Victoria Beer Week events offer art as well as beer

The second annual Victoria Beer Week starts on Saturday, and All Points West's arts columnist says the festival offers lots of events for those who enjoy the arts as much as beer.

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Amanda Farrell-Low spoke with Victoria Beer Week organizer Chris Long, who told her creativity is a big part of Victoria's bustling craft-beer scene.

"It's really crucial that the week represents more than just drinking beer," said Long. "We're an artistic community."

Here are some of Farrell-Long's suggestions for arts events to check out during the week.

Drink In The Story
Mar. 10, 7 p.m.
The Drake Eatery

Three renowned B.C. brewers tell the story behind their breweries and one of their beers, offering insight into some of their inspiration, frustration, education and craft. Beer pairings available to accompany each story.

Beer and Books
Mar. 10, 7 p.m.
Victoria Public Library

Readings by local beer writer Adem Tepedelen, author of Brewtal Truth Guide to Extreme Beers: An All-Excess Pass to Brewings Outer Limits, and brewing historian Greg Evans.

Craft (film screening)
Mar. 12, 7 p.m.
The Atrium

This feature documentary by filmmaker and brewer Craig Noble explores craft brewing all over North America. The film will be followed by a Q&A panel with Noble.

Fantasy Beer Label Art Show
Mar. 12, 7 p.m.
Wolfsheep Arthouse

This is the second year for this event, which organizers say was very popular last year. Festival organizers invited designers to create beer labels for eight fantasy beers.

To listen to the full interview, click on the audio labelled: Arts events to check out at Victoria Beer Week