Valley writer/story teller Lorna Layton and troubadour Doug Baker were among those performing at the recent “Word in the Valley” event hosted by the Bella Coola Valley Arts Council. Also on hand were violinist Barbara Schellert and Ara Thommasen (event organizer), reading a selection of her poetry and poems by former Valley resident Mike Johnson – all performing to a full house at the Council’s Valley Gallery in Hagensborg.
The Council has begun to renovations on the interior of the former teacher residence in order to accommodate larger performing arts events, and has set up a fund specifically for such activities. Valley residents interested in performing here should contact Council Director Ray McIlwain. Later in the spring, the Gallery is to get new lighting and a new roof and exterior improvements, thanks to BC Arts Council funding. The Council is grateful to School District #49 for providing this venue for the arts in the Valley.