I'm looking forward to starting up a series of Art Chats this fall - Q&A sessions with local artists of all types. If you know of anyone who'd be interested, or if you're an artist who'd be interested yourself, please contact me. You can e-mail me at jmaclellan@royalcityrecord.com.

And, for those who are social media inclined, you can also find me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/juliemaclellan.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY

For those who are thinking arty thoughts on these sunny August days, I thought I should offer a heads-up about the exhibitions at the Arts Council of New Westminster gallery.

You won't want to miss the current exhibition, Moments in Time, featuring work by Cheryl Nordvik. It's underway at the gallery just until today (Saturday, Aug. 28), and it features a combination of Impressionism, New Age and Post-Modern work.

Coming up next is Portraits and Portents, featuring work by Theresa Kitos and Lora-Lynn Oxenbury, running from Aug. 31 to Oct. 2. That exhibition will offer different interpretations of the same subject, with works in oil, pastel and charcoal. The gallery is open 1 to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at Centennial Lodge in Queen's Park.

Call 604-525-3244 or visit the website at www.artscouncilnewwest.org for more details.

ARTISTS WANTED

Artists and artisans, are you looking to make new connections in the arts world?

The arts council can help.

The Arts Council of New Westminster has put out a call for artists, artisans and crafters in all disciplines.

"Contacting the (arts council) will put you in touch with businesses, collectors and others who can help change your future," a note from the arts council says.

The arts council is particularly looking for artists who work in sculpture (various media and sizes) and stained glass (large and small format), as well as those who create large-format works in various media. Also wanted are artisans who create high-quality gift items.

Call the arts council at 604-525-3244 for more details.

GET A GREAT DEAL ON GREAT MOVIES

Film buffs, don't forget to buy your season passes for the Last Mondays at the Movies series.

The series, which is offered by the Arts Council of New Westminster, in conjunction with Massey Theatre and the Toronto International Film Festival's Film Circuit, brings award-winning independent, Canadian and foreign films to the big screen at Massey Theatre on the last Monday of each month.

The series is on summer break but will resume in September.

You can buy an early-bird pass for $65 for all nine movies in the 2010/11 season. Call 604-525-3244 or e-mail info@artscouncilnewwest.org.

Do you have an item for Lively City? Send arts and entertainment items to Julie, jmaclellan@royalcityrecord.com. Visit her In the Spotlight blog at www.royalcityrecord.com - click on the Opinion tab and follow the link under Blogs.