A Penticton woman and her husband are looking to bring a little more colour to the city.
After successfully illustrating the beauty of the Naramata Bench in her adult colouring book Colour the Okanagan: For the Love of Art & Wine Joy Whitley Syskakis and her husband/sales and marketing co-ordinator Larry are bringing the same colourful concept to Penticton.
“We had so much fun doing it we decided we should try it in Penticton,” Joy said.
Their first book was published in the beginning of August and generated interest.
“From there it has been really, really well received,” Larry said. “At the time we published (the first book) there was a bit of interest in town.”
Joy is an illustrator and has retired from working in art programs with special needs adults for several years.
“I thought it was time for me,” Joy laughed. “So my daughter suggested why don’t you do a colouring book because they’re so popular.”
The Penticton book, entitled Colour the Okanagan: For the Love of Art and Sunshine, already has 28 committed participants in the form of local businesses.
“I think we’d like to get it up to 34, 35. But we’re also looking at getting a few sponsorships,” Larry said.
Some businesses already on board include the Penticton Lakeside Resort, the Ramada Inn, Penticton Golf and Country Club, the Bike Barn, Hoodoo Adventures, Theo’s Restaurant and Cannery Brewing.
Those sponsorships help cover the cost of printing.
“We basically sell a page and with the page we give out 10 free books which they can do whatever they wish with if they want to sell them in stores or businesses. They are included in the cost.”
The two said the Naramata Store is now making money from sales of the first book.
“It’s a fun, fun way of advertising for them,” Larry said. “Visitors love it.”
The illustrations are a fun take on familiar locations with small details pointing to the character of the location.
“We’re trying to keep it away from being really serious. It’s more of a whimsical, fun thing,”
Joy said. “It’s kind of a sharing thing for me because I can do the drawing and people can colour it and they have a piece of their own art. That’s a pretty neat aspect for me that I enjoy.”
Those looking to get involved can get in contact with Joy or Larry either online at www.colourtheokanagan.com, by email at info@colourtheokanagan.com or by phone at 250-809-5885.
