The Maritime Museum of B.C. is hosting a book launch, performances and an art show next week for a poetry anthology about the Pacific Ocean and the sea creatures that call it home.
Local poets will read their work published in Refugium: Poems for the Pacific at The Vic Theatre on Thursday Oct. 5, hosted by Victoria’s Poet Laureate, Yvonne Blomer, who edited the collection. Video, dancers and music will accompany some of the readings. There will be an art exhibition curated in response to the poems, that will be preceded and followed by receptions at the Maritime Museum on Humboldt Street.
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Victoria artist Regan Rasmussen, who is curating the art, said the pieces from 21 visual and performing artists from across the province express a shared love for ocean life.
“The resulting art exhibition is rich and thought provoking,” she said. “Connecting artists to the words of poets as a source of creative inspiration has been an honour.”
Brittany Vis, associate director at the museum, said in a statement that she’s excited to host the event and bring local artists and poets together.
“It is a unique opportunity for us to connect with these parts of our community and to explore concerns for the Pacific Ocean in new ways with the public,” she said in a statement.
The launch begins at 6:30 p.m. with a pre-reception at the museum. Poetry reading and performances begin at 7:30 down the street at Vic Theatre. Tickets can be purchased online, $15 for museum members, and $20 for members of the public.