Place des Arts offers adults the chance to ignite their creative spirit and discover all that the centre has to offer at the inaugural adults-only open house and gala exhibition reception, Ignite . . . an affair with art, on Thursday, September 9 from 7 - 9 pm.

Ignite is a free event, sponsored by Rigamarole winery, the Tri-City News and the V3H.com, designed as an elegant evening out for adults to explore the world of art.

The public is invited to sip a complimentary glass of Rigamarole wine while they listen to music performed by one of Place des Arts' top piano students and view exhibitions by artists Cameron MacDonald, Dawn Emerson and Place des Arts' teachers and staff.

MacDonald and Emerson will offer floor talks, while many of the centre's teachers will provide an opportunity to try a variety of visual arts techniques, from fibre arts and drawing and painting to mixed-media, ceramic art, photography and jewelry making.

A number of fabulous door prizes include six pairs of tickets to Vancouver Opera's production of Lillian Alling and a pair of tickets to Place des Arts 2010-11 Faculty Concert season. As well, attendees who register for an adult class during the event receive $10 off the registration fee.

Adults who live in the Tri-Cities need not travel into Vancouver to receive top quality arts education; Place des Arts offers a wide variety of art classes as well as private music lessons right in our own backyard. The centre's skilled teachers, many of whom also offer classes at top institutions in Vancouver, ignite creativity and nurture talent in a warm, welcoming environment.

Place des Arts' well-equipped studios enhance learning and provide an opportunity unmatched throughout the Lower Mainland for students to work on the potter's wheel, learn to weave on table and floor looms, spin yarn the old fashioned way on a spinning wheel or develop and enhance drawing, painting and mixed-media art skills.

For those who have always longed to play an instrument, Place des Arts music teachers offer lessons in a wide variety of instruments for beginner to advanced-level players. Thirteen music studios host upright pianos, while four of them also boast grand pianos. Music teachers are available to teach in any style, from pop to jazz and classical.

For anyone who has yet to discover Place des Arts, Ignite . . . an affair with art is the perfect opportunity. Those who already know and love the centre are encouraged to drop by the open house, bring a friend and enjoy an evening of art, music and wine.

For more information, visit www.placedesarts.ca or call 604.664.1636.

-30-

Media Contact: Kate Lancaster | klancaster@placedesarts.ca | 604.664-1636