Arts & Culture

Yesterday I had the privilege of meeting Alberta's Minister of Culture Heather Klimchuk at a meeting with the Creative Airdrie Society.  What a vibrant, positive and inspiring woman!  I am proud to be a member of a growing arts community and really am grateful to live here.

I was also excited this morning to read the article in our local newspaper about my nomination for the Lt. Governor Artist of Distinction Award.  Really, really a huge honour for which I am beyond grateful (http://eedition.airdrieecho.com/doc/Airdrie-Echo/airdrie_02272013/2013022701/#20). 

And finally, I recently finished a fabulous book by a local Calgary author which was amazing!  Better even than I had anticipated.  Which is saying a lot.

419
by Will Ferguson

This story revolves around the Nigerian '419' or 'advance-fee' internet scam which works on the premise that if a large dollar amount is transferred and held for a short period of time to your personal bank account you will be richly rewarded.  What I found the most interesting about this story, besides the fact that it initially takes place in Calgary, was the viewpoint of both ends of the spectrum, of both the victim and the perpetrator.  It is a story so beautifully written that I felt for everyone involved and could see the horror and the beauty of two different worlds.  No wonder Mr. Ferguson received the highly coveted 2012 Scotiabank Giller Prize.  Definitely a recommended read.