28 - Sunday, July §, 1990 - North Shore News “ART, LIKE poetry and philos- ophy, tries to expand horizons,” says Ron Falcioni. Reporter The Capilano College drawing instructor is hoping that his new West Vancouver gallery, Gallery Alpha, will do just that. And with its first show, Eros at Alpha, a group exhibit of erotic art, Falcioni is already establishing a name for his gallery as one that will exhibit “art with serious content, art that is honest and engaging." “We're looking at art that at- tempts to embrace more complex issues rather than look pretty ir a living room,” he says. The gallery, located at 207- 1331 Marine Drive in West Vancouver, is the brainchild of artist Falcioni and partner/artist Charles Keillor. The two dreamed up the idea of opening ‘‘a real gallery’’ in West Vancouver last December, one that would focus on experi- mental art as opposed to purely decorative work. In time, they hope to form a calendar that would feature one-person or group showings on a regular, monthly basis. Although Gallery Alpha will not be exlusively devoted to eroticism, Falcioni believes it’s important to make a strong first statement about the gallery’s philosophy. “It (Eros at Alpha) shows New gallery more than pretty en oe % * NEWS photo Cindy Goodman CHARLES KEILLOR (left) and Ron Falcioni are celebrating the grand opening of their new art gallery with an exhibit entitled Eros at Alpha beginaing July 9. In the background is a painting by local artist Chris Blades. we're not just trying to promote easy images or tread an estab- lished, safe path. I think con- troversy is important.”’ Eros at Alpha opens on Mon- day, July 9 at 7:30 p.m. and will run until August 15. It features Discover Tokyo treasures From page 27 example, imagine an enclosure heaped with multi varieties of seaweed and in the centre a white suited young man chopping indi- vidual requests to order, seated on a low stool and using a machete- sized knife. I could have spent a full day on the china-kitchenware floor. It has everything available from any- where in the world. The same floor has a bathroom accessory area and should you be thinking of any redecorating... 1 searched for months to find things like special towel racks and china soap dishes here. The choice in Takashimaya is incredible. One interesting note: Sets of dishes in Japan are packed in fives instead of the even numbers we're used to. Our next stop was a great piace for the boutique lover. The stree: is called Omote Sando Dori (1 have a note that the main cross street is Meyidori Ave.). It stretches for blocks, lined with expensive and exclusive shops — mostly clothing and shoes. There are some that cater to the youth of today — the Bootlegger sort and they appeared to be do- ing a roaring trade. We’re always told about the high price of food in Japan, but you can get many reasonably- priced meals along the Omote Sando Dori. The restaurants exhibit plastic replicas of the meals and have bi- lingual menus in the windows. I noted a few names: look for El Pollo Loco, the Apple Tree (sandwiches for about $5-6) and for Japanese fare — yakitori at Benetton was only 550 yen. I stepped into one sushi bar — the dishes circled the counter on a moving belt. The diner helped himself as they went by, prices were tallied at the end of the meal by the plate (something like dim sum) and the average price per plate was 125 yen. Also. watch for Bazaar — I'm told it’s fascinating, featuring products from all over the Orient. Unfor- tunately, it's closed Thursdays, the day we were there. We spent quite some time in the Antique Market — 361 Kita the Oriental Aoyama, Minadoku. Just as so many antique dealers have done in North America, a number of dealers have set up shop together, and Brian had a hard time prying me out of the place. Now for the best bit of shopp- ing I found in Tokyo. I love dishes, especially unusual pottery. There is one street in Tokyo that is a wholesale restaurant supply centre — blocks and blocks of shops catering to every grade of restaurant — everything from cheap little rice bowls and chopsticks by the case lot to ex- quisite serving plates and bowls for the finest gourmet places. The district is Asakusa Area, the street is Kappabashi and the closest subway stop is Inaricho Station. We got there by subway, but by the time I was through buying we needed a cab to get back! If I'd had a truck and a private jet to get me home you'd be unable to get in our front door for mer- chandise. Don’t miss it! Also, the merchants are the best packers in the world — they wrapped, padded and strapped my packages with wide plastic hand grips. We didn’t shop on the Ginza. We hadn't time, but, just between us, I couldn’t have cared less. We drove through it several times and saw the crowds by day and the lights by night. One warn- ing | was given by a Japanese lady — don’t try the Ginza on weekends — it’s a zoo. My biggest regret is not visiting the Tsukiji Fish Market. Unfortu- nately, the best time to visit is very early in the morning, but every day we had another carly appointment and couldn’t risk be- ing fate. I don’t have a lot of con- fidence in my ability to get around Tokyo FAST. if you have the time, go. One caution I was given: wear your ‘grubs’? -—- the fish get heaved around and you'll get splashed with anything going. Enough about Tokyo for a couple of weeks — in fact, I’m going to wait until Brian is out of town before [ tell you about my big brave husband and the top of the Tokyo Tower, work by Falcioni, Keillor, a highly-realistic illustrator, and sculpture by West Vancouver’s Davide Pan; illustrations by Blair Drawson and artists Alvin Jang; Chris Blades, Ted Kingan, Marta Pan and Jan Wade. Distribution Manager, Barb Emo and staff in Accompanying the exhibit will! be about 10 early "50s original paintings by Salvador Dali. Fal- cioni says while some may find Dali’s art offensive, they are atypical works nonetheless and well-produced. Summer daycamps offered DON’T JUST sit around during the summer holidays. Eagle Har- bour Community Centre is offer- ing activities for all ages. Join the Kids In Motion day camps and enjoy activities such as jumping the waves at the Newton Wave Pool, exploring Bowen Island, or riding the tram up Grouse Mountain. Camps run for week-long sessions from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Costs range between $53- 63. Tots Mini Camps provide special activities for preschoolers with weekly themes such as Splash Into Summer, Carnival Kids, Dino Daze and Afternoon Adventure This is a two-hour daily program where children can participate in games, crafts, cooking, outdoor activities and special events. For teens, a variety of programs is offered, both in and out of town. Teens can cycle the Gulf Islands or ride a mountain bike at Whistler, hike the Black Tusk or spend a week discovering Van- couver’s cultural diversity. The Outdoor Adventure and Teen Scene programs are for 12 to 15- year-olds and cost between $53- 199, Pre-registration is required for all activities. For more informa- tion, call 921-7425, their new office. NEWS Distribution gets new digs Our NEWS Distribution office has just got a whole lot handier. You'll find it around the back of the building on the lower level. Spacious, attractive offices have been created to provide you with easier access, and, to provide more comfortable working conditions for our employees. So, when you need back issues of the NEWS, extra copies, or are delivering flyers, head for Distribution’s new digs — around the back on the lower level. Some parking is available. THE VOICE OF NORT11 AND WEST VANCOUVER: ‘north shore SUNDAY +» WEDNESDAY - FRIDAY Distribution 986-1337 8:30-4:30 Monday-Friday 4129 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver