RipOff Artists’ Mount Lefroy at Handworks Gallery

The multimedia collective has conquered another peak with their interpretation of Lawren Harris’ “Mount Lefroy”.  The RipOff Artists reached their first summit after a week of intense creation, demonstration and exhibit during  Summer at the Quail’s Nest. They reached another pinnacle with a feature on CHBC TV news.  They attracted attention during their guest exhibit at the Oliver Community Arts Council’s Fall Art Show and Sale on the weekend of October 2 -3 . Now the RipOff Artists have set their flag  atop Handworks Gallery for their latest show:

Handworks Gallery presents
The RipOff Artists: Lawren Harris’ Mount LeFroy
Opening Reception
Wednesday October 6
2 – 4 p.m.
Refreshments ~ Door Prize
Continuing:
October 5 – 29
9:30 – 5:00 Monday to Friday
10:00 – 4:00 Saturday
Handworks Gallery
35648 – 97 St. Oliver
250-498-6388

Oil painting, watercolours, photography, woodwork, 3-D, quilting, weaving, knitting, collage, encaustic (wax) — all media interpret this Group of Seven classic in their own way.

For more photographs and stories about the Mount Lefroy exhibit, see the July article on this website: http://oliverartscouncil.org/?p=1763

For a fantastic video of the RipOff Artists with Mike Roberts of CHBC, take a look at http://www.chbcnews.ca/video/index.html?releasePID=f5794obragGwCKDQACQpmpfwc7SlVcJm

Fall Art Show and Sale: A Winning Weekend

The 2010 Fall Art Show and Sale  wrapped up Sunday October 3 with visitors remarking that it was one of the best shows ever. Many comments referred to the successfully represented theme: “Those Were the Days”. Not only did the competitive entries reminisce about days gone by, but the other exhibits and events reflected the same nostalgic theme. The Oliver and District Heritage Society mounted an attractive and interesting display of 1920s and 30s pop culture (toys, games, and film stills) and early Oliver life (home appliances, machinery and housewares).  Guest artist Marianne Parsons demonstrated quilting techniques, surely a homesteading skill from Oliver’s early days. Two fund raising paintings also waxed nostalgic about summers in the South Okanagan.

A two-day silent auction of antiques and collectables from the early to mid 20th century drew many bids. Pictured at right, a bakelite vanity set from the 1930s commanded some competitive bidding. The Jazz Out West trio entertained at the Saturday reception with classic standards by Gershwin, Berlin, Cole Porter and more. 

Almost 400 visitors signed the guestbook over two days, with an estimate of a few hundred more who didn’t stand in line to sign! Many of the art enthusiasts crowded around artwork that ended up winning or placing in their category.

Sue McCarrell’s two New Media entries, including best-in-show “Moment in Time”, attracted many questions about her transfer techniques. McCarrell combed the Oliver archives looking for old sepia photographs, letters and newspapers to create transfer images which, by means of a gel process, were then adhered to wood panelling.

A hushed audience gathered around Merle Somerville’s depiction of a snowy orchard in his giclee-on-canvas entry called “Days Gone By”. His photograph aquired a painterly quality by being reproduced on artists canvas with ink jet printing techniques (“giclee”) rather than on photo paper. It was easy to be drawn into the photograph by its skillful use of perspective and light. 

The brash brushstrokes of Michael Randle’s primitive style abstracts  reflected both his sense of humour and his love of bold colour. Wayne Borthwick’s “Home on the Range” got the most attention from children and the young at heart. The enormous model of a farmhouse, complete with walls that opened outward revealing furnished rooms within, was tempting to touch. Shirley Nilsson’s quilted hanging “School Days” glowed with fall colour; three-dimensional fabric leaves  decorated the border. Emerging artist Megan Pedersen’s piece, “Ghost of a Memory” was a touching reminiscence about one of the most painful of memories, a lost love.

The Oliver Community Arts Council thanks all the entrants to the Fall Art Show and Sale. Together you have created an experience several hundred people will never forget! Here is the complete list of winners. Congratulations everyone!

List of 2010 Fall Art Show Winners

Best Interpretation of Theme
Sue McCarrell: “Moment in Time”
  
Painting (Representational)
First: Eleanore Dempster ~ “The Way We Were”
Second: Kerry Chung ~ “Past and Future”
Third: Sandy Boblin ~ “The Coach”
 
Painting (Abstract)
First (tie): Tara Hovanes ~ “Untitled”
First (tie): Michael Randle ~ Number 1 Project
Third: Dona Smithson ~ “Last Tree Standing”
 
Photography
First: Merle Sommerville ~ “Days Gone By”
Second: Val Friesen ~ “Oh yes, those were the days…”
Third: Russell Work ~ “Oliver”
 
Fibre Art:
First: Shirley Nilsson ~ “School Days”
Second (tie): A. Carole Grant ~ Relics
Second (tie): Terry Irvine ~ The Past Revisited
 
Three Dimensional
First: Wayne Borthwick ~ “Home on the Range 1945”
Second: Donna McLean ~ Beauty from the Forest
Third: Donna McLean ~ A Look from the Past (3 pieces)
 
New Media
First: Sue McCarrell ~ “Moment in Time”
Second: Marion Trimble ~ “Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow”
Third: Sue McCarrell ~ “Vintage Pleasure”
 
Emerging Artist (Under 19)
Certificate of Merit: Megan Pedersen ~ “Ghost of a Memory”

Do you have any comments on your Fall Art Show and Sale experience? Share them at olivercac@gmail.com and we’ll publish them.

Fall Art Show and Sale: Those Were the Days

The 2010 Fall Art Show and Sale  waxes nostalgic this year, with a competition, exhibit, and sale that reminisces: “Aaaah, those were the days!”  Paired with Oliver’s Festival of the Grape for several years now and held at the same venue, the Oliver Community Arts Council event always draws a huge crowd of locals and tourists.

The Fall Art Show and Sale is held on Saturday October 2 and Sunday October 3 at the Oliver Community Centre Hall.  The Saturday event opens at 3 p.m. with an exhibit, sale, and public voting on the competitive entries.  Free admission on Saturday from 3 – 9 p.m. 

This year, 71 works of art will compete across seven categories: Painting – Representational, Painting – Abstract, Photography, Fibre Arts, Three – Dimensional, New Media, and Emerging Artists (under 19) .  The winners are selected by public ballot. An overall best-in-show category requires the winning entry to reflect “Best Interpretation of the Theme”.  The theme, “Those Were the Days”,  is broad enough to allow artists a wide interpretation: last summer’s vacation to the last century’s pioneer culture.

In addition to the competitive entries, two non-competitive displays will also be on show. The Oliver and District Heritage Society exhibits a slice of Oliver’s history with their display of Oliver’s Museum and Archives  treasures from the 1930’s. The popular RipOff Artists will present their latest multimedia interpretation of a famous artwork: Lawren Harris’ Mount Lefroy. The Group of Seven painting is recreated in wood,  quilting, weaving, oils, watercolours, encaustic (wax), photography, and three-dimensional installations.

Mirroring the nostalgic theme, the Oliver Community Arts Council will run a silent auction of small antiques and collectables from the early to mid 20th century.  Among the charming items for bid are a bakelite vanity set from the 1920s, Royal Winton chintzware, and several porcelain and silver items.  The collectables silent auction will run across both Saturday and Sunday. An additional wine auction will run on the Saturday only.

Visit the information table both days for promotional items, OCAC memberships, publicity about upcoming arts events, and information about OCAC member groups and businesses. Learn about the work of the Oliver Community Arts Council by viewing their powerpoint presentation. Make an offer on two lovely  works of art donated to the council for fund raising purposes. 

On Saturday evening, a public reception begins at  7 p.m. with live entertainment, appetizers, and wine. At 8 p.m. voting on entries closes and the ballots are counted. Right before 9 p.m., winners in all categories will be announced. Silent auction winners can claim their wine prizes.  

 On Sunday, the Fall Art Show and Sale continues by admission through your Festival of the Grape  ticket. The exhibit is open from 12:00 noon to 5:30 p.m. Although the competitive portion is over, the show and sale continues. View the winners across all categories. Wander through the Heritage Society and RipOff Artists’ exhibits. Meet the artists. Make a silent auction bid on “Those Were the Days” collectables before 5:00 p.m!  Become a member of the Oliver Community Arts Council. Buy some OCAC promotional items. Wax nostalgic, fall in love with art, and purchase artwork at the sale. Bring your chequebook and plastic!  Take a piece of Oliver home with you!

Poster artwork by Evie New
Poster layout by Heather Fink

RipOff Artists Reach the Peak with Mount Lefroy

During the last week of June, the South Okanagan’s  RipOff Artists attracted media coverage and crowds of curious onlookers with their fourth annual exhibit, “ripping off” Group of Seven’s Lawren Harris and his iconic Mount Lefroy. During a weeklong demonstration and exhibit, each of the ten artists in the collective interpreted the famous painting in their own medium.

Leo Pedersen’s 3-D woodworking installation in progress.

Encaustic artist Thea Haubrich recreates Mount Lefroy in hot beeswax.

JoAnn Turner turns a CD cabinet into a work of art. Can you see the drawer knobs? Or are they surreal snowballs and mountain rocks?

3-D artist Kurt Hutterli adds the finishing touches to an elaborate installation. Painted egg cartons on the floor give the illusion that his artwork is at the “pinnacle” . The whimsical climbing figures added to Harris’ landscape are adapted from a famous period photograph of Rocky Mountain alpinists.

Kurt Hutterli discusses his tongue-in-cheek demo piece with OCAC member Dot Cranston. Mount Lefroy is painted on the hood of a rusted car, cruched in the shape of a mountain peak. Hutterli wonders (with a twinkle in his eye, of course) if the car perhaps once belonged to Lawren Harris himself?

Spinner and weaver Barb Levant  recreates Mount Lefroy into an outfit a sherpa or alpinist would be proud to wear. She carefully chose colours and banded patterns to match Harris’ original painting.

Quilter Dianne Birne adds the last finishing stitches to her fabric  interpretation of the painting.

Enid Baker reinterprets the masterpiece in watercolours.

Photographer Russell Work cleverly reimagines Mount Lefroy as “two-two-two Mounts in one!” His photo installation rotates (much like some modern billboards) to switch from the Lefroy painting to a photo of artist Harris at work on Mount Lefroy.

See a video of the “revolve” in action here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orECiugsq9Q&feature=player_embedded

Collage artist Marion Trimble painstakingly glues strips of fabric and paper onto her piece.

And now for the finished exhibit! Marion Trimble, Enid Baker, Barbara Levant, Russell Work, JoAnn Turner, Terry Irvine (knitter), Diane Birnie, Leo Pedersen, and Thea Haubrich. Missing from photo: Kurt Hutterli.

Photo credits: Russell Work, Thea Haubrich

For more photos, visit Thea Haubrich’s Encaustic Blog: http://encausticcanada.wordpress.com/2010/07/04/finale-ripoff-project-mount-lefroy/

For a fantastic video of the RipOff Artists with Mike Roberts of CHBC, take a look at

http://www.chbcnews.ca/video/index.html?releasePID=f5794obragGwCKDQACQpmpfwc7SlVcJm

Comments about this article? Share them at olivercac@gmail.com We’ll post them at the bottom of this article as received. (The email method helps us avoid spammers. )

RipOff Artists Reception Monday June 28th

by Marion Trimble

The “Ripoff Artists” once again rise to the challenge as they scale new heights in lifting Lawren Harris’s “MOUNT LEFROY” during a week of open studio. So-named for their annual pilfering of a famous dead artist’s masterpiece, the Ripoffs, a “Group of Nine”, have selected the Canadian icon who was the driving force behind the formation of the Canadian, “Group of Seven”.

Lawren Harris, a major leader and influential artist of this country, was pivotal in the development of a uniquely Canadian style of landscape painting. By virtue of its isolation, he felt the Canadian landscape required a different painterly approach. This insight led him to begin simplifying his palette and forms in the belief they were capable of expressing spiritual truths. “Mount Lefroy” in it’s symbolic blues and yellows, is an example of his dramatically designed, mystical compositions.

The collective’s ringleader, fabric artist, Terry Irvine known for her functional, sometimes humorous original creations stated, “I like the simplicity of the painting, while at the same time, I’m surprised by its complexity”. “It was an easy decision in picking this year’s prey”, said paper collage artist and member, Marion Trimble. “After imitating the likes of Vincent van Gogh, Gustav Klimt and Georgia O’Keeffe in previous years challenges, it was time to come home”.

The nine artists recreating “Mount Lefroy”, a Canadian rockies buttress on the B.C./ Alberta border, represent several different art forms. Dianne Birnie and Enid Baker are both gifted members of the Double “O” Quilters and the Fabricators. Each employs a different method of quilting that always impresses. Enid in past challenges elected to paint rather than quilt so it will be a surprise to view which of her talents she employs this year. Another surprise can be expected from multi-disciplined, fine artist, JoAnn Turner. In previous challenges, she painted her image on a non traditional surface. Chosen from any one of her mediums of pottery, jewelry, basketry or clothing design, we can expect her piece to be skillfully produced. Kurt Hutterli is a writer and artist. His imaginative 3-dimensional creations of recycled, mixed media, have delighted audiences in past exhibitions. A member of several weaver’s Guilds, including the Desert Sage Spinners and Weavers in Oliver, Barbara Levant, a weaver and spinner for over 35 years, enjoys the suspense of seeing fabric develop and colours interact as she weaves.

Another Ripoff participant since it’s inception in 2007, is encaustic artist, Thea Haubrich. An active member of the Federation of Canadian Artists, her works win awards locally and nationally. As exclusive representative for Canada of the Arts Encaustic International products, she is a well-known, dedicated promoter of her art form. Pushing the boundaries of digital photography, Russell Work’s innovative images last year were an exciting addition. Known for capturing the beauty of the Okanagan Valley landscapes, he specializes in panoramic compositions. This year guest artist Leo Pedersen joins the gang. A member of the Oliver Sagebrushers, Leo is a self taught painter and woodworker who learned the basics from his grandfather and father. He now carries on a family tradition, teaching his grandchildren the love of art.

 In 1940, Harris moved to Vancouver where he spent the last 33 years of his life making an enormous contribution to contemporary art. He was a strong supporter of younger artists and influenced the direction taken by the Vancouver Art Gallery. Harris was the driving force that brought together the varying talents and temperaments which formed the Group of Seven. This week his guidance reappears to inspire our very own talented Group of Nine, the Ripoff Artists.

Visitors are welcome to view the artists’ progress as they gradually ascend the lofty goal of bringing their Mount Lefroy interpretations to conclusion. The skullduggery takes place at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre, 34273 95th St., across from the airport in Oliver. Opening reception is Monday, June 28th, 6-8 pm. Studio times Tuesday June 29th through Saturday July 3rd from  9 am to 3 pm. Join the artists during the week as they scramble to a dramatic climax by 3 pm, Saturday, July 3rd. For information contact Terry Irvine at 250-498-4156.

Ripoff Artists Scale New Heights

The Oliver-based artists’ collective known as the Ripoff Artists are getting ready to “lift” the work of Group of Seven painter Lawren Harris, “Mount Lefroy”.

Each exhibit, the Ripoffs select one famous piece of artwork for inspiration. Each artist in the collective then works independently in their chosen medium to capture the essence of the masterpiece.  The Ripoff Artists excel in photography, wood working, 3-D, weaving, felting, quilting, encaustic (hot wax) art, mixed media collage. In previous years, the artists have “ripped off” such great artists as Vincent Van Gogh, Gustav Klimt, and Georgia O’Keeffe. Their interpretations are always breathtaking in their creativity!

Find out the artists’ visions at the opening reception. Drop by to watch the artists at work during the week. Return for the final frenzy and the finished creations on the Saturday.

Come experience Harris’ “Mount Lefroy” with all your senses!

Monday June 28 – Saturday July 3
Quail’s Nest Arts Centre
 34274 – 95th Street, Oliver BC
 
Opening Reception:
Monday June 28
 6 – 8 p.m.
 
Daily Demonstrations in Studio:
Tuesday  to Saturday
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Comments about this article? Share them at olivercac@gmail.com We’ll post them at the bottom of this article as received. (The email method helps us avoid spammers. )

Art at the Owl: A Review

by Marion Trimble

“Large talent for a small ‘burb like Oliver,” was a comment made by one of the attendees at the crowded opening reception of Art at the Owl on Saturday April 17 at the Burrowing Owl Estate Winery.   The show, diverse in media and subject matter, was a delightful mixed bag for all art lovers. Abstract oils to imaginative three-dimensional pieces, modernism and folk art, this no-jury, no-theme show pleased everyone’s taste. Whether the fantastic photo realism highlighted in John Salsnek’s large canvas Unannounced, the gaze of the observing Timber Wolf by Cameron Ogilvie, the contemporary abstraction superbly executed in Corinne Desampaio’s stunning work Gift in Contrast, or the charming whimsy produced by Caroline Alaric’s Tropical, the surprises and delights were everywhere in this amazing array of local talent.

Photo: Artists Linda Blaschuk and Corinne Desampaio admire the works on display during “Art at the Owl”, as well as the wine from Burrowing Owl Estate Winery.  Photo by Val Friesen

At the entrance, a three dimensional piece by Kurt Hutterli, The Magic Wine Tap, set the stage with its amusing faucet dripping wine coloured beads into a glass vessel. In the foyer, two “plein air” paintings of old and collapsing local structures were beautifully rendered by popular pioneer, Agnes Sutherland. Marilyn Marsel’s mixed media triptych indicated the depth of brilliant creativity. Both colour and black and white photography inspired an urge in the viewer to explore both the local and international settings of their subjects. The Burrowing Owl Estate Winery’s own tapestries, permanently hung in the gallery, perfectly complemented Val Friesen’s large captivating photograph, Berber Hospitality and Kurt Hutterli’s abstract painting, A Butterfly Kaleidoscope. Eye-catching and delicate, Roy McLean’s “butterflies” and jewellery by Deanna McCaghren were new additions to the local art scene. To complete this cornucopia of diversity, there were the traditional landscapes and floral tributes, such as Joan Burgess’ gorgeous azalea.

The Burrowing Owl Estate Winery venue provided as much surprise and enjoyment as the artwork. Set out as a flow of small, comfortable viewing areas, the journey provided a contemplative atmosphere to explore the art more intimately. Two floors of gallery space were utilized, with natural light from a large window illuminating the landscapes within while giving a panoramic view of the magnificent landscape outside the winery’s hospitality building. Inside, attendees were treated both to delectable refreshments provided jointly by the Winery and Oliver Community Arts Council, including, of course, samples of Burrowing Owl wines. During the reception, harpist Ingrid Schellenberg rendered a wide selection of beautiful music.

The week-long show—jointly sponsored by the Oliver Community Arts Council and the Oliver Sagebrushers art club—was presented as part of the provincial celebration of Arts & Culture Week. The show of more than 70 pieces of artwork were all for sale, displayed in the restaurant as well as the guest house. Judging by brisk early sales, the event looks promising for artists. As an example, two of Sally Franks’ watercolours sold early on opening day,as did three-dimensional lapidary pieces by Roy McLean. The show continued daily through Saturday, April 24. 

Missed out on this wonderful display of local talent? Plan to attend the Fall Art Show and Sale at the Oliver Community Centre on the first weekend of October!

“Those Were the Days” at 2010 Fall Art Show and Sale

those-were-the-days“Those Were the Days” is the theme chosen for the 27th annual Fall Art Show and Sale, October 2 and 3, 2010. The Oliver Community Arts Council has been planning this year’s event with inspiration drawn from the Oliver and District Heritage Society.

Museum director Darryl Mackenzie is thrilled about the collaboration between the two organizations on the art show. For him, art and history are a natural pairing: “It is important to reflect on our heritage from time to time. What are the sights, sounds and stories that we want to keep alive in our collective memory? How do we connect with the landscape? Are there special places that make us feel we are ‘home’?”

Artists are encouraged to begin creating their entries as soon as possible. The Oliver arts council intends the theme to be general enough to inspire the widest possible creativity. Some artists may take the opportunity to delve into local history by visiting the Oliver Heritage Museum and Archives or the regional library. But Mackenzie brainstorms a few other ideas: “When we use the theme ‘Those were the days’, we can let our imagination run wild. What days are we referring to? The 1880s? 1920s? How about something that happened last week that we will look fondly on in the future?” Besides the area’s pioneer history, an artist may be inspired by their own childhood, a favourite personal memory, or even a fanciful revisionist view of their favourite historical period.

The Fall Art Show and Sale accepts entries from all media including painting, photography, fibre arts, mixed media, and three-dimensional (which includes sculpture, leather work, pottery, woodwork, jewelry, metalwork, and other objets d’art). A special category, Emerging Artists, encourages submissions from youth 19 and under. Although the majority of artists reside in the South Okanagan, the show and sale is open to all artists across BC. Based on the number of entries, the Oliver Community Arts Council reserves the right to limit and jury submissions. Voting for winners, however, is entirely done by public ballot. All category winners and an overall Best in Show receive awards.

The Fall Art Show and Sale has been held in conjunction with the Festival of the Grape for several years. The two-day art show has grown to include live jazz music, a classy silent auction, refreshments, and exhibits of artists at work. The event attracts hundreds of visitors each year. This fall, the arts council anticipates an historical display from the Oliver and District Heritage Society will be a crowd pleaser in the non-competitive portion of the show. The silent auction will continue the same theme, with antique objects offered for bid.

Entry forms will be available at Handworks Gallery and on line at www.oliverartscouncil.org by the third week of April. Deadline for submissions will be the second week of September. For more information about the Fall Art Show and Sale, or for an emailed entry form, artists may contact olivercac@gmail.com.

"Those Were the Days" at 2010 Fall Art Show and Sale

those-were-the-days“Those Were the Days” is the theme chosen for the 27th annual Fall Art Show and Sale, October 2 and 3, 2010. The Oliver Community Arts Council has been planning this year’s event with inspiration drawn from the Oliver and District Heritage Society.

Museum director Darryl Mackenzie is thrilled about the collaboration between the two organizations on the art show. For him, art and history are a natural pairing: “It is important to reflect on our heritage from time to time. What are the sights, sounds and stories that we want to keep alive in our collective memory? How do we connect with the landscape? Are there special places that make us feel we are ‘home’?”

Artists are encouraged to begin creating their entries as soon as possible. The Oliver arts council intends the theme to be general enough to inspire the widest possible creativity. Some artists may take the opportunity to delve into local history by visiting the Oliver Heritage Museum and Archives or the regional library. But Mackenzie brainstorms a few other ideas: “When we use the theme ‘Those were the days’, we can let our imagination run wild. What days are we referring to? The 1880s? 1920s? How about something that happened last week that we will look fondly on in the future?” Besides the area’s pioneer history, an artist may be inspired by their own childhood, a favourite personal memory, or even a fanciful revisionist view of their favourite historical period.

The Fall Art Show and Sale accepts entries from all media including painting, photography, fibre arts, mixed media, and three-dimensional (which includes sculpture, leather work, pottery, woodwork, jewelry, metalwork, and other objets d’art). A special category, Emerging Artists, encourages submissions from youth 19 and under. Although the majority of artists reside in the South Okanagan, the show and sale is open to all artists across BC. Based on the number of entries, the Oliver Community Arts Council reserves the right to limit and jury submissions. Voting for winners, however, is entirely done by public ballot. All category winners and an overall Best in Show receive awards.

The Fall Art Show and Sale has been held in conjunction with the Festival of the Grape for several years. The two-day art show has grown to include live jazz music, a classy silent auction, refreshments, and exhibits of artists at work. The event attracts hundreds of visitors each year. This fall, the arts council anticipates an historical display from the Oliver and District Heritage Society will be a crowd pleaser in the non-competitive portion of the show. The silent auction will continue the same theme, with antique objects offered for bid.

Entry forms will be available at Handworks Gallery and on line at www.oliverartscouncil.org by the third week of April. Deadline for submissions will be the second week of September. For more information about the Fall Art Show and Sale, or for an emailed entry form, artists may contact olivercac@gmail.com.

Fall Art Show 2009: Winners All !

autumn-mask-by-damien-brazeauThis year the Fall Art Show attracted its largest number of entries, 103. Many entries were submitted by artists exploring relatively new media: painters working instead in collage (Ellen Tache Cote) , quilting (Kim Wanner), or 3-D (Leo Pedersen), and collage artists painting (Marion Trimble). Some of these entrants have excelled and won awards in their new media this year. Congratulations!

A number of participating artists are new to Oliver or the Oliver Community Arts Council: Donna McLean, pine needle basketry; Damien Brazeau, leatherworker; Roy McLean, lapidary artist. Not only are they new folks, they also had a successful art show, winning prizes and selling their creations. Welcome and well done!

All entries were for sale, and a good number were purchased, especially by visitors from Sunday’s Festival of the Grape. Not only did many winning entries sell, but other artwork found new homes. Emerging artist, 12 year old, Aria Janow, was the first to sell artwork, and both her entries sold on the first day: Autumn Sunset and Wolf with Autumn’s Moon. There were big smiles all round, from both artists and customers.

About 225 ballots were cast to vote for the following winners. Those marked with an asterisk were sold at the show.

Best Interpretation of the Theme (Autumn) : John Salsnek (Last Leaves*)

madden-walk-marion-trimble-cropPainting:
1. John Salsnek: Last Leaves*
2. Marion Trimble: Madden Walk (pictured at left)
3. Corinne Desampaio: Untitled

Photography:
1. Merle Somerville: Autumn at Black Sage*
2. Merle Somerville: Autumn in Naramata
3. Diana McKinnon: Relic

New Media:
1. Ellen Cote (collage): Autumn Memories*
2. Thea Haubrich (encaustic art): Rhapsody in Purple
3. Marion Trimble (collage): Falling Leaves

natures-fallen-bounty3-D:
1. Donna McLean (pine needle basketry): Nature’s Fallen Beauty* (pictured)
2. Donna McLean (pine needle basketry): Nature’s Masterpiece*
3. Damien Brazeau (leatherwork): Autumn Masks* (pictured)

Fibre Arts:
1. Kim Wanner (quilting): Snippets of Autumn*
2. Dianne Birnie (quilting): Pomegranates
3. Enid Baker (quilting): Drum Bridge at Ido

Emerging Artist (Special Recognition):
Aria Janow (painting): Autumn Leaves *

As Fall Art Show committee chair Sally Franks remarked, “All entries are winners in their own right”, deserving of recognition and praise. To complete and enter a work for public view and judging is an accomplishment. Bravo!catering-treats-from-the-mesa-hotel

P.S. The catering by The Mesa Hotel chef was an artistic creation in itself.

Photos by Val Friesen.

Fall Art Show: October 3-4

Get ready for our big fall splash of colour!  Held in conjunction with Oliver BC’s Festival of the Grape (part of the Okanagan Wine Festival), the weekend is a perfect blend of arts and culture.

The Fall Art Show promises to be the biggest and best one we’ve ever had. We are up to 104 entries, well over  our previous record. Sculpture, fabric arts, fine art, photography  —  we celebrate art in all its forms.

Here’s what you can do at the Show:

* Tour the exhibit
* Meet the artists
* Vote for your favourite in each of five categories
* Buy some great artwork (all exhibit pieces for sale)
* Bid at the Silent Auction
* View special exhibits : The RipOff Artists present their multi-media interpretations of “Pink Tulip”
* Learn more about Oliver’s artists and arts council
* Become a 2010 Member of the Oliver Community Arts Council
* Listen to some fine jazz stylings by local performers
* Tempt your tastebuds and wine palate at a reception catered by Crush Pad Bistro (of The Mesa Hotel)
* Schmingle!  (Meet, mingle and schmooze in true Oliver style!)

Fall Art Show
Theme: Autumn
Saturday October 3, 2009
3 – 9 p.m.
Oliver Community Centre
Exhibition: 3 – 9 p.m.
Voting: 3 – 8 p.m.
Reception: 7 – 9 p.m.
Silent Auction: 3 – 9 p.m.
Winners Announced: 8:30 – 9:00 p.m.
AND
in conjunction with the Festival of the Grape….
Sunday October 4, 2009
12 – 6 p.m.
Oliver Community Centre
$22 Festival of the Grape Admission
Exhibition: 12 – 6 p.m.
Silent Auction: 12- 6 p.m.

Poster artwork by Val Friesen

Welcoming Potters, Photographers and Writers

potter-and-clayThe Oliver Community Arts Council hopes to foster three new arts groups this fall.

Over the years, several locals have expressed their interest in pottery, photography or writing, but no groups exist to support their creative endeavours, and no single individual has taken on the task of starting a group from scratch. To meet the need, the OCAC has decided to take on a facilitative role in getting these groups started.

aa040053The arts council is putting out a call to any people wishing to join a pottery, photography, or writing group to add their names to a contact list. In late fall, the arts council will co-ordinate and host an introductory meeting for each group at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre. They hope to “seed” each new group with arts council members who have special talent in the art form. These facilitators could provide some basic artistic instruction, offer guidance in starting a new club, and be a liaison with the arts council. Although still under discussion, the OCAC Board is hoping to offer some incentives to new groups, such as free rental for initial meetings at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre or a free one-year membership in the arts council. 482203

Currently member groups include the Desert Sage Spinners and Weavers, Double O Quilters, Federation of Canadian Artists, Friends of the Oliver Library, Oliver Arts and Crafts Sale, Oliver Country Market A-Fair, Oliver Sagebrushers, Sage Valley Voices Community Choir, South Okanagan Amateur Players, and South Okanagan Concert Society.

 Other ideas for arts groups are welcome.

Interested in being part of a brand new arts group in Oliver? Contact the Oliver Community Arts Council at olivercac@gmail.com or at OCAC, P.O. Box 1711, Oliver, BC   V0H 1T0 

Let us get you jump-started!

Photographer Russell Work shares Digital Secrets at Summer Studio

russell-work-1From his panoramic landscapes of Oliver, Osoyoos, and McIntyre Bluff to his delicate closeups of local flora and fauna, Russell Work’s photographs have reflected some of the most iconic images of the South Okanagan. The local photographer is the featured artist in residence at Summer Studio from August 10th – 15th at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre.

The exhibit includes both a display of Russell’s graphic art and a demonstration of his digital photo techniques. Visitors to Summer Studio can view a wide selection of local scenes. His specialty is the multi-image panoramic vistas of the South Okanagan featuring Oliver from the Golden Mile hiking trail and Osoyoos from the Anarchist viewpoint. Also on display are “giclee” prints (photographs printed on canvas), which create richly textured images resembling painting techniques. Framed, gicleed, and simple matted prints will all be available for purchase.

Russell will be on hand through the week to demonstrate his skill with camera and computer. From taking the perfect digital photo to manipulating the image with digital software, the photographer is making his expertise available for anyone with a digital camera or photoshop question. Russell encourages visitors to bring their cameras along: “Spend some time having your knowledge increased and your frustrations decreased.”

Kid’s Day activities run Wednesday, August 12th, 10am – 12 noon, and will focus on learning digital photography skills. Children are invited to bring a favorite toy, be it truck, transformer or doll, and try their hand at “light painting”. “If they have a digital camera they can bring it too,” says Russell, “but for those who don’t, I will have all the necessary equipment to complete this fun activity.” All Kids’ Day activities require adult accompaniment.

Russell was born in New Zealand and moved with his wife, Christine to Oliver in 1975. He was hired as a science and maths teacher at Southern Okanagan Secondary School but always had an interest in graphic art. He was responsible for organizing the school year book, and it was through this extra-curricular activity that he developed his passion for photography. In the latter years of teaching, he developed a graphics and photography course that proved popular with the students.

Since his retirement, Russell has had more time to explore and capture the beauty of the Okanagan valley. His hobby has developed into a business, with the creation of Digipic Productions. Russell now makes his services available for hire developing PowerPoint presentations and renting out his digital projector and other equipment. He has also licensed his images for commercial tourism purposes, establishing his own website (www.russellwork.com) for online image purchases. Most recently, Russell joined the Rip Off Artists, a multi-media collective of local artists and is developing his skills in more abstract forms of photographic art.

Summer Studio, a series of weekly displays and demonstrations of local art and craft, opens each week with a public reception on Mondays 6 – 8 p.m. All week long the public can watch artists at work in studio. Exhibits of both works in progress and finished artwork run Tuesdays to Saturdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free Kids’ Day activities are Wednesdays 10 – 12 noon. The SOAP Players display of The Sound of Music costumes and sets continues this week until August 8th. The Quail’s Nest Arts Centre is located at 34274 95th Street. For more information about Summer Studio, call 250-498-0183.

Photo by Penelope Johnson