The wine Festival has passed and it was a roaring success. We had record-breaking attendance this year.
As an owner of a local bed and breakfast, I can vouch for the busy weekend we just had. Our own guests visited countless wineries and purchased more than $4,000 worth of wine and $1,200 worth of art, as well as restaurant meals while here. Now that is good for the local economy.
I am glad of course that art was part of their purchase. Does it mean that art is the second most desirable commodity for sale in Oliver? No, probably not. It would be nice, however, and make the artists at the Oliver Art Gallery very happy.
During October, the Oliver Art Gallery will be featuring a “figures” theme. Our artists have produced some very interesting works for this show. We have all been working very hard producing new art every month since we have adopted the monthly theme program.
For November the gallery will be featuring abstract art. It should be interesting to see if some of us absolute realist painters will be able to come up with something abstract.
The Oliver Art Gallery will also be holding art classes this fall. There will be three classes available taught by our artists – acrylic/oil for beginners, acrylic for advanced painters and sketching of the human form. They will all be six-week courses where you will be able to learn and become a better artist.
The gallery is planning a calendar for the year 2016. We want to fill the pages with your favourite paintings for each month and we want you to choose them. We will hold a vote each month and have forms ready for the public to come in and vote. Please come by and cast your vote once a month.
We are located at 6046 Main Street and are open Tuesday to Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm. Come and visit one of the artist owners and have an artistic conversation.
See you at the gallery.
Steve Staresina
Special to the Chronicle
