Osoyoos artist Sharon Leonard is organizing this year’s Art Walk Osoyoos on July 27. Leonard also organized Art in the Desert, which replaces the former Art in the Garden. (File photo)

By Vanessa Broadbent

Osoyoos Times

Local artists are getting ready to showcase their work along Osoyoos’ Main Street for the second annual Art Walk Osoyoos on July 27.

Organized by Osoyoos artist Sharon Leonard, the event is now in its ninth year, but only the second in Osoyoos’ downtown.

Originally called Art in the Garden and hosted outside artists’ residences, the event also took place at the Osoyoos Desert Centre for several years where it was known as Art in the Desert.

“We decided to move it in to town due to weather problems and I think this is a better fit because it’s easier for everybody and most of them can be inside in case the storms blow,” Leonard said.

The event will feature local artists’ work on display and for sale at local venues including Bordertown Vineyards and Estate Winery, The Art Gallery Osoyoos, Bits and Bites Café, Jojo’s Café, Okanagan Art Gallery and Boston Pizza.

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Venues are all within walking distance of each other, some offering wine and cheese samplings. Jojo’s Café will also be hosting live music.

Hosting the event at local businesses, Leonard hopes to make attending more accessible.

“People can do it casually; it’s not like walking into a gallery where they’re often afraid to bring their dog or their kids in,” she said. “This is more casual and it’s open to everyone.”

Including work already on display at participating galleries, Leonard predicts that between 50 and 70 artists from across the South Okanagan will show work throughout the night, ranging in mediums including paintings, pottery, jewelry, weaving, quilting, sculpture, glass work and photography.

“It’s all original art,” Leonard said. “We have a very creative, artistic community and I think we should celebrate that.”

The Art Walk Osoyoos takes place on July 27 from 6 to 9:30 p.m.