Lexi Bainas, Citizen News, October 05, 2011

Several events were held in the Cowichan Valley as part of the annual BC Culture Days program.

A show and demonstration by members of the Visions artists' group, a dance demonstration by Carlson's School of Dance, and an artists' market at the Junction in Cowichan Bay were part of the excitement along with workshops and theatrical presentations both at the Quw'utsun' Cultural Centre and the Island Savings Centre.

Among the artists who took part in the day was glass painter Terry Harrison, whose demonstrations formed part of the Visions group's show in the Cowichan Suite at the Centre. Visitors got the chance to see beautiful pieces come to life under the hands of the Valley artists.Featuring a welcome by female members of the Cowichan Spirit Drummers, the presentation Women in Fish talked about the many challenges facing women who worked as part of the many active fishing communities on the B.C. coast, often without recognition of their efforts.

Organizers say there was a good turnout to daytime workshops that encouraged women to share their stories around the subject of fishing.

The evening showings of the multi-media presentation Women in Fish, put on by Urban Ink, starring Rosemary Georgeson, told the challenging story of the fate of the fishing boat Loretta B in 1962.

She sank in a freak storm, sending five men and one woman to the bottom of the sea but leaving many unanswered questions.

Georgeson was just five years old when the incident occurred.

Describing herself as a cloudwatcher, she talks of being home in Georgeson Bay, listening, unbelieving, to the story unfold on a purple plastic radio in the kitchen.

Her memories as a child, watching her mother wait for news, are gripping.

For many who survived similar incidents and their communities, the waiting never ends.

© Cowichan Valley Citizen 2011

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