There’s a big party being planned to honour the artists of Sidney’s Seaside Sculpture Walk next month.
For the Love of Art — a gala and art show at the Sidney Pier Hotel is set for Feb. 12, celebrating the naming of the winner of the People’s Choice Award. The votes for that are still being taken online and in print form by the Town of Sidney. Administrative assistant and People’s Choice Award co-ordinator Paula Kully says they have received 150-plus nominations from the community to date.
People have until Jan. 31 to choose their favourite sculpture on the waterfront walkway. The winner will have their work purchased by the Town and added to its permanent collection.
Kully noted the town is looking for other sponsorships to create second and third place awards out of this event. The municipality, she continued, is working with the Community Arts Council of the Saanich Peninsula in putting on the gala in February — as well as working on having the Arts Council take on a larger role in the Sculpture Walk in future. Board member Rick Silas, who owns a glass art studio in town next to the Mary Winspear Centre, has been contacting the sculptors whose work lines the waterfront walkway, inviting them to the event. He is vice-president of the Vancouver Island Sculpture Guild.
“We have room for probably a half-dozen (sculptures) or other artwork,” Silas said. “It’s not hard getting a hold of the artists and I’m sure many will come.”
The gala will combine art and refreshments with a Valentine’s Day theme, considering the time of the year.
People who wish to attend the gala on Feb. 12 must RSVP by Feb. 5 to rsvpsidneysculptureawards@gmail.com or call 250-656-7400.