Brian Campbell Winnipeg, MB
Phone: 204-880-5505 E-mail:[email protected]
Purpose I want to create a change for the better in the world. I want to make a difference. I want to work with my clients to make their communications and promotions dreams come true.
Employment History
Owner/Communications Specialist: High Hopes Communications October 1, 2013 – Present Promotional Material; Ad Creation; Article Writing; Newsletters; Graphic Design; Social Media Development and Support; Web and Online Media Support; Event Planning and Coordination; Event Promotion; Media Liaison Events/Communications Coordinator: ALS Society of Manitoba Events/Volunteer Coordinator: ALS Society of Manitoba 493 Madison St. Winnipeg, Manitoba June, 2008 – February, 2013 Plan organize and promote Events and Fundraisers Media contact and media relations for ALS Society of Manitoba Update and maintain the ALS Manitoba Website and Social Media pages Network with other organizations and develop contacts through Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, Health Fairs and other networking meetings Create design, layout, content and articles for ALS Manitoba newsletters Write letters, phone, and e-mail potential sponsors, entertainers, media, volunteers and participants for ALS Society of Manitoba events Design and create posters, sponsorship packages, invitations, agendas, sponsor recognition boards and tickets for ALS Society of Manitoba events Write and send media releases and gather media support for organization Sit on committees, develop meeting agendas and write meeting minutes Send out general releases through e-mail and social media Photographer and videographer at ALS Manitoba events
Events Coordinator: Manitoba Brain Injury Association 204-825 Sherbrook St. Winnipeg, Manitoba March, 2007 – October, 2008 Organized and chaired meetings of the Umbrella Walk committee, wrote and distributed meeting minutes Wrote letters, phoned, and e-mailed potential sponsors, entertainers, media, and volunteers for MBIA events Designed and created pledge forms, registration and information forms, posters, signs and tickets for various MBIA events Wrote and sent media releases and gathered media support for MBIA events Brian Campbell page 2
Events Coordinator: Manitoba Brain Injury Association (continued) Created design, layout and content for MBIA newsletters Modified and updated the MBIA website Wrote pre and post event articles for the MBIA newsletter and website Videographer and photographer for two Mock Car Crash events
Event Coordinator: L’Arche Winnipeg 118 Regent Avenue East, Winnipeg, Manitoba October, 2006 – June, 2007 Booked entertainment and emcee for the third annual Park Pontiac’s Walk With L’Arche Gathered media support and attention for the Walk Organized and coordinated team meetings, wrote and distributed meeting minutes Wrote pre-event and post-event articles, radio scripts, phone scripts, prize request letters and media releases Modified and redesigned brochures and posters for the Walk Modified and updated website pertaining to the Walk Arranged and attended meetings with potential sponsors to solicit sponsorship Phoned and e-mailed potential sponsors, media and entertainment Wrote thanks you letters and made recognition certificates and thank you cards for sponsors, entertainers and volunteers
Education
August 30, 2004 – April 28, 2006 Red River College – Winnipeg, Manitoba Creative Communications – Public Relations Major Public Relations skills in research, media relations, news release, brochure, newsletter, business and promotional writing, PowerPoint presentations, speech writing and oral presentations Desktop Publishing and Website Design skills using PhotoShop, Acrobat Reader, Freehand, Indesign, Dreamweaver Advertising techniques in mediums such as radio, television and print Journalism training in newswriting, reviewing and interviewing Knowledge in the use of broadcast equipment and audio/video editing
Professional Development and Volunteer Activities
Served as Public Relations Director on the Board of Directors at Parents Without Partners (PWP) from February 2002 until April 2004; then as Ethics and Grievance Co-chair from June 2006 until February 2007 Volunteer at Walk With L’Arche 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 Volunteer board member of Westwood Vocational School – Nov. 2011 – present Ambassador at The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce Board member and Communications Specialist at the Canadian Club of Winnipeg Member of the St. James Rotary Club Brian Campbell page 3
Gary Kozussek The Shoe Guy Ph: 204-452-1795
Jim Brennan The Canadian Club of Winnipeg Ph: 204-799-9086 E-mail: [email protected] Jessica LoRusso Zealous MediSpa Ph: 204-415-3159 C: 204-770-4864 E-mail: [email protected]
Elaine Kehler Westwood Vocational Centre Ph: 204-885-4748 E-mail: [email protected] Tony Mariani Corus Entertainment Inc. Ph: 204-789-0556 C: 204-333-2332 E-mail: [email protected] Scott Taylor Winnipeg Goldeyes Ph: 204-954-8946 C: 204-292-7175 E-mail: [email protected]
John Melof King's Transfer Ph: 204-949-0733 E-mail: [email protected]
To Whom It May Concern:
I confirm that I have known Brian Campbell and have worked with him since 2011 in his capacity as Events/Volunteer Coordinator for ALS Manitoba since 2011.
In over 30 years of working in media, I have never met someone who is so passionate about the company he works for and the enthusiasm he puts into his job. He is a tireless worker who is always thinking about ways to better the company he works for and make every single event he is responsible a success. Brian is organized and attentive to every detail and his creative writer at CJOB loves working with him and finds him so receptive to themes and ideas for the radio ads.
Brian is dependable, reliable, honest and courteous. He would be a welcome addition to your team.
I’m happy to provide further information if required.
Respectfully,
Tony Mariani | Account Manager
T. 204-789-0556 | F. 204-783-4512 | C. 204-333-2332|[email protected] Corus Radio Winnipeg t..
Manitoban'~ Brain'~ Injury ASSO C IAT IO N
204-825 SherbrookStreet · Winnipeg, MB R3A lM5 PHONE: 204-975-3200 . FAX: 2U4-~7 5 -Jun· EM AIL: mbia@mIS. n e r w'vvw.mbia.ca
October 20, 2008
To Whom It May Concern ;
It is my pleasure to provide this reference letter for Brian Campbell. Mr. Campbell was employed with the Manitoba Brain Injury Association (MBIA) between April 2007 and October 2008 in a contract position as Events Coordinator. My remarks in this letter are based on his performance during his employment with us.
In the position of Events Coordinator Brian was responsible for organizing various fundraising events for our organization. Specifically, Mr. Campbell was responsible for overseeing established events as well as developing new fundraisers. He had to recruit committee members, provide direction to volunteers regarding the event, and ensure that everything went smoothly on the actual day.
Brian successfully performed all of the above responsibilities. The events he organized raised more money through sponsorships than previous events. He also critically reviewed each event to determine what areas could be improved for events. Committee members enjoyed Brian's collaborative style of leadership.
Not only could Brian work independently he was also an excellent team player. Staff knew they could count on Brian to lend an extra hand. He did not pick what or where he would help; he simply assisted members wherever it was needed.
Before closing, I must highlight Brian's character. I am most struck by his honest character and his strong sense of accountability. He was punctual and followed through on his tasks.
Sincerely, I.:J \~~JL~ David Sullivan Executive Director TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
It is with pleasure that I can provide a letter of reference for Brian Campbell. Brian was hired on a half-time basis for a nine-month term position, having gained valuable experience through the Creative Communications Program as well as on his three-week work placement at L’Arche. Funded by a grant, Brian started in October 2006 to plan and co-ordinate our 3rd annual Walk With L’Arche and completed his nine-month term the end of June 2007.
During this time with planned activities in hand, Brian coordinated and took on responsibility for most facets of the event as well as assisted me in other activities as required. Brian quickly familiarized himself with L’Arche’s philosophy and was always welcoming and considerate towards others.
Brian willingly and enthusiastically took on major areas of responsibility, which involved overseeing committee and volunteer work, media, marketing,, preparing promotional materials and website, obtaining prize sponsors, program/entertainment development, ensuring French translation, budget monitoring, ongoing communications, thank you’s and an event evaluation.
Brian proved himself to be a skilful writer with a good eye for design. He also has excellent computer and research skills. He is thoughtful, compassionate, trust worthy and can multi- task in a busy environment while maintaining a positive and supportive attitude. He was always punctual. Brian is a hard-worker and proved himself dependable in meeting deadlines and working after hours and weekends when required. Brian is very much a team player putting forward a friendly and cheerful face. He is also a relationship builder and I found him resourceful in obtaining information through previous contacts and website research.
Brian has many skills and abilities and I am confident that he will also bring high values and loyalty to any new job or project he might be considered for.
If you have any questions, you are welcome to contact me either at work 237-0300 ext 1 or at home 338-3268.
Sincerely,
Terry Wiebe Director, Communications & Fund Development L’Arche Winnipeg
Join us for Healthopoly “The Game of Good Life” For the Entire Family
The 8th Annual Healthopoly Health Fair is a collaboration between Walmart and the Manitoba Lung Association. The event will take place Thursday, August 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Walmart, 1001 Empress Street.
Healthopoly is an event packed day with many things to do and learn including: Pharmacists and nurses providing health screening for everything from blood glucose to lung function Music provided by the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra A Fashion Show Ballroom Dance demonstrations and lessons provided by Westview Dance Club Prizes And much more
Don’t miss this day full of good, healthy fun
For more information call: 204-452-8420
Westview Dance Club will be offering Ballroom Dance demonstrations at the Walmart Health Expo 1001 Empress Street, on Thursday, August 22, at 1:00 P.M.
Demonstrations include: Mambo Samba Swing Waltz
Westview Dance Club will also be offering a Waltz Lesson
Come Dance With Us
Westview Dance Club: Promoting an active lifestyle through lifelong learning in social ballroom dancing in a friendly and supportive community.
For more information, contact Bev at: 204-275-6484 [email protected] www.members.shaw.ca/west-view/index.htm
Come Dance With Us
Do you want to learn to ballroom dance? Do you watch movies like Shall We Dance or Dirty Dancing and say, I wish I could dance like that? Are you a fan of Dancing With the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance? Would you like to be able to travel around a crowded dance floor with style and confidence?
If you answered yes to any or all of the above questions, then we have the answer for you. Westview Dance Club is a not-for-profit organization that promotes social ballroom dancing for couples. Beginning in September and running until May, Westview Dance Club features 30 lessons with trained dance instructors and 30 practices to tune up your skills, all for only $250 per couple. Classes range from beginners to advanced and feature Waltz, Fox Trot, Cha Cha, Tango, Rhumba and Swing. Workshops featuring other dances may also be available based on interest levels.
Westview Dance Club also features four social dances and three dinner dances, including a New Year’s Eve dinner dance, throughout the dance season. So if you want to learn to ballroom dance, renew or hone your dance skills, or just have fun meeting others while getting some healthy activity, Westview Dance Club is for you. We can’t guarantee that you will come away dancing like Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey or Richard Gere and Jennifer Lopez, but you will have fun learning to ballroom dance in a fun, friendly and non-competitive environment.
Westview Dance Club: Promoting an active lifestyle through lifelong learning in social ballroom dancing in a friendly and supportive community.
For more information, contact Bev at: 204-275-6484 [email protected] www.members.shaw.ca/west-view/index.htm
The Canadian Club Presents Ambassador Gary Doer Friday, December 6, 2013 RBC Convention Centre Registration: 10:30 a.m. Luncheon: 11:30 a.m. - 1:45 p.m. Ticket price: $50.00 members - $65.00 non-members E-mail: [email protected] 204-799-9086 www.canadianclubofwinnipeg.ca Master of Ceremonies: John Sauder
Honorary Patron: Honourable Phillip S. Lee C.M. O.M. Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba
The Canadian Club of Winnipeg Presents Ambassador Gary Doer Friday, December 6, 2013 RBC Convention Centre, Winnipeg Registration: 10:30 a.m. Luncheon: 11:30 a.m. - 1:45 p.m. Master of Ceremonies: John Sauder Ticket Price: $50.00 members - $65.00 non-members
E-mail: [email protected] Ph: 204-799-9086 www.canadianclubofwinnipeg.ca Honorary Patron: Honourable Phillip S. Lee C.M. O.M. Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba
Media Release Ambassador Gary Doer Speaks at Canadian Club Luncheon Friday, December 6, 2013, RBC Convention Centre, Winnipeg. The former Premier of Manitoba and current Canadian Ambassador to the United States will be the guest speaker at a luncheon hosted by The Canadian Club of Winnipeg. Registration is at 10:30 a.m. and the luncheon runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Gary Doer assumed his duties as Canada’s 23rd representative to the United States of America in 2009. Prior to this, Ambassador Doer served for ten years as Premier of Manitoba. Ambassador Doer is also one of Canada’s leading speakers. In the words of Canadian Club President, James Brennan, “He is the Mick Jagger of Manitoba politics.” The Canadian Club of Winnipeg is a non-profit, apolitical organization that provides a forum for guest speakers who have a message of general interest to Canadians. The club's goal is to promote unity and Canadian identity and offer members and their guests the chance to hear intelligent discourse on issues that affect Winnipeg, Manitoba and the entire country.
The Media is invited to attend this event for photo and video opportunities.
The Canadian Club of Winnipeg 204-799-9086 [email protected] www.canadianclubofwinnipeg.ca
Media Contact: Brian Campbell High Hopes Communications Honorary Patron: 204-880-5505 Honourable Phillip S. Lee C.M. O.M. [email protected] Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba
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Gary Doer, Ambassador of Canada to the United States of America
In October, 2009, Gary Doer assumed his responsibilities as Canada’s 23rd representative to the United States of America.
Prior to taking up his current position in Washington, Ambassador Doer served as Premier of Manitoba for ten years. During that time, he worked extensively with U.S. Governors to enhance Canada-U.S. cooperation on trade, agriculture, water protection, climate change and renewable energy.
Ambassador Doer won three consecutive elections as Premier of Manitoba with successive increased majorities. In 2005, he was named by Business Week magazine as one of the top 20 international leaders on climate change. His government introduced balanced budgets during each of his ten years in office while reducing many taxes, including a plan to eliminate small business tax. As Premier, he led strategic investments in health care, education, and training and infrastructure.
Ambassador Doer hails from Winnipeg. He is married with two daughters.
The Canadian Club of Winnipeg is a not-for-profit, apolitical organization. The mandate of the Club is to provide a forum for guest speakers who have a message of general interest to Canadians. It is through these speakers that the Club seeks to promote Canadian unity and identity and aims to offer to members and guests the opportunity to hear intelligent discourse on issues that affect our city, province and nation. The topics touch on various areas of interest, from the political arena to the forefront of technology, to the hot button topics of health care, to the latest in current affairs.
Our membership includes individuals from diverse backgrounds; business executives and bankers, politicians, teachers and their students, investment managers, media professionals, retired persons, homemakers, sales representatives, lawyers, judges -- and the list goes on.
James A. Brennan President - Canadian Club of Winnipeg / McGrath Diamonds / Third Quarter
Exclusive Swarovski Brand sales and promotion, staff recruitment and management, large scale event planning and staging, fundraising, media advertising, corporate communications and publishing. James has many years of International and National experience at bringing the media, consumers, contributors and clients to the programs, products and services of his organization. Staff leadership and training for sales and fund raising positions. President and Executive Director Canadian Club of Winnipeg, Event Co - Host and Co- ordinator Father & Son Dinner - Manitoba Club, Alumni Board member St Pauls High School ( Jesuit ), Invited speaker on brand and event marketing topics throughout North America at Luxury brand conferences and corporate meetings, Dinner and golf events - Event Organizer Archdiocese of Winnipeg, Member, Manitoba and Canadian Jewellery Travellers Association, Organizer – Manitoba Jewellery and Giftware Travellers Annual Dinner and Golf Tournament, Coach, Manager, and Board Member, River Heights Community Club, Veteran - United States Army
Only three weeks left for your chance to Have Lunch with Ambassador Gary Doer The Canadian Ambassador to the United States will be coming to Winnipeg on Friday, December 6 The Canadian Club of Winnipeg will be hosting a luncheon with Ambassador Gary Doer at the RBC Convention Centre, 375 York Avenue, Winnipeg, on Friday, December 6, 2013. Registration is at 10:30 a.m. and the luncheon will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Gary Doer assumed his duties as Canada’s 23rd representative to the United States of America October, 2009. Prior to this, Ambassador Doer served for ten years as Premier of Manitoba. Ambassador Doer is also one of Canada’s leading speakers. Tickets are $50.00 for members of the Canadian Club of Winnipeg and $65.00 for non-members. Space is limited for this rare opportunity so get your tickets now. The Master of Ceremonies for this event will be CBC’s John Sauder.
The Canadian Club of Winnipeg event co-chairs are Jim Pappas and Donna Burner.
We look forward to seeing you there. For more information about tickets to this event and memberships in the Canadian Club of Winnipeg call 204-799-9086, e-mail [email protected], or go online to www.canadianclubofwinnipeg.ca. Credit and Debit Cards accepted. The Canadian Club of Winnipeg Promoting Canadian Identity Encouraging Canadian Unity Media Contact: Brian Campbell High Hopes Communications Honorary Patron: 204-880-5505 Honourable Phillip S. Lee C.M. O.M. [email protected] Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba Gary Doer Still Enchants a Winnipeg Audience
On Friday, December 6, 2013, the Canadian Club of Winnipeg brought Ambassador Gary Doer back to Winnipeg for a visit over lunch. More than 300 people packed a room at the RBC Convention Centre to hear Ambassador Speak. Master of Ceremonies, John Sauder the weather reporter for CBC News, quipped that in honour of Ambassador Doer’s visit we were furnished with an old fashioned Winnipeg cold snap. The opening remarks by John Sauder, Canadian Club President Jim Brennan and Dr. Lloyd Axworthy of the University of Winnipeg all focused on the same theme. No matter what his title was, Minister, Premier, Doctor or Ambassador, to those who knew him, he was simply friend. When Ambassador Doer entered the room, he did not disappoint, graciously taking time to shake hands, chat with people and even conduct impromptu interviews with various news media in attendance. On the podium it became instantly obvious that his reputation as a politician and speaker was not exaggerated. Transitioning smoothly from talking about how much he missed Manitoba and reminiscing about events during his time as Premier to his current job as Ambassador and Canada’s relationship with the U.S.A., a relationship we have had since the battle of 1812, which Doer drew applause and cheers by saying that he wished to state without a doubt that we won, Gary kept his audience riveted and entertained. At one point he produced a copy of the Washington Post and referenced and article in it about polar bears in Churchill. Doer said that even in Washington they know about Manitoba and our polar bears and often ask him about them. He said that when dealing with the United States we are not a mouse but a polar bear, drawing applause and cheers once again. Doer also talked about our political system verses the U.S. and said that although no system is perfect, ours is far superior to that of our Southern neighbours and that we should be very proud. Doer finished with question and answers and quickly showed that he hasn’t lost his political touch by fielding a question about Rob Ford and turning into his opinion for the Ford cars they drive in Washington. This brought on another cheer and a standing ovation. Ambassador Doer graciously posed for more pictures and continued to visit around the room. Without a doubt, all attendees left feeling that they had gotten their money’s worth, with the possible exception of the man who asked the question about Rob Ford. With this as the inaugural event for the return or the Canadian Club of Winnipeg the only question that remains is; who will they find to follow this event? Whoever it is, it will certainly be worth watching for.
MEMBER APPLICATION THE CANADIAN CLUB OF WINNIPEG THE CANADIAN CLUB OF WINNIPEG
580 Main Street Past Speakers Name: ______Winnipeg, MB, R3B 1C7 www.canadianclubofwinnipeg.ca Ambassador Gary Doer OM
Jean Chretien PC, CM, OC, QC Phone: ______Cell: ______INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP Mayor Sam Katz Glen Murray 1. Advance notice of events Maestro Alexander Micklethwaite E-mail: ______2. Reserved seating The Right Honourable Paul Martin Prime Minister Stephen Harper 3. Membership Discount for events Address: ______Boutros Boutros-Ghali - United Nations 4. Invitation to AGM Richard Gwyn
5. Club Newsletter The Honourable Lloyd Axworthy PC, OC, OM ______General Walter Natynczyk CMM, MCS, CD 6. Links to other Canadian Clubs Gail Asper OC, OM
Membership Fee: $45.00 + 5% GST Annually Chris Emery and Larry Finnson David A. Dodge OC, FRSC Please Join Us Today Stevie Cameron CM, DD Preferred Payment Method: Cheque Debit Networking: Phil Fontaine OC, OM The Canadian Club is open to all and provides great Miriam Toews Visa MasterCard networking opportunities with industry leaders and U.S. Ambassador David Jacobson peers. Andrew Coyne Card John Harvard PC, OM Number: ______Business Promotion: John Kim Bell Entertain clients, associates or other guests in an Ken Dryden PC, OC Dr. Frank Plummer Exp. ______atmosphere conducive to stimulating thought and discussion. Preston Manning PC, CC, AOE Phillip S. Lee CM, OM
Sharon Carstairs PC Name on Card: ______The Canadian Club of Winnipeg will not Peter Desbarats OC
share any member contact Information. Gordon Thiessen OC Signature: ______For Business Membership information or for Roy Bonisteel CM Heather Robertson Event or Student Sponsorship information Maurice Switzer please call: Date: ______Paul Tellier PC, CC Andrew Nikiforuk The Canadian Club of Winnipeg (204) 799-9086 or Gordon Gibson OBC 580 Main Street [email protected] Winnipeg, MB, R3B 1C7 Continued on outside page
THE CANADIAN CLUB OF WINNIPEG Past Speakers continued from inside page
Perrin Beatty PC Peter C. Newman CC, CD Richard Gwyn OC Ann Medina Hollis Harris I. H. (Izzy) Asper OC, OM, QC Ron Irwin PC, CM, QC Sir Robert Baden-Powell OM, GCMG, GCVO, KCB Rudyard Kipling These are some of the speakers who have highlighted past Canadian Club of Winnipeg events over the years.
The Canadian Club of Winnipeg Canadian Conversations Our Mandate The Canadian Club of Winnipeg is a not-for- profit, apolitical organization. The mandate of 580 Main Street the Club is to provide a forum for guest Winnipeg, MB, R3B 1C7 speakers who have a message of general (204) 799-9086 interest to Canadians. It is through these [email protected] speakers that the Club seeks to promote Canadian unity and identity and aims to offer www.canadianclubofwinnipeg.ca to members and guests the opportunity to hear intelligent discourse on issues that affect our city, province and nation. The topics touch on various areas of interest, from the political arena to the forefront of technology, to the hot button topics of health care, to the latest in current affairs.
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It’s Not About Murder: It Is It About Healing Family Turns a Traumatic Experience into Art, Inspiration and Fun Nearly thirty years after the brutal murder of Candace and the much more recent trial, the Derksen family want you to know that it isn’t about murder anymore, it is about healing. To prove it, they will be holding a free family art show entitled “Inexplicable: It Is About Healing” at Frame Gallery, 318 Ross Avenue, Winnipeg, beginning on Saturday, April 12th and running until Sunday, April 27th featuring the work of Cliff and Wilma Derksen and their daughter Odia Reimer. Not only do they want to show you, they want to talk about it and will be featuring Art Talks, first at the Grand Opening 7:00 p.m. Saturday April 12th with all artists, then at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 17th with Odia speaking about “The Offering Project”, and 7:00 p.m. Saturday, April 26th when Cliff will talk about “Healing Through Creativity.” All will include refreshments and will offer a question and answer period. However, guests are invited to come up and talk with the artists any time they are available. Wilma says, “People should know that they can talk to us.” Cliff said, “It has always been a dream to do this (the art show) as a family.” It is three shows in one, as all three family members have used art in different forms as a way of dealing with trauma. Cliff has always been a natural artist and found himself creating art, either through sketching or sculpture as a form of dealing with questions in his heart, or as he says, “Pursuing something within myself.” Odia releases her emotions through the use of installation art to deal with, “The tyranny of the everyday,” and the struggle in the grieving process. Wilma has always been a writer, but turned to painting when she could no longer express her feelings through the written word. Wilma refers to her painting as decor art and paints in white over written word backgrounds to deal with, “A yearning for purity and simplicity…combined with the complexity of all colours mixed to make white.” She paints over words as a way to deal with, “My struggle for words.” What the Derksens hope that the audience will experience from the show is inspiration, encouragement and fun. They want to encourage the artist within themselves to connect with people, offer them inspiration and have some family fun, with each other, and with you. Come out and join them. The Art Talk nights are on April 12, 17 and 26 beginning at 7:00 p.m. and include refreshments and a chance to meet and mingle with the artists. Location: Frame Gallery 318 Ross Avenue Cost: FREE Open: Tues.: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Wed. – Fri.: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Sat.: 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Sun.: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Media Contact Brian Campbell High Hopes Communications (204)880-5505 [email protected] We’re Not About Murder Anymore A conversation with Cliff and Wilma Derksen by Brian Campbell As part of the planning of the family art show, “Inexplicable: It is About Healing,” I had the opportunity to sit down and talk with Cliff and Wilma Derksen about what their inspiration was behind doing the show. Cliff said that, “It has always been a dream to do this as a family.” They have done art shows through other organizations in the past and always talked about doing shows themselves, but were not sure how to get started. Self- promotion was not natural for them they didn’t know how to “brand ourselves.” Then life and the trial put everything on hold. Ironically, it was the process of the trial that made Cliff think of, “Art as therapy.” He said that, “This was solidified when I got invitations to speak about how my creativity helped me through my trauma.” That was when he realized how much his art had helped him and the rest of the family. Wilma was the one who stepped up to help Cliff and Odia to expose their art to the public. When she talks about her husband and daughter’s work it quickly becomes obvious how proud she is of them and how much she wants to share what they can do. What Wilma didn’t count on was that Cliff and Odia would want her to be part of the show. She doesn’t consider herself an artist at the same level of Cliff and Odia, but feels that she can show her work as an example that anyone can do it to help dealing with trauma and issues in their lives. Cliff sketches and works in clay as his chosen form of art, but suggests that people can use any form of creativity. The idea is to use both halves of your brain, and through repetition, getting more into the creative side of your right brain, whether it is through sculpture, painting, photography, or simply going for long walks and admiring the scenery. Any form of creativity is good therapy. Odia uses installation art to express her emotions through art. During the trial she crocheted in black, red and beige to express her emotions each day. She also created “The Last Walk,” through the use of photography to follow Candace’s final journey. Odia will be featuring her most recent piece, “The Offering Project,” which is about crochet bowls, “Symbolic containers of our pain and hurt and presenting them as an offering.” Through her website, Odia has invited others to join her project. All together she has over 300 bowls to date. Anyone who has crocheted a bowl is invited to bring them, along with their story, to the gallery. They will be added to the instillation.
Wilma said that “When I didn’t have any words I yearned for the simplicity of white and the purity of white.” She paints over words to signify her struggle for words, her search for words. She considers her work decor art, just something to put on the wall as part of the background. Wilma says that, “I haven’t reached my white yet,” and refers to her work as implicits, “Because they have an underlying message.” The Derksens are hoping to inspire and encourage people with their show and story. Wilma says, “People tell us that our story inspires them because we survived it.” They want to encourage and offer hope to people through art. She also says that, “We’re looking for inspiring stories. I think we need one a day.” Wilma believes that everyone has the ability to be creative. Their plan has always been to, “Create something beautiful out of something horrible.” They want this event to be a positive and happy event, not a sad one. Cliff says that, “Everybody has trouble, the world is full of troubles. We want to inspire people to be creative and have hope no matter what they are going through.” This is a family project that they believe is good for family unity. They have the full support of their son Syras who, although he is not directly involved in the show, will be part of it in some way, as is his wife and Odia’s husband. They feel that Candace is and always will be part of their family and their family celebration. Lastly, they want people to know that they are not just about murder. That they are a normal, happy creative family. Cliff says that, “We will always be victims in name, but we are not victims in spirit. We are beyond that now.” Now they want to be happy and have fun as a family and want people to come out and have fun with them. Inexplicable: It is About Healing, begins on Saturday, April 12th and running until Sunday, April 27th. The Art Talk nights are on April 12, 17 and 26 beginning at 7:00 p.m. and will include refreshments and a chance to meet and mingle with the artists. Come out and join their family celebration. Inexplicable: It is About Healing Frame Gallery 318 Ross Avenue Winnipeg, MB Open: Tues.: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Wed. – Fri.: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Sat.: 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Sun.: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Media Contact Brian Campbell High Hopes Communications (204)880-5505 [email protected]
Don’t miss the Grand Opening for: Inexplicable: It Is About Healing The Grand Opening for, Inexplicable: It Is About Healing will take place at 7:00 p.m. Saturday April 12th at Frame Gallery, 318 Ross Avenue, Winnipeg, featuring the work of Cliff and Wilma Derksen and their daughter Odia Reimer. The event will feature Art Talks with all three of the artists and will include refreshments and a question and answer period. However, guests are invited to come up and talk with the artists any time they are available. As Wilma says, “People should know that they can talk to us.” Cliff has always been a natural artist and found himself creating art, either through sketching or sculpture as a form of dealing with questions in his heart, or as he says, “Pursuing something within myself.” Many of Cliff’s sculptures will be in display and guests will be able to find out more about the inspiration behind them. Odia releases her emotions through the use of installation art to deal with, “The tyranny of the everyday,” and the struggle in the grieving process. Odia will be featuring “Seventy Times Seven,” “The Last Walk,” and her new piece, “The Offering Project,” among other examples of her work, and the stories behind them. Wilma said that “When I didn’t have any words I yearned for the simplicity of white and the purity of white.” She paints over words to signify her struggle for words, her search for words. She considers her work decor art, just something to put on the wall as part of the background. Wilma refers to her work as implicits, “Because they have an underlying message.” This event is three shows in one, as all three family members have used art in different forms as a way of dealing with trauma. The Derksens hope to connect with people, offer them inspiration and have some family fun, with each other, and with you. Come out and join them. The Grand Opening and the first Art Talk night is on April 12 at 7:00 p.m.
Following Art Talks are on April 17 and 26 all include refreshments and a chance to meet and mingle with the artists. Location: Frame Gallery, 318 Ross Avenue Cost: FREE Open: Tues.: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Wed. – Fri.: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Sat.: 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Sun.: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Media Contact Brian Campbell High Hopes Communications (204)880-5505 [email protected]
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