Council has agreed to support a project to install paintings in the gazebo next to town hall that reflect the agricultural history of Osoyoos.
The request for $500 to offset the costs of paint, brushes and wood came from resident Janis St. Louis, who is involved in numerous activities supporting arts and music.
The paintings will be done by two local artists, Sharon Leonard and Nancy Gray. They will be painted on wood.
“I love these asks,” said Councillor Mike Campol, expressing enthusiasm for the idea. “I love the quails, I love the work done on the side of the Home Hardware Building. Any time we’re helping to utilize and exploit the talent we have in our community, that fits in with the messaging we want to send as a community, it’s a huge win.”
Campol pointed out that the $500 expense should be seen in light of what these artists would charge to produce a painting that would be sold commercially.
Barry Romanko, Town of Osoyoos chief administrative officer, said there would be two pictures. Gerald Davis, director of community services, said they would be installed permanently rather than seasonally.
Mayor Sue McKortoff pointed out that the wood can be taken down if ever, for example, the gazebo needs to be re-stuccoed.
Councillor Carol Youngberg asked about the town’s responsibility if they were ever covered with graffiti.
Davis said the town could simply take them down.
RICHARD McGUIRE
Osoyoos Times
