The Reach Gallery Museum Abbotsford continues its Culture, Coffee and Cookies mornings throughout March.
The free programs run every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at The Reach, 32388 Veterans Way.
On March 10, cartoonist pioneer Ernie Poignant presents “Poignant Moments: A Remarkable Perspective of Local History” from his illustrated book of the same title.
Poignant shares the stories of Swedish families in Matsqui around the 1900s when his grandfather, Carl Emil Poignant, first purchased a homestead on Sumas Mountain before settling in the Ridgedale part of Matsqui in 1907.
Poignant’s illustrated narrative continues into the 1920s and ‘30s.
On March 17, recording vocalist, musician and instructor Catherine Merkel presents “Translucent: Songs and Stories on Faith, Family and Friends.”
She shares stories and sings old jazz standards, pieces from musical theatre, classical repertoire and inspirational music.
On March 24, Dave MacDonald and Stan Hindmarsh of Hallmark Retirement Communities talk about “Weaving Past and Future: Guatemalan Students, Their Heritage, and Their Dreams.”
Tying into the current Mayan textiles exhibition at The Reach, they will explain their involvement in the lives of communities and young students in Guatemala. They will also show hands-on examples of antique weavings and videos of how these are created on backstrap looms.
The last program is on March 31 and features Morian Perepelitza with his “Docent Led Tour of Ancestry and Artistry: Maya Textiles from Guatemala.”
His presentation looks at how cloth is of great importance to Guatemala’s indigenous communities and how their traditional dress plays an essential role in Maya identity today.
People interested in attending any of the sessions are asked to register by calling 604-864-8087 or visiting the website thereach.ca/events-programs and clicking the link to register.