As the leaves start to turn colour, there’s no better way to celebrate the fall equinox than through art.
The Monashee Arts Council (MAC) has teamed up with The Village Gallery in Lumby to host their inaugural Autumn Equinox Arts Festival Saturday, Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The festival will be held at The Village Gallery and MAC office at 1961 Vernon St. (Highway 6) as well as in Norris Park, which is adjacent to the building.
“There will be so much happening in Lumby on Sept. 21. We really encourage everyone to come downtown to check things out,” said Jennifer Greenwood, MAC arts and culture program coordinator. “Not only are we hosting our art festival, but the Lumby Public Market will be open at Oval Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the newly opened Gateway Healing Arts Centre will be holding its grand opening just across the street from us. There will be so much to experience in Lumby that day.”
The art festival will feature local musicians entertaining residents and visitors throughout the day under the cover of the gazebo in the park. Live music will kick off at 10:30 a.m. with the cool, classic rock of Rick Holloway, followed by an energizing performance by the Tribally Hipnotic Belly Dance Troupe. Rounding things off will be Priscilla Judd’s thought-provoking protest songs in the tradition of Woody Guthrie and Joan Baez, performed on an acoustic, handmade guitar.
Several local artists will be on hand demonstrating their various talents.
“At press time, we had everything from pottery to various styles of painting to weaving and spinning confirmed,” said Greenwood.
The Village Gallery artists will also be holding an old stock and seconds sale on the day of the festival.
The gallery has expanded to more than 20 members since it opened its doors in March, with the support and assistance of the MAC.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have so many amazing artists of such varied talents in our area,” said Greenwood. “Sharing the office space with the gallery allows us to work cooperatively and reach out to other artists. People are starting to hear about us and are making a point of coming to Lumby to see what we have to offer.”
In addition, longtime Lumby resident and Village Gallery artist Robin LeDrew will be offering portraits to anyone who would like to make a donation to the MAC’s bursary fund, which supports local students who wish to pursue further education in the arts after graduating from high school.
“The Scotiabank in Lumby is also supporting the MAC bursary fund with a hot dog sale just a couple doors down from the festival site,” said Greenwood, adding Ida’s Bakery and Super A Foods have also thrown in their support for the bursary.
“All profits from the hot dog sale will benefit local students by means of the bursary, which is awarded each year.”
For more information on the Autumn Equinox Arts Festival, visit the MAC website at monasheeartscouncil.com, call 778-473-3029, or like The Village Gallery on Facebook.
