ELANews

The Newsletter of the English-Language Arts Network

Director's Message

Summer is here. Holiday Season. Festival Season. Time for some fresh air and a change of scenery, even if it's only a hammock in Balconville.

It is important to take some time to daydream and think new thoughts. This summer ELAN will spend time thinking about how rapidly it has grown and why. The board of directors is very active and well-connected in all the major disciplines. They are in touch with artists who have offered excellent suggestions for services and projects ELAN could and should develop. We have also been in dialogue with government officials and community partners who have made it a priority to support artists and their work. The challenge is to balance immediate needs with long-term structural development. It is good to find money for productions that provide immediate benefits, but it is even better to develop audiences, venues, sponsors and promotion so that a cycle of creation can be perpetuated.

ELAN's greatest strength is its members. I want to thank the many artists who have volunteered their time and expertise to help strengthen the community we all choose to live in. The only Action Group that will remain active over the summer is the Schmoozer. If you're in town, drop by to meet some fellow artists and share your ideas. The only committee that will be active over the summer is the Nominating Committee for the board of directors. A call will be made in August to nominate dynamic candidates in all disciplines. The board is ELAN's backbone. While you're swinging in the hammock, you might think about whether you want to stand for election or get involved with some of the Action Groups. The time to dream is always followed by time to roll up our sleeves and get to work.

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What's New?

Summer Schmoozer—Monday, 9 July 2007, 5–7 pm

At Origine, on the water in Old Montreal.

Please join us for our monthly cocktail hour get-together. See your friends, meet other ELAN members; have a drink, have a chat, forget about work for a few hours and enjoy the terrace at Origine on Quai King Edward (2 rue de la Commune Ouest). ELAN's gregarious welcome crew will make sure everyone has a good time.

Admission: Members $2, Guests $5

Cash Bar

Directions: Easy!!

METRO: Place d'Armes. Walk towards Notre Dame and Vieux Montreal. Left on Notre Dame for one block. Right on Blvd. St. Laurent to the river (becomes Quai King Edward when you cross de la Commune). The red flags on the Quai lead to the Montreal Science Centre; Origine is situated to the left of the flags.

Arts Services Kit (ASK)

One of the best-kept secrets on ELAN's website is the Arts Services Kit. ELAN received a grant from Canadian Heritage last fall to develop this feature in response to requests from artists who seek many kinds of support services to pursue their careers. ASK was launched during the winter, and new service providers have been joining ever since. The next phase for ASK will be a major PR campaign. In the meantime, this is a little jewel that only ELAN members know about.

We often receive calls at the office about where to find help to write grant applications. The Arts Services Kit lists seven professionals who will provide Administrative Support at reasonable rates. Everybody has had that nightmare of a computer crashing at the worst possible moment. ASK lists four professionals under Computer Services who can come to your rescue. The most common request ELAN has received from the day it was founded is the need for translation assistance. ASK lists 16 professionals who can translate or help with copywriting.

If you have not yet explored the Arts Services Kit, take a few minutes for a visit to take a look. Dozens of service providers are waiting to make your life a little easier. You will be surprised and impressed by the range and quality of service providers on the site.

New Friends

ELAN is expanding its networking capacity, with guidance and encouragement from our student interns Elizabeth and Aimee. As those of you who use Facebook and Myspace already know, these cyber communities are a powerful tool for spreading messages or promoting events. ELAN is now connected and invites you to join us on Facebook and Myspace. Add "Elan Arts" as your friend on Facebook and "ELAN" on Myspace. These two new pages are a great way to hear about breaking news and events or chat with other ELAN members through our Myspace Blog and our Facebook Wall. Log on to FaceBook and MySpace to add ELAN as your friend today. Those of you who are not yet users should check it out. It you need some help getting started, contact the office with Facebook in the subject line.

Applications for the position of Executive Director

Montreal, June 1, 2007—ELAN (the English Language Arts Network) is accepting applications for the position of EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The English Language Arts Network, founded in 2005, provides Quebec's English-language artists in all disciplines with a meeting place where they can engage in the promotion and dissemination of their work, advocacy of their collective interests, resource sharing, and professional development. By promoting inter-disciplinary dialogue ELAN aims to build bridges between artists. ELAN currently has 1000+ members.

We are seeking an arts administrator with the following qualifications:

  • A degree in administration or equivalent experience,
  • Broad knowledge of the arts, particularly the English and French arts community in Quebec,
  • Several years experience managing not-for-profit organizations,
  • In-depth knowledge of grant writing and government relations,
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills in both English and French,
  • Proven skills as a team player who collaborates to achieve goals,
  • Capacity to lead and motivate both full-time and special project staff,
  • Well-developed organizational and reporting skills,
  • Ability to work harmoniously with board members and a large, diverse membership.

The duties of the Artistic and Executive Director include:

  • Managing the day-to-day affairs of the organization,
  • Promoting the organization and its members,
  • Supervising the budgeting and financial operations of the organization,
  • Maintaining and upgrading the website.
  • Leading and supervising support staff and project employees,
  • Supporting the board and ELAN committees.
  • Providing services and networking opportunities for the membership,
  • Advocacy on behalf of ELAN and members.
  • Organizing public events including ELAN's Annual General Meeting,
  • Diversifying and broadening ELAN's revenue base.

The salary will start at $40,000, including benefits, commensurate with experience. ELAN is a rapidly growing, dynamic artists' network that offers stimulating opportunities for the right person. The successful candidate should be available to start work in August or September 2007.

The review process will begin: August 1, 2007.

All applications will be held in confidence. Questions may be addressed to the office (514) 935-3312. Applicants should forward their resume and accompanying letter to:

The Search Committee
ELAN
4710 rue St-Ambroise # 309B
Montreal, QC H4C 2C7
Or email to: admin@quebec-elan.org

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Opportunities for Artists

Calls for Submissions

All Disciplines
Matrix Magazine Seeks Content for "The Narrative 'I'" Issue

The editors of Matrix Magazine are currently seeking content for their 78th issue entitled "The Narrative 'I': Autobiography in Film and Fiction." Content could include, but is not limited to, confessionals, diary entries, screenplays, and first-person accounts of historical moments (real and fictional); from the poetic to the absurd, in any genre or medium. The issue will include a DVD anthology of short films, videos and animations to be featured with the theme section. Please send your time-based media (on NTSC DVD or as Quicktime files preferably) as well as your short fiction, comics, poetry, screenplays, essays, and art forms to:

Matrix Magazine
The Narrative 'I' Issue
1455 boul. de Maisonneuve O.
LB-641
Montreal, QC H3G 1M8

Deadline for submissions is 1 August 2007. Contact Taien Ng-Chan for more information.

Quebec Social Forum Needs Artists

The Quebec Social Forum (QSF) is inviting all committed artists, collectives, and artistic organizations in Quebec to take part in their inaugural forum. Inspired by previous World Social Forums (Porto Alegre, Mumbai, Nairobi), the QSF will bring together all Quebeckers interested in debating how to build a better world. The QSF will take place from 23–26 August in Montreal.

Please send suggestions for musical contributions, performances, works of art, and other activities and forms of expression by E-mail. For more information, visit the Quebec Social Forum website.

Performing Arts
General Auditions—Altera Vitæ Productions

The Montreal-based production company Altera Vitæ will be holding general auditions on 7 and 8 July 2007 from 10 am to 4 pm and 9 July 2007 from 6 pm to 10 pm. Candidates are asked to present two contrasting monologues. In preparation for Altera Vitæ's March 2008 production of "Night Mother" by Marsha Norman, the panel will be paying particular attention to actresses who can portray:

  • Jessie (daughter): 30 yrs old, pale, not healthy
  • Thelma (mother): 50+ yrs old, feels her age, headstrong

Ladies who wish to audition for "Night Mother" will be asked to perform a cold read in addition to the monologues. If you plan to audition, please submit headshots and resumes.

In addition, the artistic staff of Altera Vitæ continues to accept submissions and applications from playwrights, directors, stage managers, costume designers, set designers, lighting, sound, and FX designers, and technicians. To be interviewed, send your resume or portfolio, indicating in the subject line the position for which you wish to apply.

Director Wanted for Dramatis Personæ

Dramatis Personæ, Westmount's community theatre company, is seeking a director for the 2007–08 season. The first semester (Sep-Dec) would focus on basic acting skills, and the second semester (Jan–June) would involve the production of a play chosen by the director. Rehearsals will take place at the Victoria Hall (4626 rue Sherbrooke O.), and the director will be responsible for leading one two-hour rehearsal per week (8–10 pm). An honorarium of $1 000 per semester would be provided. Dramatis Personae is looking for an individual with strong leadership and organizational qualities, and an enthusiastic commitment to reestablishing this 22-year-old Anglophone community theatre.

Interested candidates should contact Elli Rubin at (514) 484-2016 or ellenrubin123@yahoo.ca, or Ann Elbourne at (514) 486-7423 or conros@sympatico.ca.

Peacemaker Clown Show—Auditions

Geordie Productions will be holding auditions for the clown show "Peacemaker" (directed by Alain Goulem) on 22 August 2007. Rehearsals and production will take place from 21 January to 24 February 2008. Equity members will be given priority, and non-members will be placed on a waiting list for the auditions. Geordie is particularly seeking Montreal-based actors. To be considered for an audition, or for more information about audition requirements, E-mail a picture and resume or call (514) 845-9810.

Film
Guru Films Seeks Talent

Do you have a short story or an idea that you think might make a great short film? Are you a painter/animator/music composer/computer graphics designer/visionary artist who wants to showcase your skills through filmmaking? Guru Films is on the lookout for any and all of the above, and more. For more information, visit the Guru Films website.

Writing/Publishing
CBC Literary Awards Competition Honours Unpublished Works

The CBC Literary Awards is Canada's only literary competition that celebrates original, unpublished works in both official languages. There are three categories: short story, poetry, and creative non-fiction. Honours include cash prizes totaling $60 000, publication in Air Canada's enRoute magazine, and visibility for the winners and their winning entries offered by CBC.

The deadline for submissions is 1 November 2007. For entry procedures and details, visit the CBC website, E-mail CBC, or call (877) 888-6788.

The Moon Project Seeks Submissions

The Moon Project is a cross-cultural research project pertaining to the significance of the moon. The Moon Project is currently seeking traditional stories, interpretations, and explanations relating to the moon. If you are a person with spiritual or cultural knowledge, expertise, or traditional wisdom in this area, send your submission by 15 July 2007 to Nina.

Call for Poetry Anthology Submissions

Editors Allan Briesmaster and Steven Michael Berzensky (Mick Burrs) are putting together an anthology of poetry written by those who grew up in the US and immigrated to Canada during the Vietnam War era. You are eligible to submit to this anthology if you were born in the US and came to Canada between 1965 and 1975, if you came to Canada earlier but decided to remain during the Vietnam War, or if you are a special case whose unusual circumstances required you to live and work in Canada during the war. Maureen Whyte of Seraphim Editions (located in Hamilton, ON) is organizing the publication of the anthology, which will include US sales through the Literary Press Group of Canada. The book is scheduled to launch in Spring 2008.

The editors are inviting poets to submit from three to five poems for initial consideration. The submission deadline is 30 September 2007. Poems may be previously published. Submissions will be judged on literary merit, originality, and thematic relevance. Possible themes include:

  • The war and the politics of the time (1965-1975) from a past or current perspective,
  • Experiences with the draft, military service, and/or the anti-war movement,
  • Memories of coming to Canada, including reasons for leaving, crossing the border, and settling in the new country,
  • Responses of family and friends (and strangers),
  • Emotions and impressions upon returning to the US,
  • Thoughts on becoming Canadian, as well as observations on the differences between Canada and the US,
  • Peace—that is, depicting peaceful subjects and ideas.

An honorarium from the publisher may be possible. Each contributor will at least receive two copies of the anthology, as well as the normal author's discount for any other copies.

For more information, contact Allan Briesmaster:
P.O. Box 53031
Royal Orchard Postal Station
10 Royal Orchard Blvd.
Thornhill, ON L3T 3C0
(905) 771-5784

or Steven Berzensky (Mick Burrs):
P. O. Box 30003
1938 Bloor St. W.
Toronto, ON M6P 4J2
(416) 536-2484

If submitting by post, be sure to include a SASE in order to receive a written reply. The editors will contact all submitters by November 2007 concerning the final status of their submissions.

The RBC Bronwen Wallace Award for Emerging Writers

Since 1994, the Writers' Trust of Canada has recognized emerging poets and writers through an annual award named in honour of poet Bronwen Wallace. This year, $5 000 will be awarded to the best work of short fiction, and two honourable mentions will each receive $1 000. Entries should be no more than 2 500 words (10 double-spaced pages).

To be eligible, candidates must be a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant under the age of 35. Candidates must be unpublished in book form and without book contract, but their literary work must have appeared in at least one independently-edited magazine or anthology.

The candidate's name, address, telephone number, and details confirming their eligibility should appear only on the cover sheet accompanying the manuscript. All pages must be consecutively numbered. Entries will not be returned. The deadline for submissions is 15 October 2007.

Submissions should be sent to:
RBC Bronwen Wallace Award for Emerging Writers
c/o The Writers' Trust of Canada
90 Richmond St. E. Ste. 200
Toronto, ON M5C 1P1

For further information, visit the Writers' Trust website or contact program manager James Davies or at (416) 504-8222 ext. 245

Media Arts
Tree Stories Project—Call for Participants

Reena Katz, a Toronto-based audio installation artist, will be at the Montreal, arts interculturels (MAI) from 6 to 10 July 2007 to record tree stories. These stories will become part of the "Sonic Tree Ecology Project" installation to be exhibited in MAI's gallery from 8 November to 8 December 2007. Katz will record short, oral tree stories from any time period and geographical location. The only requirement is that the storyteller has a personal relationship (memories, traditions, etc.) to the tree in the story.

If you would like to have your tree story recorded for this project, contact the artist via email. For more information on MAI, visit the Montreal, arts interculturels website.

Employment Opportunities

Galerie Mazarine—Vendeur/vendeuse œuvres d'art

Les tâches incluent:

  • Augmenter considérablement le nombre de ventes d'œuvres antiques et contemporaines sur le plancher de la galerie (gravures antiques européennes et asiatiques, sculptures asiatiques antiques, sculptures, huiles sur toile et œuvres sur papier contemporaines)
  • Assurer un service à la clientèle hors-pair
  • Suivi après vente auprès des clients, collectionneurs, corporations
  • Conseiller les clients pour leurs encadrements

Qualifications recherchées:

  • Talent exceptionnel dans le domaine de la vente
  • Expérience en vente d'œuvres d'art
  • Expérience du service à la clientèle
  • Bilinguisme obligatoire
  • Dynamisme
  • Connections avec les collectionneurs, les critiques d'art et les médias est un atout

C'est une poste permanent à temps plein ou partiel. Rémunération concurrentielle. Les personnes intéressées doivent faire parvenir, leurs CV accompagné d'une lettre de motivation au plus tard le 31 juilliet 2007:
Galerie Mazarine
1448A Sherbrooke Ouest
Montreal, Québec
Canada H3G 1K4
Fax: (514) 982-9003
Courriel: galeriemazarine@dokamado.com

Coordonnateur(rice) du Festival et Relationniste du Festival—Studio 303

Depuis maintenant 13 ans, le Studio 303 présente le Edgy Women dans le but de stimuler la pensée critique, d'engendrer des créations innovatrices et de mettre en lumière des oeuvres de femmes travaillant au-delà des disciplines et des lieux de diffusion traditionnels.

Depuis 2006, grâce au support du Conseil des Arts du Canada, Edgy Women est devenu un festival interdisciplinaire international. La 15ième édition de ce festival, présentée en mars 2008, sera ainsi composée de plusieurs spectacles/événements dont une série de performances (spectacles en salle et interventions in-situ), une foire de livres d'artistes et de nombreuses activités de développement de public incluant des stages professionnels.

Edgy Women est un événement indispensable car il permet de créer un forum d'échanges culturels à travers un contexte thématique. Les sujets au programme ne sont pas prédéfinis, mais les thèmes abordés tendent généralement vers l'identité, le genre, la maternité, la sexualité, le féminisme, mais également vers des sujets plus universels comme l'amour et la séparation et cela, toujours d'une perspective féministe. Valorisant le risque, Edgy Women permet aux artistes de communautés marginales de s'exprimer. La programmation encourage à la fois le politique et le ludique et présente une excellente opportunité pour le public de voir des performances de contenu conçues et interprétées par des femmes.

But du stage long:
Offrir une opportunité d'acquérir de nouvelles connaissances en communications et en production en travaillant sur le festival de A à Z, c'est-à-dire du recrutement d'artistes jusqu'au post-mortem.

Tâches du stage long:
Sous la supervision de la coordonnatrice aux communications et à la production, la personne sélectionnée devra prendre en charge les communications, les relations de presse et la production du Festival Edgy Women 2008. Les tâches reliées au stage seront les suivantes:

  • Rédiger les communiqués de presse
  • Coordonner la réalisation des outils de promotion
  • Développer un calendrier de production

But et tâches du stage court:
Offrir une opportunité d'acquérir de nouvelles connaissances en relations de presse en entretenant celles-ci aurpès des journalistes et des diffuseurs (appels téléphoniques, suivi aux réunions, gestion de la table presse).

Qualifications:
La personne sélectionnée devra être bilingue, dynamique, sociable, polyvalente et avoir un goût pour les nouveaux défis.

Termes et conditions:
Rémunération: aucune, références fournies

Durée du stage long: de septembre (ou octobre) à mars (ou avril) selon les exigences de votre université

Durée du stage court: stage concentré sur les relations de presse de janvier à mars 2008

Heures de stage: Les heures ainsi que l'horaire de travail seront très flexibles et probablement irrégulières lors des semaines de spectacles en mars 2008

Prière d'envoyer votre CV accompagné d'une lettre d'intention motivant votre désir de faire ce stage avant le 2 juillet 2007 à Mélissa Guay. Pour des détails sur Edgy Women, visitez le site web

Stage en régie de plateau—Studio 303

Le Studio 303 est à la recherche d'un(e) stagiaire en régie de plateau pour la prochaine saison des Vernissages-danse (6 spectacles de sept. 07 à juin 08).

Tâches:

  • Lire les notes techniques des artistes
  • Assister aux répétitions
  • Aider au montage/démontage de la salle
  • Demeurer en coulisse pour aider/diriger les artistes tout en étant en contact avec les techniciens
  • Gérer les changements de scènes (décors, nettoyage, matériel)

Aptitudes requises:

  • Bilinguisme (anglais/francais)
  • Apte à déplacer de l'équipement
  • Sociable
  • Débrouillard(e)
  • Avoir un intérêt pour la danse contemporaine et le monde de l'arrière scène

Conditions:

  • Stage non-rémunéré, références fournies
  • Travail majoritairement de soir et de fin de semaine

Les candidat(e)s intéressé(e)s doivent contacter Mélissa Guay au plus tard le 27 juillet 2007.

Volunteer Opportunities

South Shore Community Theatre Group Seeks Actors

Park Players of Greenfield Park is looking for actors for their Fall 2007 production of Norm Foster's comedy "My Darling Judith." The production will take place on 22 to 24 November 2007 at 8 pm at the Rene Veillet Community Centre. Rehearsals will start in September. If you are interested or would like more information, contact Cindy at (450) 678-5315 or E-mail parkplayers@hotmail.com.

Offre de bénévolat: Technicien(ne) informatique

Le Studio 303 recherche un(e) technicien(ne) informatique (a peu de frais ou gratuit) pour de l'aide avec MAC OSX et des problèmes de réseaux occasionnels. Reçus de charité disponibles. Les personnes intéressées doivent contacter Mélissa Guay

E-mentors Needed for Anglophone Youth

With a commitment of only a few minutes per week, you can encourage young anglophone artists as an E-mentor through Academos. Academos is a free, secure, and confidential website through which youths correspond with E-mentors who share their professional experience.

E-mentors are volunteers who would like to help young people discover the new face of English-speaking artists in Quebec. For more information or to register, visit the Academos website and follow the link "Academos in English," or contact Nathalie Bray at (514) 332-3006 ext. 6269.

Repercussion Theatre Needs Volunteers

Repercussion Theatre is looking for volunteers to help on the summer tour of Theatre in the Parks. Volunteer positions include promotions, concessions, and ushering. For more information or to volunteer, contact Repercussion Theatre or at (514) 931-2644.

Centaur Theatre Seeks Talent for Children's Series

This season, Centaur Theatre Company has renewed its commitment to making family entertainment available while supporting local talent. To this end, Centaur is currently seeking theatre companies to take part in their Fall 2007 and Winter 2008 children's series. In particular, Centaur is looking for companies with original theatre concepts aimed at children aged 4 to 12. For more information or to apply, contact Eric Sukhu.

Upcoming Grant Deadlines

Please check the Canada Council website for more information on the programs listed below, or call (800) 263-5588 ext. 5060.

All Disciplines
Artists and Community Collaboration Program

Various dates

Visual Arts
Acquisition Assistance for Art Museums and Public Galleries

Any time

Writing and Publishing
International Translation Grants

Any time

Governor General's Literary Awards

7 August 2007 (English-language submissions)

Public Lending Right Commission

The Public Lending Right (PLR) Commission administers a program of payments to Canadian authors for their eligible books catalogued in public libraries across Canada.

Registration period: 15 February to 1 May 2008.

For information, call (800) 521-5721 (toll-free) or (613) 566-4378 or E-mail the Canda Council

Travel Grants

Applications for travel grants can be submitted at any time (at least 6–10 weeks before departure date – varies with each section). This applies to the following disciplines: Aboriginal Arts, Dance, Music, Theatre, Media Arts, Writing and Publishing, InterArts, Audience and Market Development. Please check the Canada Council website for more information.

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Member News

Want to know what your fellow ELAN members are up to? This month, we have info about the following members:

OBORO

In order to better serve its members, artists, and the public, OBORO, who first developed a web presence in 1993, has recently unveiled its improved website. OBORO's website is entirely redesigned and offers new functions, including high performance navigation and search tools, an RSS feed, an on-line boutique, and a membership page where members can join on-line.

Centaur Theatre

Roy Surette will begin work in November as the new head of Montreal's Centaur Theatre. After working for the past 22 years in his native British Columbia, Surette stated that he was "very excited about coming to your wonderful and vibrant city." Surette's experience includes twelve years as artistic director at Vancouver's Touchstone Theatre and director of The Belfry.

Shawn Mativetsky

Shawn Mativetsky is proud to announce the release of his new solo CD entitled "Payton MacDonald: Works for Tabla." "Works for Tabla" combines ancient drumming traditions with the perspective of a contemporary composer. The CD features performances by ELAN member Shawn Mativetsky, who met MacDonald when they were both studying tabla with Pandit Sharda Sahai. "Works for Tabla" has been available in retail outlets across Canada since 5 June 2007. It can be ordered directly on-line at Shawn Mativetsky's website

G. Scott MacLeod

After successful exhibitions and screenings in Montreal on 31 May 2007 at Maxwell Haus Studios, Scott MacLeod's exhibition "Meeting with the Goddesses" and video documentary "After the War with Hannelore" are being presented at the Praxis Hagen Galerie in Berlin from 15 June until 8 July 2007. For more information, visit Scott's website.

Sheila Kindellan-Sheehan

Sheila Kindellan-Sheehan's recently published crime novel The Wrong Move tells a tale of murder and betrayal in Toronto. The Wrong Move features detectives Caitlin Donovan and Carmen DiMaggio solving crimes in Toronto's trendy Bloor West Village, tackling issues of deceit, betrayal, and murder among power-hungry elite. The duo of detectives has been featured in three other bestsellers by Kindellan-Sheehan. Her work has been published in the Globe and Mail and read on CBC, CJAD, CTV, and Global TV.

David James

Sutton-based cast glass artist David James has had his sculpture "Heaven & Earth" selected for another exhibition, this time at Toronto's Pearson International Airport as part of a show organized by the Ontario Crafts Council. The show, "It's a Beauty Part II," will be exhibited from 25 August to 18 November 2007. James is also exhibiting three sculptures at the annual Canadian Glass Show, which opens on 1 July 2007 at the West End Gallery in Victoria, B.C. For more information, visit David James's website

Kelly Norah Drukker

Kelly Norah Drukker's set of poems entitled Still Lives was recently announced as the second-prize winner of this year's CBC Literary Awards. Drukker's poems were also published in the June issue of EnRoute Magazine, and can be read on-line.

Jeannette Lambert

Jeannette Lambert sings free jazz versions of Emily Brontë's poetry on her new recording "Unclouded Day," which was recently released by Sweden's Ayler Records as part of their digital download series. The recording, featuring Jeannette Lambert (voice), Michel Lambert (drums), Raoul Björkenheim (guitar), and Mat Maneri (viola), is described by JazzNett as "fantastic and jaw-dropping."

Gina Roitman

Gina Roitman is pleased to announce that one her poems has been selected for the "Anthology of the Seasons," slated for future publication by the Canadian Federation of Poets. Roitman is currently working on developing a television series tentatively entitled "Rustico Spirit."

Cheryl Braganza

The Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan organization is planning the publication of a 2008 calendar entitled "One Woman's Journey." The calendar includes vibrant reproductions of Braganza's paintings accompanied by prose that tells of her struggle with—and eventual victory over—bone marrow cancer. All proceeds from the sale of the calendar will go towards funding education for Afghan girls and women. For more information or to order a calendar, visit Women for Women in Afghanistan website.

Matthew Hiscock

ELAN member Matthew Hiscock recently donated a percussion track to accompany Guru Films' submission for the 2880 Film Blitz. Hiscock's track was composed in four hours and inspired by the script for "2880 Mistakes." To watch the short film and hear Hiscock's work, visit the Guru Films website.

Quebec Association for Adult Learning

QAAL's board of directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Mario Pasteris as Executive Director. Pasteris began his career as a secondary school teacher and administrator, and went on to found the Gabrielle Roy Adult Centre and the organization PROCEDE. In addition to his new post at QAAL, Pasteris was also recently elected to the new board of the Quebec Community Groups Network (QGCN).

Community Table

Community Table is proud to announce the election of their new president, JoAnne Fandrich, following their Annual General Meeting held on 19 June 2007. Fandrich, mayor of the Municipality of Lac-des-Seize-Iles, is engaged in the community as vice-president of Ville et Villages en Santé, and as a board member of Solidarité Rurale du Québec. "Volunteering to benefit your community and others brings so much significant change in people's lives and their feelings about themselves," said Fandrich. "I look forward to inspiring others to get involved as I pursue my new role in this organization and as we work to build and broker partnerships in the community to enhance the vitality of the English-speaking community."

Rosalie Avigdor

Rosalie Avigdor is still conducting interviews for her book The Other Side, a publication that explores the experiences of adoptees, adoptive parents, and other family members. Participants are still needed. If you have a story to submit to this publication, E-mail Avigdor or call (514) 707-9396.

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Workshops & Seminars

All Disciplines

Creative Video Day Camp

At Creative Video Day Camp, 6 to 14 year olds become movie directors, designers, camera operators, digital editors, graphic artists, and actors. Campers will learn the art of movie-making through age-appropriate video and computer activities. They will also become familiar with production processes by learning about technical operations. The staff will teach campers to write, film, act in, and edit productions through hands-on video and multimedia activities. The activities of the camp culminate in the creation of a video production for each camper to take home. At the end of the summer, Creative Video Day Camp will host a Collective Film Festival where all video productions will be screened.

The camp is scheduled in two-week sessions, and runs from 2 July to 24 August 2007 at Saint Monica's, 6505 Terrbonne Ave. in NDG (beside Benny Park). Cost is $300 per two-week session. For more information, contact Erik Chevrier or (514) 998-5889, or visit the Collective Vision website.

Performing Arts

MSOPA Presents Audition Bootcamp

MSOPA is offering a four-day, intensive audition "bootcamp" workshop. In this workshop, participants will work on preparing and rehearsing for their upcoming auditions. Using the camera as a teaching tool, students will have the chance to work on prepared monologues, sides, and cold readings. The workshop sessions will take place on four consecutive Mondays from 9 to 30 July 2007 from 7 to 10 pm. Cost is $150, and limited space is available. For more information, contact MSOPA.

Songwriting Conference

The newly-formed organization Songwriters of Eastern Ontario (SOEO) is hosting a songwriting workshop on Labour Day Weekend 2007 (31 August to 2 September) at the Nav Canada Conference Centre in Cornwall, ON. The emphasis of the conference is threefold: songwriting, recording, and performance. The conference is appropriate for songwriters of all ages, genres, and levels of ability. Presenters include Pat Pattison, Kathy Mattea, and Jon Vezner. The cost of $325 includes all workshops and events, plus lunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday. For more information E-mail Nancy or call (613) 933-7447. For complete details, visit SOEO's website.

Earth Sing! Summer Singing Camp

Earth Sing! Summer Singing Camp will take place from 8 to 12 August 2007 at a country retreat near the Vermont/Quebec border. Attendees will enjoy singing international choral music, walking, swimming, yoga, and evening campfires. Earth Sing! is directed by Trisha Pope and Allyna Harris. For more information, contact Earth Sing!

Visual Arts

Digital Photography Workshop

Adrienne Herron is presenting a digital photography workshop on 14 July 2007 from 10 am to 4 pm in Alcove, QC. The workshop is open to digital photographers of all levels of experience. Group techniques instruction will take place in a mature perennial garden, and several computers will be available for demonstration and discussion of the digital photographic process. Cost is $75 and includes lunch. For more information, call (819) 459-2110 or E-mail.

Writing/Publishing

Horror Writing Workshop

Montreal author Nancy Kilpatrick is leading a one-week, intensive workshop on writing in the horror genre as part of the University of Toronto's Summer Writing School. Kilpatrick's workshop guides participants towards understanding and exploring the tropes and techniques of chilling fiction. Participants will workshop their writing daily, receiving critical feedback from other students and the instructor. The setting is designed to be both supportive and encouraging of marketable, innovative writing.

The workshop takes place from 9 to 13 July 2007 at the University of Toronto's St. George (downtown) campus. Cost is $549. For more information, contact Nancy Kilpatrick by Email, call (514) 271-5466, or visit Nancy's website.

Writing with Power and Precision Now Available Online

"Writing with Power and Precision," the popular course based on the 20th anniversary edition of Five Fast Steps to Better Writing, is now available online. This course was developed by ELAN member Barbara Florio Graham, and was subsequently presented for more than a decade to federal government departments and other clients.

The exclusive online franchise has been given to Donna D'Amour, an award-winning writer, professional teacher, and popular workshop leader. The winner of 2004 Atlantic Journalism Gold award, Donna is the author of Colouring the Road (Lancelot Press) and co-author of Runaway (Zenobi Publishing). For details, including fees and registration, visit www.damourwriting.ca.

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ELAN Classifieds

Room in Two-Bedroom Condo Available for Summer Sublet

Room in two-bedroom condo in the Plateau available for sublet from 9 July to 2 August 2007. Located near the corner of St-Laurent and Prince Arthur, a five-minute walk from Sherbrooke metro station. Furnished with balcony, laundry, and cable TV. $115 per week. For more information, contact Mira Peck by E-mail or call (514) 282-1831.

Summer Promotion in OBORO's New Media Lab

OBORO is offering a 20% reduction on its regular rates for studio and equipment rentals in its New Media lab during the months of July and August. For more information, E-mail OBORO, call (514) 844-3250 ext. 230, or see this OBORO press release [PDF]

New Website for Emerging Montreal Artists

Artere is a new website geared towards young artists in Montreal. The website assembles information pertinent to the professional development of emerging artists. Easily accessible, Artere hopes to become a virtual network of practical information, relevant links, and a forum for networking opportunities. You can visit Artere at www.artere.qc.ca

CD/DVD Burner for Sale

Lacie CD/DVD burner for sale. Mac and PC compatible. Also prints CDs and DVDs at professional quality. Comes with original receipt – originally $250, asking $115. For more information, call (514) 931-6828 or E-mail.

DTF Closing Sale

After nine years of operation, Dynamic Theater Factory (DTF) has announced the closure of its facilities on St. Ferdinand in Montreal. DTF will be selling all office items, filing systems, computers, printers, and creative items at discounted prices before vacating the premises on 13 July 2007. If interested, call (514) 393-3383 for more information.

Since 1998, DTF has instructed actors of all ages and abilities at their downtown Montreal location. The closure of this facility is indeed unfortunate. ELAN wishes DTF the best in their downsizing.

Studio Space for Rent

Studio space located at 10 des Pins Ouest (corner of St. Laurent) available for dance or theatre rehearsals. Space measures 20 x 20 feet with hardwood floors. Private bathroom and kitchen in space. Available after 5 pm or on weekends. $5 per hour (plus taxes). For more information, contact Adrienne or at (514) 844-2472.

Mile-End Academy

Mile-End Academy is a new music school founded by Tom Mennier. Courses offered include piano, theory, arrangement, composition, vocal coaching and workshops, and basic recording techniques. For more information or to enroll, call (514) 277-3405 or E-mail.

Lighting Designer and Technical Director Available

Lighting designer and technical director with 17 years experience in the Montreal dance community available for hire. Lighting design, technical direction, good outside eye, and touring experience. For more information, call (514) 276-0560 or E-mail.

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