On the evening of October 24th, Vancouver-based author and activist Christine Leclerc led the Community Arts Council and guests through an enlightening environmental writing workshop. Leclerc is the primary author of a poetry book that’s lines of verse stretch far longer than the pipeline they protest. Lately Leclerc has been recording the sounds, sights, and aura of the Burrard Inlet beaches.
Throughout the workshop Leclerc encouraged Salon attendees to conjure up memories of beloved Vancouver shorelines, thereby reminding them of the beaches’ personal and public value. It soon became clear that these memories may become the sole remnants of the Inlet as we know it; the Inlet is currently threatened by the plans of two corporate “monsters”, Kinder and Morgan.
After a powerful presentation by Tanker-Free BC’s AJ Klein, on the exact nature, magnitude and imminence of this threat, Leclerc guided the audience in forming a definition of a “monster.” The group identified characteristics shared by fictitious and historical villains, which it then applied to the collective imagining of the main character of an environmental horror story that could very well come true: The Burrard Inlet Tanker. During the break, attendees also had a chance to help write the real future of Burrard Inlet, by learning about various petitions and events organized by pipeline protesters.
The Eco-Arts Committee would like to thank Nesters Market for providing edible goodies and Divine Vines for their donation of a lovely bouquet of flowers. Join the Eco-Arts Team on November 28th for an exciting Eco-Arts Salon in which we learn about the efforts of even more environmental heroes. Willie Blizzard, an indie/roots touring band, will share what its like to make band merchandise out of green materials and will give us a special performance of their nature- and environment-themed music.
Author: Bryn