This is a call to join Lewis Melville by helping to sponsor the creation and production of a 2 CD collection of creative statements that reflect upon Canada’s international reputation and its current role in Afghanistan. As many of you already know, Lewis is a nationally prominent musician and producer with such credits to his name as working with the Barenaked Ladies, The Cowboy Junkies and other acclaimed recording artists. Lewis believes passionately in the projects he works upon whether these are with local efforts or with international artists in remote regions of Africa, South and Central America.

So what is this all about? I know that there is a great deal to read below. However, we want to give you a comprehensive look at this proposal and hope you will thereby pledge to support it. So please, keep reading . . .

Title: Afghanistan…On Guard for Thee?

Rationale: The recent shift in the nature of Canada’s military activity in the world is a cause for concern. We are sure that many of you agree.

Why is this happening? Is this the best way for us to deal with the problems in Afghanistan and elsewhere–especially when the military actions are beginning to imperil Canada’s ability to deliver meaningful foreign aid?

Why this project? Artists are free to give voice to ideas and feelings that many others are unable to express, either for political reasons, or because they do not know how. Yet, artists are not often in a position to self finance these efforts. You have
been asked to participate because we believe your financial support can help to spread this important message to other Canadians.

We would be honoured if you would like to contribute to this project of relevant songs, works of visual art, drama, dance, poetry, essays, and literature for “Afghanistan … On Guard for Thee?” You can do so by donating a 100-dollar share in the production costs.

What do you get for your 100 dollars? There will be no financial return. Any profit accrued from this project will be donated to non-partisan, benevolent organisations such as Doctors Without Borders/Médecins San Frontières. However, you are assured that you will receive a copy of the finished work – a 2 CD set which highlights the musical offerings so far contributed. Your name will also be among those on the production credits. Finally, you will also know that you were part of making something happen that will have a positive impact on the future – a demonstration that open and honest dialogue is still alive and well in Canada.

This project is 100% volunteer driven and non profit. If you know others who might be interested in helping to sponsor this effort, please pass this information along.

Sincerely,

Phil Allt
(519) 824-6790
phil@philallt.ca

Lewis Melville
(519) 824-8848
lmelvill@uoguelph.ca

Details:

We will work to attract interest from the media, especially the CBC about this new project. Lew is currently working on this with his many connections at the Corporaton.

Within a few days of announcing the project there were dozens of commitments from renowned local, regional, national, and international artists to offer their talents to this project. These include:

* James Gordon
* Josh Finlayson (Skydiggers)
* Dave Clark (Rheostatics, Gord Downie Band)
* Michael Johnston
* Tannis Slimmon
* NDP MP, Charlie Angus (Timmins, James Bay) - formerly lead hand with The Grievous Angels is on board for this and will be writing and performing a work for this purpose - Thank You Charlie!

Members of Parliament will be informed of the project, with the intention of promoting an open public debate on the issue.

I have just received notification of the following art exhibit:

New show opening at the Barber.

“Up North” - northern landscape paintings by University of Guelph, Fine Art Department graduates, Scott Abbott, Laura Coutts, Jane Graham, Barry Hodgson, Leslie Miles.

May 5th to June 14th with a free opening reception Friday evening May 5th from 7-9 with live jazz blues by “Ganache.”
Barber Gallery, 167 Suffolk Street west in Guelph, 824-0821
Thanks
Leslie Hayes - office 824-8037

Why “Up North?”

Barry Hodgson:” I am immersed in the elements: rock, water, light, wind, rain, paint, paper, canvas, biology, history, companions. Each time I manage to focus clearly I discover something new about the life of the world, the materials and myself.”

Laura Coutts: ” At least once a year, no matter what, I have to go up there and sit on those rocks.”

Scott Abbott: “Early exposure to the Group of Seven and a lifetime of vacations in Northern Ontario have imprinted a permanent source of inspiration for my life and work.”

Leslie Miles:“Up North for me is an opportunity to paint non-stop for however many days I can break away from my normal routine. The new and interesting views excite me and inspire my work.”

Jane Graham: was the mover and shaker behind these painting trips and passed away in March 2005. This exhibition is the last chance to show with Jane and share with friends, families and community at large, northern Ontario experiences.

Here’s what it’s all about:
“Up North”

For generations, the lakes, forests, and rock of the boreal shield have shaped our national identity and psyche. Covering almost two thirds of our country, Canada’s largest ecosystem has left its imprint on some of our best art, literature and drama. To be still and silent in the solitude of this stable core of the North American continent is to feel that time, if only for a moment, has stood still. If we really listen, we hear the gentle hum of the underlying pulse of nature, where all of past existence co-exists elegantly and simultaneously with the present, where all that precedes us can never be forgotten, where all of time is one.

Composed of the most ancient rock on the planet, almost four billion years old, almost as old as time itself, we are reminded of our own origins, common ancestry, and the meaning of time. We are drawn again and again to this ancient shield of forests, rocks and glacial lakes, to share our collective Canadian experience. It is the ancient beauty and mystery of this land which compels our painters to express on canvas the innate and humbling human connection to this landscape, to catch a glimpse of time, revealed within it’s simple beauty.

It is in this spirit that we are pleased to present the works of Scott Abbott, Laura Coutts, Jane Graham, Barry Hodgson and Leslie Miles. Connected by their friendship and love of painting in Northern Ontario, they are all graduates of the University of Guelph’s Fine Art program. With a base near Parry Sound, their annual summer painting expedition takes them to their favorite destinations which include Espanola, Kilarney Park, Bay of Islands, Manitoulin Island, Georgian Bay Islands, as well as the many interior lakes and rivers in the area. Individual in style, each artist explores and interprets their relationship to the northern landscape in their own way. Together, as both painters and friends, their work often reflects the uniquely Canadian experience and reminiscences of what it means to be “Up North.”

With the loss in March of 2005 of their most dear friend Jane Graham, this collection of work reflects the group’s cherished times together, and the sharing with family, friends and the community, of their northern Ontario experiences.

The show runs from May 5th to June 14th 2006, with an opening wine and cheese reception Friday evening, May 5th from 7-9 P.M. Live Jazz/Blues will be performed by “Ganache.”

Barber Gallery

167 Suffolk Street West in Guelph

(519) 824-0821