The breathtaking view from Harvest Terrace at Quails’ Gate Estate Winery wasn’t necessarily the focus of the winery’s visitors this past Saturday.
Instead, hundreds looked closely at the pieces of art displayed by local artists as part of the sixth annual Art in the Park.
According to Christy Staunton, community recreation coordinator, Art in the Park has grown to bring in about 400 people each of the two days it runs annually.
“It’s an opportunity for local artists to kind of get out and show their work; it’s not very often they get that opportunity,” said Staunton.
“It’s a beautiful venue and it doesn’t cost them anything.”
The opportunity is open to all visual artists and the planning typically begins about six months earlier.
“We put out a call for interest usually in February or March…we haven’t had to cut any lately, because we haven’t had huge numbers. But if we do get high numbers, we have a jury that would go through and pick.”
Louise Lambert was one of several artists showing off her work at Quails’ Gate Saturday.
Lambert said she helped orchestrate the Art in the Park concept six years ago.
“West Kelowna is a little shy in their art events. We want to promote more activities here—this was one of our first,” said Lambert.
Lambert said she appreciates the value of having hundreds of sets of eyes looking at her work, which focuses on the culture surrounding wine.
The two-part event will continue this Saturday at the lakeside Rotary Park at Boucherie and Carrall Roads from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Artists who plan to display their work include: Cherie Wasyliw, Lillian Sokil, Louise Lambert, Michele Kienas, Natasha Campbell, Sandy McEachem, Stella Tessier, Teri Paul and Ute Hilligweg.
wpaterson@kelownacapnews.com
Twitter: @PatersonWade
