Artists Jane Scheffler (left) and Ilene Steele both showed their paintings at the garden of potter Katie Foster during Art in the Garden last July. This year the event moves to the Osoyoos Desert Centre. (Richard McGuire file photo)
A popular July art event takes place this weekend with a new format, becoming Art in the Desert.
For the past five years, the event has been held in the gardens and studios of artists in Osoyoos, Cawston and Keremeos.
This year it will be held instead in the plaza at the Osoyoos Desert Centre when it takes place July 16 and 17.
The show includes original paintings, pottery, photography and jewelry.
Participating artists are Sherri Bridden, Sam Bjelland, Sanaz Busink, Lilian Grant, Barb Hofer, Peter Hovestad, Jocelyne Lamontagne, Sharon Leonard, Ronna Matlin, Greg Reely, Claudia Punter, Carollyne Sinclaire, Debra Thomson and Beverly Vorley.
The show runs from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. both days.
Regular admission to the Osoyoos Desert Centre applies, but coupons for $3 off regular admission during the two days of the show can be picked up at Osoyoos Home Hardware, Imperial Office Pro, Osoyoos Art Gallery, Lady Chadderton’s and Oliver Twist Estate Winery.
A tour on the desert walk is included with admission.
The event will also feature wine tasting by Oliver Twist Estate Winery.
Sharon Leonard, organizer of the event, said earlier this year that some artists were finding it too much work to host the event at their homes. The new format allows them to focus on getting their art ready, rather than worry about their gardens, studios and homes.
The Osoyoos Desert Society shares space with Osoyoos and District Arts Council above the Osoyoos Art Gallery, so the partnership made sense, Denise Eastlick, society executive director, said earlier this year.
“We get a firsthand look at some of the amazing talent in the community,” Eastlick said. “We are always looking for ways to partner with community organizations and we have wanted to do an art event for several years… Showcasing beautiful art in a spectacular desert setting is a perfect combination.”
The new format, which could continue in future years if it is successful, makes it a “one-stop shop,” Leonard said.
The previous Art in the Garden event required considerable driving to reach all the venues.
RICHARD McGUIRE
Osoyoos Times
