Those of us who have long been working towards building the arts community on the Peninsula feel that this month we have certainly reached a plateau!
The ‘flag ship’, of course, is the Sidney Fine Art Show.
Many of you know that a show of this calibre takes the committee a year to prepare and then relies on the help of almost 300 volunteers to keep its polished look.
At the opening night ceremony, Sheryl Mackay of CBC’s weekend morning show, presented the awards for works selected by the three jurors. One new special award was given in the name of Diane Thorp who over the last few years has dedicated all her time and creative energy into forming the show. It is now one of the most respected in BC as is evident by the number of artists who flock to compete for entry.
Because the show has gained such respect and attracts over 5,000 visitors during the three days and because the studio tour happens at the end of the month, it was decided to build a whole event, the ArtSea Festival, with these two shows at each end of the week. The organizers of the festival arranged to have demonstrations by artists and crafts people in various shops, author readings along with book prizes in book stores. They have also worked with musical groups to provide concerts.
The next show opening at the arts centre in Tulista Park will be Artisans Christmas Gift Gallery. It opens Oct. 29 and runs until Dec. 23. Crafts people who would like to be part of the show should check the Arts Council web site www.cacsp.com or call the centre at 250-656-7400.
During the summer many of you enjoyed the paintings on the fish market building on the Beacon Pier. Coordinator Ethel Mailhot announced the people’s choice awards.
In first place was Seal on the Rocks by Gail Brown, in second place, A Special Friend by Nancy Rotolo and in third place, Puffin Billy by Roger White. The works will be taken to the Community Art Centre for further display.