A Celebration of Summer Solstice

This dynamic performance event was held in 2013 on June 21, 22 and 23 at Orkney Farm on Denman Island to honor the inner and outer light of Summer Solstice. Solstice is a sacred time of year that is celebrated across all cultures and religions, marking the longest day of the year and the time of greatest light. We celebrated the Sun’s role in the cycle of life and the Sun’s importance to the Great Wheel of the Earth’s seasons.

The performance was held in a large old barn built in the late 19th century. The venue accommodated 40 audience members per show. The light pours through the natural openings in the barn board walls, creating a magical space. As the performance progressed, we slowly slid the massive barn door open to reveal the full light of the afternoon sun. The performance was inter-faith, involving a medicine woman who opened the direction, a church choir and chants were offered by leaders in the Sikh faith. Other performances included dance, song, poetry and video.

Nichola Clark, painter, contributed a farm landscape and Cynthia Minden, sculptor and mixed media artist, contributed woven sculptures.

The event raised funds for the Green Burial on Denman Island. Information about the Green Burial can be found at:
http://www.canadiangeographic.ca/magazine/ja11/denman_island_green_cemetery.asp
http://www.infocusmagazine.ca/2010/eternally-green/
http://www.comoxvalleyrecord.com/news/166484846.html?mobile=true