ago. It was 1982 and the diminutive goalie … Continue reading →

ALAN WYLIE: Show opening this weekend

ALAN WYLIE. Golden Ears. Acrylic 10x20

Alan Wylie’s Show of new paintings opens this weekend at the Birthplace of B.C. Gallery, Fort Langley. Saturday June 18, 2011. Open 11 am to 5 pm every day.

NEXT SHOW: Alan Wylie’s “Alan Wylie” Exhibition

ALAN WYLIE. Passing Eglinton Toll. Oil 16 x 28 in

The Birthplace of B.C. Gallery is proud to present new works by Alan Wylie. His annual exhibition at the Gallery coincides with his birthday. Alan’s new paintings span his life in Glasgow, in Nova Scotia and on the West Coast. Show starts Saturday June 18, 2011. Gallery open to 9 pm for show opening evening.

DEMO WEEKEND: Watercolours by Linda Muttitt

Linda Muttitt demonstrating watercolours at the Birthplace of B.C. Gallery

Linda Muttitt will be demonstrating the art of watercolours this weekend (June 10 & 11, 2011) in the Pine Room of the Birthplace of B.C. Gallery. Noon to 4 pm each day.

Watercolour painting, With Great Age Comes Great Beauty, by Linda Muttitt

TRAIL NOTES: 10th Anniversary of Fort to Fort Trail

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This year marks the tenth anniversary of the completion of the popular Fort to Fort Trail that connects two major regional parks, Brae Island and Derby Reach. The site of the first Hudson’s Bay Post established in 1827 is located … Continue reading →

May 23, 2011: May Day Parade in Fort Langley

May Day Parade on Glover Road in front of the Birthplace of B.C. Gallery

The 89th May Day Parade and Celebrations will happen in Fort Langley on Monday May 23, 2011.
To avoid road closures and pick your viewing spot, arrive well before the 11 am start of the parade on Glover Road.
A pancake breakfast starts at 8 am at the Fort Langley Lions Hall (88th Ave & Glover).
After the parade, celebrations in the Fort Langley Park include May Pole Dancing, chicken BBQ, entertainment and rides. And the admission to the Fort Langley National Historic Site is free on Monday!

May Day Parade on Glover Road starts at 11 am, Monday May 23, 2011

The popular Fine Art – Fine Dining evenings are back

Fine Art - Fine Dining evenings presented by Birthplace of B.C. Gallery and Lampliter Gallery Cafe

By popular request the Birthplace of B.C. Gallery has brought back Fine Art – Fine Dining evenings in partnership with the Lampliter Gallery Cafe.
Each evening starts out at the Gallery to meet the featured artist and mingle prior to proceeding to the Lampliter where Chef Paul presents his culinary work of art. After a wonderful dinner, over dessert and coffee, the artist will talk about the creative process behind their artwork.
Fine Art – Fine Dining evenings are always on a Sunday starting at 5:30 at the Gallery and proceeding to the nearby Lampliter Gallery Cafe at 6:30.
Sunday Evening May 29, 2011 Featured Artist: Richard Brodeur
Sunday Evening June 5, 2011 Featured Artist: Perry Haddock
Book in advance as space is limited to approximately 40 people by contacting the Birthplace of B.C. Gallery 604-882-1191

DEMO WEEKEND: See Margo Harrison at Gallery

Margo Harrison demonstrating this weekend at the Gallery

This weekend’s featured artist at the Birthplace of B.C. Gallery is Margo Harrison.
See Margo demonstrating her artwork in paintings and sculptures. Margo will be in the Pine Room of the Gallery again today (Sunday May 1) from Noon to 4 pm.

WATERCOLOUR MASTER: Stephen Quiller at B.C. Gallery

Stephen Quiller, top U.S. watercolor artist visits Canada, here with Brenda Alberts, gallery owner

Stephen Quiller visited his gallery in Fort Langley, British Columbia.
He is internationally recognized as a painter who works primarily in water media, monotypes, and intaglio printmaking. Quiller is best known for his innovative approach to water media painting: watercolor, gouche, acrylic, casein and their combinations, and for his use of colour.
Stephen has written six books on painting. His research and development of a color wheel for painters called the “Quiller Wheel” is now used by thousands of painters throughout the world.
Through his painting, he has become a Signature member of the American Watercolor Society, National Watercolor Society, Rocky Mountain National Water Media, and Society for Painters in Acrylic and Casein, among others.
The Birthplace of B.C. Gallery is proud to represent Stephen Quiller in Canada.

STEPHEN QUILLER. Deer, Lagoon Bay. Watercolour.

KING RICHARD: Two more for the show opening

Richard Brodeur arrives at the Gallery for his show opening today

King Richard Brodeur will be at the Birthplace of B.C. Gallery today (Sat.) and tomorrow for the opening of his show “Art on Ice”, paintings of his childhood memories of hockey on frozen ponds and backyard rinks. Noon to 4 pm each day.
Show continues to April 29, 2011.

SHOW OPENING: Art on Ice by ‘King’ Richard Brodeur

RICHARD BRODEUR. Rue St Paul. Acrylic 11x14

The Birthplace of B.C. Gallery is honoured to present a show of paintings by artist Richard Brodeur, also know as ‘King’ Richard, the Vancouver Canucks hockey legend.
The show will feature Brodeur’s childhood memories of growing up with pond hockey, street hockey and backyard hockey in his hometown, Longueuil, Quebec.
Come to the show opening and meet Richard Brodeur on Saturday & Sunday April 9 & 10, 2011. Richard will be at the Gallery from Noon to 4 pm both days.
“Art on Ice” by Richard Brodeur will be showing until April 29, 2011. Gallery Open every day from 11 am to 5 pm.

LANGLEY TIMES: Richard Brodeur – A secret passion for paint

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April 05, 2011 Richard Brodeur – A secret passion for paint by Gary Ahuja – Langley Times Painting and hockey were always two of Richard Brodeur’s passions. But while he played hockey for a living during the 1970s and 1980s, … Continue reading →

The Art of Hockey according to “King Richard”

Brilliant performer, Richard Brodeur in his NHL glory days

Artist Richard Brodeur will be at the Birthplace of B.C. Gallery this weekend (April 9 & 10) with his paintings of childhood memories of pond hockey. He pursued his childhood passion for hockey and turned it into a successful career in the NHL. The Canucks “Wall of Fame” in the Rogers Arena pays tribute to Richard Brodeur.
- “King Richard”. Brilliant performance in ’82 playoffs led Canucks “cinderella” journey to Stanley Cup Finals. Won Molson Cup 4 times, 2nd all time in games and wins by goalies.- For the 40th anniversary of the Canucks, fans picked King Richard as a top ten Canuck.
When Richard puts his childhood memories on canvas, he is fulfilling his other passion in life. Visit with King Richard this Saturday and Sunday at the Birthplace of B.C. Gallery (Noon to 4 pm). His show “Art on Ice” will continue until April 29, 2011.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY: Fort to Fort Trail

Lyle Longstaff has captured some of the views on the Fort to Fort Trail

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Fort to Fort Trail completion and the Birthplace of B.C. Gallery artists are celebrating the trail’s popularity and historical significance.
The waterfront trail connects the site of the Hudson’s Bay Company’s first post at Derby and its replacement, Fort Langley, now a National Historic Site. Today the trail is part of the Trans Canada trail and joins Metro Vancouver’s Derby Reach and Brae Island Regional Parks.
The Fort to Fort experience provides a wealth of subject matter for our artists. Lyle Longstaff has recently completed three acrylic paintings of points of interest along the Fort to Fort Trail.
The Birthplace of B.C. Gallery will incorporate the Fort to Fort Trail theme for three upcoming group shows in 2011. The annual Demos in the Garden (Rivers, Rails, Trails) in August, the Gallery’s Anniversary Show in September, and the Heritage Matters Show in November will include paintings inspired by the Fort to Fort Trail.