Plein Air inspires many
Congratulations to the 1st Annual Ashcroft Plein Air Event award winners: 1st Prize – Desiree Bond of Victoria and 2nd prize was to John H. Burrow of Sorrento.
The Winding Rivers Arts and Performance Society would also like to congratulate local artist and event organizer, Pauline Olgivie and the Ashcroft Art Club. Plus a big thank you to WRAPS committee organizer
Jo-Anne Portman and her crew for a great effort at this inaugural event which helped produce some of the most beautiful and captivating works from the event’s many talented Artists.
Just over 40 Artists from all over BC began painting around various spots in the Ashcroft area on Tuesday and Wednesday of last week. Plein air translates literally as ‘in full air’. With that in mind, some parked themselves and their easels in the far reaches of the Mesa Vista, on highway pullouts over looking the Ashcroft hills; others on the downtown roadsides and the mighty Thompson River’s edges.
They painted a few canvasses each day – some up to four or five, with some still drying in the Ashcroft winds (but no doubt just in time for a reception viewing and voting that took place before Wednesday’s Music In The Park at Heritage Place Park). Combining the two events was beautiful night of creative sharing. They were both well attended successful events! Many were very impressed by the talent and support in our Community!
Ashcroft resident and Councillor Jackie Tegart called it: “A wonderful display of incredible art! Reminds us of what a beautiful area we live in, seeing it through the eyes of the artists. Thank you to all who were involved.”
And from local Artist Jo Petty: “The Artists that I spoke with without exception were awestruck by the beauty of this area – I’m speaking of out of towners, most of whom had not been here before. Locals already know how beautiful it is! I think a wonderful thing has started and will only grow bigger with great repercussions for our area.”
Some of the participating artists’ works will be available for sale and will hang in the Art Walk Gallery on Railway Ave. All organizers are looking forward to the 2nd Annual Ashcroft Plein Air Event next year. Thanks to all the volunteers and attendees that created the vision, and trusted the process. Looking forward to more.
More Music In the Park
Winding Rivers Arts and Performance Society would like to thank everyone who has come out for the first two Wednesday nights of entertainment.
We welcome a familiar Ashcroft face and friend – Lee Desmarais will have his concession stand with coffee, ice tea, popcorn and hotdogs at MIP throughout the summer.
On Wednesday, June 13 don’t miss sideman/producer extraordinaire turned Singer-Songwriter and ex-Ashcroft resident John Ellis, with Nadine Davenport opening. Onstage or in studio, playing guitars,banjo, dobro, mandolin, and keyboards, John’s versatility in styles from rock to funk to folk to country has made him a favorite with recording artists and audiences alike. It will be no doubt a great experience hearing a Johnnie Ellis-penned song as he worked and produced with some of the best!
Don’t miss Sabrina Weeks trio on Wednesday, June 27. Sabrina Weeks & Swing Cat Bounce Trio offer up a generous helping of the swinging bouncing boogie blues. The songs are light hearted with a twist of naughty, the melodies are infectious.
On Wednesday, July 11 listen to the Celtic melodies of Littlehouse. They are an acoustic duo based in southwestern Nova Scotia, specializing in original instrumental compositions with a Celtic flavour. Charlie Wilson plays Irish flute and whistles, and Jude Pelley plays guitars, mandolin, and Appalachian dulcimer. Their music is atmospheric; rich and complex, drawing on both traditional and contemporary influences.
Get your dancing shoes on for Jungal on Wednesday, July 25. These gals know how to have fun! These three powerful young women create their own brand of Australian-flavoured indie roots music blended with folk, soul and rock. A great night to party down along with local opening act, the Ghengis Gandhis’ who play a unique sound, grown from the desert, straight into your ears, minds and hearts.
Get your Celtic groove on when Cod Gone Wild come to town on Wednesday Aug. 15. The group specializes in Maritime folk music with a modern twist – resulting in a rich and transparent ensemble sound that brings fire to some great foot-stomping jigs, reels and ceilidh party music.
The MITP 2012 finale will be no doubt a treat. Come and dance and celebrate the end of the summer with a gathering of regional musicians who have formed a band called Mudville. If you remember from last summer – the impressive pipes from young lady named Joy. Well..this night should give a clear indication of how talented this gal actually is – go for it Joy! Mudville will be nailing down everything from Led Zepplin to Amanda Marshall.
The WRAP Society hopes you enjoy the music all summer long! Look for posters around town and take home one of the small handouts that will be available at local retailers. Also why not check out www.windingriversarts.ca for info on all the upcoming artists and their music.
Desert Daze Artists Announced!
You won’t want to miss the 3rd Annual Desert Daze Festival, Aug. 17-19 in Spences Bridge.
What a great lineup of artists they have for this year’s Festival: The Boom Booms, Gary Comeau & The Voodoo Allstars, Maria in the Shower, Linda McRae with special guest Stephen Nikleva, Sean Ashby, The Johnson Brothers, Lorne Warr & Jennie Bice, Rockland Moran, Emily Spiller and Nadine Davenport.
This little festival celebrates community and rural BC with an incredible musical line-up, family activities, educational workshops, farm displays and often, hot weather. Advanced tickets on sale now! Volunteer, media or vendor inquiries can go to Maya at info@desertdaze.ca
Nadine Davenport
