Rustico Farm & Cellars and the Oliver Sagebrushers, a member group of the Oliver Community Arts Council, announced today that they have entered into an agreement to establish a permanent art gallery at the Rustico winery (pictured at left) just south of Oliver.
The Quails’ Roost Gallery will be located on the mezzanine floor level of the winery overlooking the tank room with entry through Rustico’s Lonesome Quail tasting room. Although on the second floor, the gallery is fully accessible via a recently installed electric stairlift system.
The Oliver Sagebrushers’ membership has been working out of studio facilities at the Quail’s Nest Art Centre near the Oliver airport. Although the group has enjoyed exhibits at that location and various public venues including neighbouring wineries, until now none have been located in a permanent, year-round location.
A fine art club, the Sagebrushers meet regularly for painting, drawing classes and workshops. As well they organize exhibits and contribute their talents towards many community projects. Formerly known as the Oliver Art Club, the Sagebrushers is one of Oliver’s oldest arts groups. The new Quails’ Roost Gallery will be the first full-on community art gallery located in a winery in British Columbia.
“We’re very excited to finally establish a permanent place for our talented membership. Rustico’s country gardens, heritage, sod-roof residence, mountainside vineyards and panoramic views across the valley to Lake Osoyoos all provide an ideal setting for our artists to set up their easels. We’re planning to run a variety of art classes, seminars and workshops at Rustico,” said Sally Franks, President of the Oliver Sagebrushers.
Bruce Fuller, (right) founder and proprietor of Rustico commented, “Our olden days place, saluting the Ranching, Mining and agricultural history of the South Okanagan, already known widely as one of Canada’s most romantic wineries, should work perfectly for the Sagebrushers. We have stimulating views in every direction, a growing collection of old wagons, antiques and historical artifacts, all a feast for the eyes and senses, so are looking forward to the sharing our special place with this creative community group.”
The Quails’ Roost Gallery at Rustico Farm & Cellars will have their official grand opening at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, May 1st to coincide with the kickoff of the Okanagan Spring Wine Festival.
Location of Quails’ Roost Gallery: 31238 – 123rd. St., Oliver, BC. Near Highway 97 & Road 16, 6 km south of Oliver or 13 km north of Osoyoos.
~ submitted by Bruce Fuller, Rustico Estate Winery
