Members of the Art Focus Artists' Association will highlight their participation in centennial celebrations in PoCo starting this weekend, as they unveil a mosaic spanning multiple members and generations.

PoCo Personal and Inspirational: A Centenary Mosaic, includes two large pictures of Port Coquitlam's flower, the azalea, painted by more than 30 artists who each took care of one square foot of canvas space. Each square is a composition in and of itself, but will become a part of the whole picture comprised of 20 squares when mounted together. o

"Mural Mosaic is a process invented by Canadian artist Lewis Lavoie, which takes individual paintings by different artists and places them in a specific order to create one large unified image," Art Focus member Lindsay Watson said in an e-mail to The NOW.

"A master image is chosen, which is then divided into a numbered grid.

Each artist is assigned a numbered section, given basic colour guidelines and simple shapes, but is free to create as they wish, as long as their work fits within the theme of the mural."

An opening reception for the project is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 23, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Gathering Place, and the show will be on display until March 25.

TRI-CITIES TALENT FEATURED

The Burnaby-based Douglas Ballet Academy, which draws students from across the Tri-Cities, begins its two-day run of Cinderella at the Terry Fox Theatre tonight (Friday).

The show is meant, in part, to highlight the academy's 20th anniversary while also showcasing : the talent within its ranks.

PoCo dancer Natasha Barrow is cast as Cinderella's step-mother in the production, and is joined by other Tri-Cities natives, Kristina and Sarah Badley, Julianna Douglas and Tessa Browning.

Three shows are slated: Friday at 7: 30 p.m, and Saturday at both 2 and 7: 30 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased at the door before the performances, or in advance by calling the academy at 604-420-0204.

CHILDREN'S GALLERY UNVEILED

It's time for the kids to shine. The inaugural exhibition being housed in the Port Moody Arts Centre's new children's gallery will be rolled out on Saturday, Feb. 23.

The first showing features works from Grade 5 students at Aspenwood Elementary, who were guided through the artistic process by Shari Pratt, an artist in residence at the centre.

The new exhibit focuses on portraiture, and the participating students learned the ins and outs

of that art through a series of workshops with Pratt, who specializes in mixed-media, figurative acrylic paintings.

Above and beyond this weekend's debut, the children's gallery will host three other exhibits on a yearly basis.

The format will be similar to that of the current exhibit, in that students will attend a series of workshops before presenting their work to the public.

The opening of the children's gallery is slated for 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23 at the arts centre.

TERRY FOX THEATRE GETS SOUL

With just a few days left in February, there may be no better way to mark the end of Black History Month than a concert with soul.

This Sunday (Feb. 24) from 2 to 4 p.m., Terry Fox Theatre will be abuzz with a performance by the VOC Soul Gospel Choir.

The 130-member choir sings six-part harmonies and includes men and women of all ages, ethnicities and religions.

After 14 years of music, the group has made bold steps into revitalizing its sound, incorporating the sounds of Hawaiian, Calypso, Reggae soul, R&B and jazz with traditional gospel style.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for students. Kids under 12 get in for free.

GIFT SHOP SEEKS ARTISTS

The Blackberry Gift Shop in Port Moody is looking for local artists who want to display or sell their pieces of art.

This artist-run co-operative society is provides shelf space and wall space for original work.

The shop also offers monthly featured artist displays, display space in other local venues and an opportunity to work with and learn from fellow co-op members.

Staffing the shop is a mandatory part of membership, as well as assisting with the administration and marketing of the co-op.

More information can be found on the organization's blog at blackberryartists.blogspot.ca or the web site www.blackberrygiftshop. ca. The Blackberry Gift Shop is located at 2425 St. Johns St.