This spring, as the Kelowna Art Gallery hosts its sixth GO Party—themed illuminate—the arts community will be mixing mediums.
Like June bugs to light, the gallery hopes its luminous approach will draw new people to its doors as it celebrates everything from the art of cocktails to the art of music, visual art and the art of a good “to do” under a canopy of lanterns.
“We wanted to find a way to take our regular opening celebration…and crank it up a notch,” said KAG spokesman Kris Johnson, noting the “go” in GO Party! stands for “gallery opening.”
“We’re about more than just hanging art on the walls,” said Johnson. “We want to show off what we do here.”
From kids summer camps, dubbed Art Adventures, to a myriad of adult programs, including some for the vision impaired, the gallery shines a light on the visual arts, supporting creativity in all its forms and fostering artistic spirit throughout the community.
Hence, playing alongside the cocktail mixers from Urban Distilleries and Okanagan Spirits, and the bartenders pouring Mission Hill Family Estate and Tree Brewing Company, two young musicians will serenade guests with what Johnson describes as “music that paints a landscape.”
“I’m mostly doing original stuff,” said Thomas Kjorven. “I do play around with a few covers—but it’s nothing like you’ve heard before.
“I play a loop pedal, so I’m composing live in front of you.”
Described as a blues, neo-soul, hip hop and folk musician, the 25-year-old garnered a Best New Artist Award at the BC Interior Music Awards after arriving here via Vancouver last year.
He will be joined by Jeff Piattelli, another talented young local generally filed as an acoustic rock singer/songwriter with a John Mayer flair.
The evening will include a summer-themed buffet, door prizes and silent auction, a photo studio, four exhibitions, lantern making and lawn bocce.
Held on one of the longest day of the year, the event is also meant mark summer solstice—so break out a colourful dress.
As it is a gallery opening, there will be a new show unveiled. Baring Witness, a social justice-style show in from Vancouver, features 41 pieces by 27 artists including Pablo Picasso, Ken Lum, Ed Burtynsky, Leon Golub and Nancy Spero.
Art in Action and Incognito will still be hanging, along with Tony Scherman’s Works on Paper.
Proceeds from the evening go to support the gallery’s educational programming.
The event runs Friday, June 22 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the gallery. Tickets are $20 in advance for members and $30 in advance for non-members. The price goes up by $10 for each group at the door.
All tickets can be obtained from the gallery or by calling 250-762-2226.
