Members of the Osoyoos Lake Water Quality Society posed for a photo last summer on the boat they use to conduct water sampling on Osoyoos Lake during the summer. The society also works to educate people about the lake and the challenges it faces. In back from left are Birgit Arnstein, Stu Wells, Brian Faltinson and Denis Potter. Alicia Osland, front, stepped down from the board last summer after 20 years as a key player. (Richard McGuire file photo)
Perhaps you remember the fun you had in art class at school many years ago. Or perhaps you’ve dreamed of expressing your artistic talent, but were afraid to try.
The Osoyoos Lake Water Quality Society (OLWQS) is planning a fundraising event that might just be up your alley. And you can do your bit to promote Osoyoos Lake at the same time.
The event, Paint and Sip Social, takes place Saturday, March 19 from 7 to 10 p.m. in the Vineyard Ballroom at the Watermark Beach Resort.
Participants pay $20 each, which includes nibbles, wine tasting, art supplies and guidance from at least two experienced artists.
“The idea is that adults rarely go out and play and do something just for fun,” said Birgit Arnstein, OLWQS president. “There’s no intention that you’re going to come home with a brilliant piece of art, but maybe you will. Maybe you’ll surprise yourself and discover some new skills that you didn’t know you had, or a new pleasure you’d like to engage further.”
Participants will be given materials to do an acrylic painting inspired by Osoyoos Lake, said Arnstein.
There to provide pointers will be acclaimed local young artist Karsten Coty-Scholl, whose pop art portraits of movie-inspired characters were featured in a solo exhibition at the Osoyoos Art Gallery last May.
Also helping is Alan Bleiken, who has conducted art sessions at JoJo’s Café in the past and is also artistically talented.
Arnstein said other artists and artistic people may also come to help participants get started.
The March fundraiser is to help OLWQS hold an Osoyoos Lake Appreciation Day on the Saturday of the May long weekend. That event with music is planned for Gyro Park to raise awareness about the lake.
Arnstein said the idea for the Paint and Sip Social came about as a result of a conversation she had with Ingrid Jarrett, general manager of Watermark Beach Resort.
Jarrett was enthusiastic about OLWQS’s plans for Osoyoos Lake Appreciation Day because the resort hotel is also keen to promote the lake.
Arnstein subsequently brainstormed with Nicole Oaten, catering and events manager at Watermark, and the two came up with the format.
“We wanted if possible to draw some of the snowbirds before they leave,” said Arnstein. “Snowbirds might find this interesting.”
Consideration was given to having someone judge the paintings, but in the end that idea was dropped, Arnstein said, because her group didn’t want to put pressure on art novices in a fun event.
Participants will be able to take their paintings home, although Arnstein said OLWQS would love to be able to display the work of a few participants who are willing.
OLWQS, whose mandate includes weekly testing by volunteers of water on Osoyoos Lake during the summer, as well as education about the lake, is always looking for new members, Arnstein said.
More information about the group is available at OsoyoosLake.ca.
In addition to wine tasting sponsored by local wineries, refreshments will also be sold at Paint and Sip.
A limited number of tickets are available for $20 each through the front desk of Watermark Beach Resort or at Imperial Office Pro.
RICHARD McGUIRE
Osoyoos Times
Local artist Karsten Coty-Scholl will give pointers to novice artists. (Richard McGuire file photo)
