The Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens Art and Bloom Festival attracts an eclectic mix of artists, from painters and potters to sculptors and jewelers.
Participating exhibitors come from all over Vancouver Island to display their works in this world-renowned garden. The three-day event, which begins this Saturday, has become one of the premiere arts and culture events in the Comox Valley.
There are visual artists who work in oils, watercolors, acrylics and pastel as well as sculptors who transform wood, stone and metal into works of art that many galleries would be proud to display. Art in the gardens though comes in many forms.
There are exquisite works made from glass, fabric and leather along with fine jewelry designs that are hand crafted, one of a kind pieces that are in themselves showcases for precious metals and gems.
The art and exhibits are only one aspect of the festival. During the course of the three-day event, various musicians will play throughout the gardens.
From the classical guitar of Brad Prevedoros to the world music of Jorge Alfaro, the blues performed by Alan Jossul and perennial favorites Judy and Bruce Wing. The music does not stop there as the festival also features performances by Tracy Canil, the Snow Monkeez and the Many Waters Band.
The festival revolves around the fact that at this time of the year there are literally thousands of rhododendrons and spring flowers in bloom which makes the gardens themselves a work of art.
“We knew we had a special place and have been told by some tour groups like Britain’s National Trust and the Montreal Garden Club that the gardens are one of the world’s finest informal gardens that they have visited,” says owner Bryan Zimmerman. “ When we came up with the idea of having a festival, we wanted to create an event that would work with the natural setting and at the same time provide an opportunity for artists to exhibit and sell their work in a relaxed peaceful environment.”
Over the course of 10 years the gardens have played host to a large number of visiting artists who have come from near and far. While there are a number of artists who have been exhibiting since the first festival, each year there are a good number of new exhibitors who helps give the festival a new look.
Just as new exhibitors give the festival renewed energy, Zimmerman is also always adding new features. Visitors walking through the gardens have often commented that the gardens give them a sense of peace and well-being.
With this in mind Zimmerman created a labyrinth that would enhance these musings.
“A labyrinth is an ancient symbol that relates to wholeness,” says Zimmerman. “Some view it as a metaphor for life’s journey, for others it is a symbol that creates a sacred space or takes them on a symbolic pilgrimage toward enlightenment.”
While the labyrinth may bring meaning to your life, a walk through one of the garden’s newest features may bring you luck. Created by welding together over 1,700 horseshoes visitors are encouraged to walk through a giant inukshuk whose stance forms an archway.
The Art and Bloom Festival has something for everyone. There is the spectacular display of flowers and blossoms whose smells permeate the air, kilometres of trails and pathways that weave their way throughout the gardens and of course the opportunity to shop and pick up a unique piece of art that will become a great conversation piece or family heirloom.
Festival hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday. Admission is $8 for adults, $3 for children 5 to 12 and free for children under the age of five.
More information about the gardens and the festival are available by visiting the website at www.woodlandgardens.ca or phoning 250-338-6901.
— Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens
