Karla Holiove browses through the Artsolutely artisan sale Friday afternoon at the Vernon Community Arts Centre. The sixth annual sale is a fundraiser for the arts centre and is open until Dec. 23.

Karla Holiove browses through the Artsolutely artisan sale Friday afternoon at the Vernon Community Arts Centre. The sixth annual sale is a fundraiser for the arts centre and is open until Dec. 23.

Shopping ‘Artsolutely’ supports arts centre

Artisan show and sale raises funds for the Vernon Community Arts Centre, as well as sponsors and supports a number of local artists.

The Arts Council of the North Okanagan is excited and honoured to present its sixth annual fundraiser, Artsolutely.

This artisan show and sale raises funds for the Vernon Community Arts Centre, as well as sponsors and supports a number of local artists.

This year, we are fortunate to have 30 extremely talented artisans, all working in a range of mediums and creating top-quality works.

Every year, this fundraiser enriches the arts centre and the community, with the displays and works continually growing more elaborate and exciting.

Gale Woodhouse, participating in her second year, urges the public to partake in the event.

“It’s gratifying to work with such a fine collection of local artists,” she said. “I love being there with someone as they purchase their first original piece of artwork, or a gift for a spouse or parent. Having the Vernon Community Arts Centre provide a venue where the community can come together and support local artists, and having artists supporting and promoting other artists are two things that make this show so great.”

With Christmas around the corner, it’s the time of year where everyone is thinking of what to give important people in their lives, and everyone is struggling to find that perfect gift.

Patricia Doyle, operator of Bella Vista Glass and participating in her sixth  Artsolutely, believes in the good feelings produced from “buying art created by someone, rather than something,” and the positive effects this has on our local economy.

“When you support a local artist, you are not only giving back to your community, but you are also participating in a simple act of goodwill, which is something everyone wants to feel, especially this time of year,” she said.

Artsolutely is constantly changing and growing, establishing itself as a place known for its high-quality works of art.  It’s a warm, inviting atmosphere, and a place where some of the most talented artists in the North Okanagan come together.

The sale runs from now to Dec. 23 and is open every day except Sundays at the Vernon Community Arts Centre, located at the east entrance to Polson Park beside the Okanagan Science Centre.

For more details, visit vernonarts.ca or call 250-542-6243.

–– This article is contributed by Amanda Nemeth, administrative assistant at the Vernon Community Arts Centre.

Vernon Morning Star