Artists looking for a space to paint and camaraderie can come together in the Nanaimo North Library starting this month.
Diane Rae, who paints with acrylic, created the On Site Art Interchange to raise awareness about art. Last year, Rae painted at various community spaces around the Harbour City. She would setup and people could talk to her about her art.
“I wanted to get people interested in the idea that art is happening around us all the time,” said Rae.
This year Rae has expanded the initiative and is inviting other artists to join her at the Nanaimo North Library and paint. Participants can be everything from hobby painters to professional artists.
This is the second year Rae has coordinated the On Site Art Interchange in Nanaimo. She also facilitated the interchange when she lived in Port Alberni.
The interchange will be held in the library for the entire session, which is until March 29. It runs every Tuesday, 1:30-4:30 p.m. The sessions are drop-in and attendees don’t have to stay for the entire time.
Last year Rae said she was approached by several people who were interested in getting involved.
“People wanted a cost free event to get back into art making,” said Rae.
She connected with the Vancouver Island Regional Library and coordinated to host the entire event in the library this year instead of moving locations.
“They (VIRL) offered me the opportunity for people to do this with me,” said Rae.
Attendees must bring their own painting supplies to the drop in sessions.
For more information, please call 250-933-2665 or e-mail nanaimonorth@virl.bc.ca.
arts@nanaimobulletin.com
