Get a taste for art in Armstrong when the Spallumcheen-Armstrong Arts Council (SPARC) hosts a new spring event celebrating art, music, food and beverage May 31.
The event will be a walking tour to downtown Armstrong businesses where artists, musicians, chefs, brewers, vintners and distillers will be showcasing their work and wares from 4 to 8 p.m.
Eighteen artists from in and around the community will be part of the event, including Enderby sculptor Howard Brown, who will be at Shepherd’s Home Hardware and Garden Centre. Other artists working in clay, stone, metal, felting, weaving, glass, wood and more will be demonstrating their techniques and showing their work at other businesses around town, said Andrea Gunner with SPARC.
“One of the most exciting things for me is (Métis artist) Dennis Weber is going to be at the art gallery painting on the last day of his exhibition. He’s going to show his techniques,” she said.
The event is open to the public, however, those wishing to sample the food and beverages will need to purchase a ticket.
“We’re going to have food tasting, along with beer from Okanagan Spring and a couple of wineries and a distillery as well,” said Gunner.
Those wishing to take a stroll to see the sights can do so for free, however, donations will be accepted to the Armstrong Food Bank and the Kindale Developmental Association.
The event will take place in the old part of downtown Armstrong from Bridge Street along Pleasant Valley Boulevard up to Shepherd’s Home Hardware and Garden Centre, and on the other side of the boulevard and along Okanagan Street.
“It’s a nice walking tour. People can take in all of it or just part of it,” said Gunner.
In addition, the Blue Hotel and the Branding Iron Pub will have dinner specials and live music. Those who purchase the $15 ticket will receive a ballot to vote for the People’s Choice Artist Award and People’s Choice Music Award, which are sponsored by the Blue Hotel and Shepherd’s Home Hardware.
Those who submit a ballot can also win a draw basket, said Gunner.
Tickets are now available at Shepherd’s Home Hardware and Garden Centre, Chocoliro, and at the Wild Oak Café, all in downtown Armstrong, They can also be purchased online at eventbrite.ca. Tickets will also be sold at the Armstrong Farmer’s Market on May 24. Tickets go to $25 on Saturday, May 31 and will be sold for that price at the farmer’s market on the day of the event.
More information is available at www.sparcartscouncil.org.
