Western Canada's largest bead and jewelry show will mark its return to Coquitlam this weekend. The Fraser Valley Bead Show runs from Friday, March 22 to Sunday, March 24 at the Executive Plaza Hotel on North Road, and will feature varying assortments of beads, tools and supplies.

Returning presenters include Metal Designz, Komarevich Originals, Capilano Rock & Gem, Stephanie Dielman, Sherry Bellamy, and Eugenia Chan, while newcomers like Too Aquarius and Serenity Pearls have been added to the fold.

"We're always happy to host our spring show in Coquitlam," show organizer Barrie Edwards said in a press release.

"It's the perfect time and location to bring together beaders, crafters and jewelry lovers from across the Lower Mainland in order to chase away the winter doldrums and get ready for spring."

Show times are 2 to 8 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Admission is $7, and children under 12 get in free of charge.

For more information on the show, including class registration and vendors, visit www. fraservalleybeadshow.ca.

GLENEAGLE STUDENTS' ARTWORK FEATURED IN LIBRARY EXHIBIT

They're about to kiss their high school years goodbye, but before doing so, senior art students at Gleneagle Secondary will get a chance to show off a bit.

The Port Moody Public Library is playing host to an exhibit featuring the artwork of a series of outgoing Gleneagle students throughout March.

The works cover a wide variety of mediums, including mixed media, photography, graphics, sculptural pieces and ceramics. The students got a helping hand in bringing their artistic visions to life from long-time Gleneagle teachers Melanie Stokes and Mike McElgunn.

For more information and for library hours, log on to www.library.portmoody.ca.

ARTIST FAITH LOVE ROBERTSON FEATURED IN POCO DEMO

The Art Focus Artists' Association will play host to a free demonstration courtesy of Delta artist Faith Love Robertson on Wednesday, March 27.

The demo will focus on the ins and outs of oil painting, though Robertson has also dabbled in watercolours and pastels over her three-decade career.

A graduate of the design and graphics program at Mount Royal College in Calgary, Robertson belongs to the South Delta Artists Guild, the Delta Community Art Council, the Pastel Society of Canada and the Richmond Art Council.

Next week's demo kicks off at 7 p.m. at the Outlet in Leigh Square. For more information, see www. faithloverobertson.com.

SECOND STOREY THEATRE OFFERS SPRING BREAK FUN

Characters, jokes, scenes and stories - all on the spot. The Second Storey Theatre Troupe will offer an improv camp for teens during the last week of spring break.

Led by veteran improv comic Jennifer Pielak, participants will learn new and classic improv games, hone their performance skills and prepare for a final show open to the public at the end of the session.

The Teen 3-Day Improv Intensive, meant for teens between the ages of 13 and 16, is set to run from March 26 to 28.

"These spring break programs are challenging and fun, and will leave students refreshed, energized and with new skills and confidence," Pielak said in an e-mail to The NOW.

"Comedy improv is a great way to expand yourself creatively and socially - and spending a whole three days to a week in practice yields amazing results."

The program will end with a final show on the last day of class, and all experience levels are welcome. For more information and registration details, see www.SSTimprov.com.

NEW EXHIBITS OPEN THURSDAY

The Port Moody Arts Centre will feature a month-long centennial and Tri-City Potters display starting March 21.

The exhibits will feature ceramic works from local artists and a series of displays and a commissioned work celebrating Port Moody's centennial.

"Local ceramic artists have been challenged to create whimsical pieces that one might bring if invited to dine with fantasy creatures or people," according to a press release.

"The pieces will vary from functional to strictly decorative, but it has given the artists an opportunity to stretch the regular concepts of dining ware and will allow for both artist and viewer to challenge their imaginations.