April is national poetry month, and in Sarnia, local award winning poets will share the spotlight with two Hamilton writers as they not only pay tribute to Al Purdy, one of Canada’s most legendary poets but will also introduce five poetry books and showcase their latest work during a celebration reading Sunday, April 18, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Lawrence House Centre for the Arts.

Highlights of the afternoon include the Sarnia launch of And Left a Place to Stand On: Poems and Essays on Al Purdy, a 224 page anthology featuring the works of 54 Canadian poets. James Deahl, an author of 18 books and Jeff Seffinga, who edits the biannual Tower Poetry and has authored 9 poetry collections, will join local writers Peggy Fletcher and Debbie Okun Hill in sharing their work from the book.

The anthology is edited by Allan Briesmaster, John B. Lee, Linda Rogers, and R. D. Roy. One hundred percent of the profits from the book sales are going to The Al Purdy A-frame Trust to help save his historic home for a writers’ retreat.

 

The Lawrence House Centre for the Arts is proud and pleased to announce that TransAlta has generously donated $2500 towards our ongoing program, The Garbage Can Connection, a collaborative venture between the LHCA, The Pathways Health Centre for Children and The City of Sarnia. This art program provides children with disabilities the opportunity to create colourful works of art on city garbage cans to be distributed throughout the parks in our community. The Lawrence House Centre for the Arts is most grateful for TransAlta's commitment to The Garbage Can Connection community's youth and looks forward to a continued relationship with our newest Community Partner!

March Break are for children ages 6 - 12 who are interested in getting a taste of art during the break.

Children will explore many different kinds of art such as painting, drawing, and sculpture.

JOHN WING AT THE IMPERIAL THEATRE SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2010.Tickets $36.00 All Proceeds support the Lawrence House Centre for the Arts. Fumbling for that last minute Christmas Gift? It’s not too late!Book those funny-bones into the Imperial Theatre for a load of laughs with Sarnia’s own John Wing! Since his high school debut in the role of an irreverent student, John Wing has entertained millions from Moscow to Moose Jaw as one of Canada’s ambassador to the kingdom of stand up comedians. John has often been seen on “The Tonight Show”, “Late Night WithDavid Letterman”, “Just for Laughs”, “Comics”, and heard on CBC Radio, in his own creation - “Man, Woman, Child”, and “The Debaters”, in addition to being found at other venues like your last Vegas trip, Caribbean cruise, Aunt Emmy’s 80th birthday party, and countless other guest appearances. Guys, if you forgot Valentine’s Day, here’s your chance to recoup your losses by telling her it was all in “the plan”, and girls – your best chance to get him to learn those four special words every woman wants to hear. Either way you’ll get a dose of John’s acerbic wit, worldly wisdom, and whimsical musical musings. Don’t delay! Book today! Sunday, February 21! 7:30 pm …by that point in the winter, we’ll all need a good laugh. For tickets contact: The Imperial Theatre (519) 332-6591 http://www.imperialtheatre.net/menu.php?list=478&page=55 For more information on John Wing: {youtube}bOsLBxeRF6c {/youtube} http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2753349646886716922# or his recently released autobiography “When the Red Light Goes On, Get Off-My Life in Comedy” Black Moss Press ISBN 978-0-88753455-3 $17.95 (or less, at undiscovered secondhand bookstores everywhere)

 

The Lawrence House will be closed from Monday December 21st until Monday January 4th. Happy Holidays to all! Sincerely, The Board of Directors, and the staff and volunteers