It's all about the art of wildlife at the New Westminster Public Library this month.
Two different art shows are underway at the library in June - both featuring wildlife.
On the ramp gallery, Tamara Sale is presenting an exhibition of wildlife photos entitled The Merganza Sisters and More.
A press release notes that all the photos are local, taken Tamara's preferred locations at Piper Spit on Burnaby Lake, and at Fraser Foreshore Park.
"The variety of local species provides plenty of opportunity to capture a broad range of subjects," she says.
In the reference department, Colleen Harrington is showing Ravens with Roses. The focus is on watercolour birds, inspired by the ravens of London - where ravens are treated like royalty in the Tower of London because legend has it that when there are no ravens in the tower, the monarchy will fall. They're accompanied by three-dimensional roses.
The art can be seen at any time during library hours - just pop in to 716 Sixth Ave., or call 604-527-4660 or see www.nwpl.ca for more information.
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Are you ready to dance?
Everyone is invited to check out the new Ecstatic Dance New West, described as a "non-facilitated, conscious freestyle dance event" that's held weekly at Ammara Dance Studio, downtown.
It runs Saturday mornings from 10 to 11 a.m.
There's no instruction and no choreography involved, and adults of all ages, all abilities and all experience levels are welcome to take part.
"Come sweat, let go of the past week, and move (and groove) into your weekend," organizers invite in an email.
Music starts with meditative pieces, followed by faster, more rhythmic pieces to get you moving, peaking with high-energy music to give you a chance to let go, and then gradually coming back to meditative stillness.
The music lasts about an hour.
It costs $15. You can register through eventbrite.ca or pay cash at the door.
The next event is set for Saturday, June 14.
There's also a special all-ages, family event on Saturday, June 21, where children can join in for $5 apiece (provided they're accompanied by an adult).
For information, check out [email protected].
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And speaking of dancing ...
Dancing in the Square is returning for the summer, and local families will have a chance to get out and have fun at Hyack Square on Friday evenings through July and August.
Each week features a different theme - it all kicks off on July 4 with zumba. On July 11, it's Egyptian belly dance, followed by ballroom on July 18 and Latin on July 25.
You can find the dance listings in the city's Active Living Guide - pick it up at city facilities, or check it out online at www.newwestpcr.ca. The summer events calendar also includes free concerts at Queen's and Ryall parks, plus Poetry in the Park and Shakespeare in the Park. (See page 77 of the guide for all the listings.)
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Intrigued by haiku?
Terry Ann Carter is leading a workshop called Haiku and Beyond, presented by the Royal City Literary Arts Society on Saturday, June 21 from 2 to 4 p.m.
The session will explore the history of this Japanese literary form, with a chance to listen to classical haiku and contemporary poems from some of the top haiku poets in North America.
Participants will be invited to write and share haiku on various themes.
Terry Ann is a poet, book maker and collage artist, and the author of Lighting the Global Lantern: A Teacher's Guide to Writing Haiku and Related Literary Forms.
The workshop costs $10, or $20 for non-members. Seating is limited, and pre-registration is required - contact [email protected].
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Do you have an item for Lively City? Send arts and entertainment ideas to Julie, [email protected], or find her on Twitter, @juliemaclellan.
