Calendar: Art, Workshops and Paris

Enjoy the visual arts this week with the Island Illustrators 25th Anniversary, the Victoria Comic book Show, and the Vancouver Island School of Art’s open house. Or maybe you’d prefer to better yourself by learning to plant a container garden or improving your self confidence. If all else fails, spend an evening pretending you’re in Paris supping on French fair at An Evening in Paris.

The Island Illustrators Society 25th Anniversary Celebration – Featuring the book launch, sale and signing of Coastal Moments, a brand-new writing and drawing journal featuring artwork by 44 members of the Island Illustrators Society combined with chosen quotes from some of BC’s finest poets THURSDAY 6-9pm at the AGGV (1040 Moss). $13/$11 students and seniors/free AGGV members. islandillustrators.org.

Companion Planting in Container Gardens – Learn about companion planting to maximize flavour and pest control, square foot gardening concepts and culinary creations. With Amy Crook. Registration required. SATURDAY 10am-noon at the Esquimalt Rec Centre (527 Fraser). $20.  250-383-5800.

No Regrets – A workshop by singer and writer Heather Loewen based on her book 101 Reasons To Be Yourself.Positive change and creative liberation are at your fingertips. Registration required. SATURDAY 1:30-4pm at the Overleaf Cafe-Bookshop (1105 Pandora). $20. naturalreviews@hotmail.com.

An Evening in Paris – A full evening of live entertainment and great auction items to bid on, including original art pieces. Wonderful French appy’s and desserts are included in the ticket price. Proceeds support the new Arts Centre at Cedar Hill. SATURDAY 6:30-10pm at the Cedar Hill Rec Centre. $56. 250-475-7121, saanichlegacy.ca.

Comic Book Show – Come and experience the wide and varied universe of comic books. Thousands of examples from all eras, from the hottest books of the day to hard-to-find treasures of the past. Toys, non-sports card and other collectibles as well. Come buy, sell, trade or just browse around. Free comics (while they last). SUNDAY 11am-4pm at the Ukrainian Cultural centre (3277 Douglas). Free. 250-361-6227, gjcomics@shaw.ca.

Vancouver Island School of Art open House – See all the interesting work done by VISA students this semester. Instructors will be on hand for questions about upcoming courses. SUNDAY noon-4pm at VISA (2549 Quadra). Free. 250-380-3500.

Need a little inspiration for renovation season? Email calendar@mondaymag.com (SUBJECT: DESIGN) to win one of five weekend passes to the Home Design & Renovation Tour 2011 on April 16 & 17. This self-guided tour winds through some of Victoria’s most beautiful homes.

Calendar: Head Out To Help Out

Find out what Transitions Victoria Food Group is doing to help make food local.

This week, helping hands abound! Watch figure skating dreams come true, lose yourself in a comic, or find one of the many groups that help keep Victoria a wonderful place to live.

If you’d rather stay home with a good book, email calendar@mondaymag.com (SUBJECT:HEAVY TRAFFIC) and win an autographed copy of Ken Merkley’s latest book, Heavy Traffic. It’s got murder and mystery, all set on Vancouver Island’s tranquil shores.

2011 BMO Canadian Figure Skating Championships – Watch as competitors duke it out for figure skating supremecy! FRIDAY-SUNDAY at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre (1925 Blanshard). $41.  saveonfoodsmemorialcentre.com.

Heritage Under Threat? – Are you concerned with protecting heritage gardens and urban woodland? Speakers, art, photos, maps, info, discussion and refreshments. FRIDAY 3:30pm at  the Oak Bay Public Library (1442 Monterey). Free. naturalreviews@hotmail.com.

A New Year for Haiti – Offering entertainment, refreshments and a silent auction ti rause funds for Haitian Earthquake Relief. SATURDAY 6pm at The Well (821 Fort). $20. 250 727-6454.

Victoria Comic Book Show – Come and experience the wide and varied universe of comic books. Come buy, sell, trade or just browse around. Free comics (while they last). Free admission. SUNDAY 11am-4pm at 3277 Douglas. Free. 250-361-6227.

Help Us Improve Oswald Park – The City of Victoria will upgrade Oswald Park this year and invites the community to a public meeting to describe their vision for the park. TUESDAY 6:30pm in the Community Room, Oaklands Community Centre  (1 – 2827 Belmont). 250-361-0600.

Transition Victoria Food Group Open House – Join them for slides, presentations on their current project and on permaculture, conversation, snacks, tea, learning and sharing. Find out how you can get involved with the Spring Ridge Commons Stewardship Project. Donations appreciated. TUESDAY 7-9pm at the Fernwood Community Association (1923 Fernwood). Free. 250-882-3551.