RESPECT NETWORK EVENT

Each year South Okanagan Immigrant & Community Services (SOICS) host an annual event to promote the values of tolerance and racial equality in the South Okanagan through Respect Network funding. This year, we are using the funding to host a 2.5 hour workshop which will raise awareness on how body language and choice of words can be impactful in building tolerance.

The facilitator is a PhD student from UBCO who aims to incorporate a simulation game to raise awareness on various elements that contribute to cultural conflict. She will also present scenarios of racial discrimination and how to apply our newly developed knowledge to diffuse those remarks. 

March 15, 2017

3:30 – 6:00 pm

207 – 399 Main Street, Penticton

It is a free workshop, however we are requesting guests to RSVP to Tahira Saeed:  tahiras @ soics.ca

Waxing lyrical about Chelan

encaustic

by Marion Trimble

Here’s a picture from the Encaustic (Wax) Workshop at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre on Tuesday September 20. Two friends from Chelan, Marilyn Grover and Cindy Ulrich, came up for the class. When they were here at our invitation last year, we signed them up as members of the Oliver Sagebrushers Art Club.  They are the two ladies at the extreme right. We didn’t know they were able to come. So nice to see them again! Kudos to Jan & Wayne Kreut for inviting them to stay overnight at their house.

Both Chelan visitors said how much they enjoyed their trip last year and were looking for an opportunity to come back.  This opens the door for our getting an art group having a return trip to Chelan, the “Art Without Borders” exchange. We get emails from Chelan keeping us informed of their workshops too.  To be sure, the Oliver artists will descend upon Chelan once again!

Weavers in “harness” at fall workshop

3623642Thanks to funding from the Oliver arts council, the Desert Sage Spinners and Weavers are able to invite weaver Alison Irwin from Duncan for a two-day workshop on Pick-Up weaving using 4-harness looms on October 1 – 2 at the Shatford Centre in Penticton.

Alison Irwin lives in Maple Bay and has a weaving studio set up in her home. Irwin WeavingShe teaches beginner courses and more advanced classes both locally and beyond BC’s borders. One look at her handouts and you know she’s got a graphic arts background! Several of her projects have been published in ‘Handwoven’ magazine. Alison also likes to keep a camera close by. Some of the images taken on her walks down to the beach, or out in the yard, or in the studio are then altered a little or a lot in Photoshop.

 

Anyone not yet registered will be out of luck: the workshop is booked solid already. As weaver Barbara Levant explains, “It has sold out because our Guild is quite big and we do have a waiting list. 4_Harness_Loom_mainOur members go from Summerland to the border, so the OCAC funding has been spread over the South Okanagan. The participants are all very appreciative as the cost of the workshop is reasonable for all because of the funding. So again thanks to the Board for supporting this workshop!”

 

 

Encaustic Art workshop May 23 & 24

Join me, Jan Kreut,  for a

kreutopia_1345231992_600

2-day Encaustic Workshop

May 23 & 24

10am to 3pm

Quail’s Nest Arts Centre

5840 Airport Street, Oliver BC

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All art supplies are included. The basics will be covered the first day and we will cover layering, incising, & embedding and make an imprinted T-shirt the second day.

 

Bring a T-shirt or other cotton article on Day 2. The cost for the 2 days is $150. Register early as the class is limited to 12.

Contact Jan Kreut at 250-498-4090 or email kreutopia @ gmail.com

Encaustic Art workshop May 23 & 24

Join me, Jan Kreut,  for a

kreutopia_1345231992_600

2-day Encaustic Workshop

May 23 & 24

10am to 3pm

Quail’s Nest Arts Centre

5840 Airport Street, Oliver BC

v3g_3

All art supplies are included. The basics will be covered the first day and we will cover layering, incising, & embedding and make an imprinted T-shirt the second day.

 

Bring a T-shirt or other cotton article on Day 2. The cost for the 2 days is $150. Register early as the class is limited to 12.

Contact Jan Kreut at 250-498-4090 or email kreutopia @ gmail.com

Abstracts Workshop with Bonny Roberts

Getting Started on Abstracts Workshop

August 17, 18, 19

with

Professional Artist and Teacher

Bonny Roberts

www.BonnyRoberts.com

Presented by

Renee Matheson & Tina Baird

Robinson Place Workshops

www.robinsonplace.ca

60 Robinson Point Road, Naramata

Home (250) 496-4265     Cell (250) 488-4999

info @ robinsonplace.ca

“I have had so many people come up to me and say that they would like to paint abstract but they don’t know where to begin. That’s what this course is all about.”   Bonny Roberts

Imagine giving yourself the gift of a creative weekend at a beautiful home on Okanagan lakefront, a time away to create, learn, share, and relax. Good company with like minded artists, comfort food, a lakefront private beach, a warm therapeutic Jacuzzi…a time to create, reflect and rejuvenate.

Robinson Place Workshops are hosted at Robinson Place Bed & Beach. Owned and operated by Renee, great granddaughter of the founder of Naramata, this beautiful lake front home sits on the land that once was part of the Naramata Heritage Inn built by Mr. Robinson. This beautiful Spanish style home is filled with original art and antiques, many from the original Inn. This is your home for the weekend to enjoy, your home for relaxation, restoration and rejuvenation.

This workshop is limited to 15 students. The Full Immersion which includes accommodations is limited to 6 people in separate beds sharing rooms or more accommodation space is available if participants are sharing a bed.

Please see room rates at www.robinsonplace.ca. There will be a 20% discount on these rates for workshop participants.

Workshop Only (without accommodations) $355 pp. plus HST

Includes: workshop; Tapas and dinners;  continental breakfasts; coffee and tea; Jacuzzi; and optional morning yoga and meditation.

Friday
Workshop Only participants are invited to arrive at 4:00 pm on Friday.

*5 PM – Welcome on lakefront patio

*6:30 PM – Dinner

*7:30 PM- 8:30 PM – Introduction to Workshop

 
Saturday

*8:30 AM – Continental breakfast

*9:15 AM to 9:45 AM – yoga and meditation

*10 AM to 1:00 Noon – Morning Workshop Session: texturing the first canvas

*1:00 to 2:00 PM – Lunch

*2:00 PM- 5:30 PM – Colour Demonstrations and second canvas colour abstract

*5:30 PM – 8:30 PM – Refreshments, Tapas and Pot Luck Dinner

Sunday

On day two we will continue the process of abstract exploration. Bonny will do demos and there will be one on one instruction as students add texture to their colour abstract, if desired, and colour to their textured canvas. The intention is for students to finish two abstract paintings during the workshop.

Sunday Schedule

* Same as Saturday’s Schedule with a final group sharing and critique from

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm.

* Wind up and check-out for all participants will be from 5:00 pm- 6:00 pm.

 

Registration and Accommodation Reservations:

Robinson Place Bed and Beach

(250) 496-4265

(250) 488-4999

info @ robinsonplace.ca

Workshop Information and Supplies List

Bonny Roberts

(250) 499 8037

bonny18@telus.net

Watch for upcoming workshops including the second Bonny Roberts workshop September 21-23; Suzanne Northcott in November; and a Plein Air trip to Las Vegas with Kindrie Grove in late October/early November to paint the wild horses and burrows to help save them

Stay tuned, there is talk of a Plein Air Workshop with Kindrie Grove and photographer Arlene Gawne in Africa; and Kindrie “With Bears in Canim Lake, BC.”

Painting in the Wild

Painting Wild Horses and Burros in the Desert

Photographers Welcome!

A 5-Day Workshop in and around Las Vegas

Mon. May 28 – Sat. June 2, 2012

with

Professional Artist and Instructor

Kindrie Grove

(250) 490-1625
www.kindriegrove.com
www.onlineartinstruction.com

Presented by Renee Matheson

Robinson Place Workshops
60 Robinson Point Road, Naramata
Home (250) 496-4265 Cell (250) 488-4999
Email: info@robinsonplace.ca
www.robinsonplace.ca
 
Arlene Gawne
www.discoverwildhorses.com

This first workshop was developed to help save the wild horses and burros of the Las Vegas area. By benefiting the local economy and drawing visitors to the area, the wild horses and burros become a valuable living resource for both international visitors and locals alike.

Kindrie will lead you through the En Plein Air painting process, with step-by-step demonstrations, focusing on landscape painting and helping you edit to get the moving subjects of horses into your paintings.

This is a rare opportunity to paint in the beautiful spring desert, closely surrounded by wild horses, their foals and burros at three locations. On each of the 2 plein air painting days, shuttles will take you from the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vagas to the painting sites. Catered lunches are included and a chance, if you choose, to exhibit in a Las Vegas gallery for the First Friday Artwalk at the end of the week. Critiques and access to Kindrie and her expertise for the week will create a fulfilling and immersive artistic learning experience for both artists and photographers.

This workshop is limited to 10 participants for reasons of the permits required to take people into that area with the horses.

Workshop Only: $450.00 plus tax

Includes: All instructional workshop hours, Tues/Wed/Thurs. lunch and beverage (Tues/Wed only), shuttle service to the three locations with permit access and the gallery showing and reception.

Contact Keri-Lynn Grell at K. Banks Travel to find Packages which include airfare and accommodations at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas.

250 492 0726     kerilynn @ bankstravel.com

Note: all participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements to Las Vegas.

Registration:

For workshop registration please contact Renee Matheson at Robinson Place Bed and Beach.

Home (250) 496-4265
Cell (250) 488-4999
Email: info @ robinsonplace.ca

A 50% deposit is required upon reservation for confirmation.

For more information on the workshop content, schedule, and supplies please contact instructor Kindrie Grove.  (250) 490-1625

Explore your creativity all weekend

Creativity Workshop Weekend

June 15, 16, 17

with

Professional Artist and Instructor

Kindrie Grove

(250) 490-1625

www.kindriegrove.com

www.onlineartinstruction.com

 

Presented by Renee Matheson & Tina Baird

Robinson Place Workshops

60 Robinson Point Road, Naramata

Home (250) 496-4265 Cell (250) 488-4999

Email: info @ robinsonplace.ca

www.robinsonplace.ca

This workshop is about learning to listen to the inspiration that drives us to create, to access it and then manifest it. In a supportive and non-judgmental environment, you will hear your own creative voice of inspiration. Intuitive artistic expression will be accomplished with the accompaniment of music preformed by Brian McGibney playing intuitively to add to our own energy. Learn how to honour and hone the skills of accessing the creative flow and incorporating it in all aspects of your life.

Imagine giving yourself the gift of a creative weekend. Good company with like-minded artists, comfort food, a private beach, a warm beautiful home on Okanagan lakefront…a time away to create, learn, share, and relax. Robinson Place Workshops are hosted at Robinson Place Bed & Beach. This beautiful lakefront home sits on the land that once was part of the Naramata Heritage Inn. The beautiful Spanish style home is filled with original art and antiques, many from the original Inn.

This workshop is limited to 15 students in total, on a first-come first-serve basis.

The Full Immersion includes accommodation and is limited to 6 people two beds to a room.  Workshop Only (without accommodations) $385 + HST.  Includes: All instructional workshop hours; main art supplies; Friday evening Welcome Tapas and dinner; Saturday evening Tapas and potluck dinner; 2 continental breakfasts; 2 lunches; coffee and tea beverages for the weekend; access to the Jacuzzi and grounds; and Saturday and Sunday morning yoga and meditation.

Friday:

Check in 4:00 p.m.

*5 PM – Tapas and Welcome

*6:00 PM – Dinner provided

*7:30 PM-9 PM – Creativity Workshop.

Saturday:

Day one of this workshop is geared toward learning to listen to the inspiration that drives us to create. From paintings, photographs and sculpture to music and literature, to innovative thought and invention, all these endeavours begin with tuning in to the song of creativity within us. Through reflective directed meditation, creative play and fun exercises in a supportive and non-judgmental environment, you will begin to hear your own creative voice of inspiration. Intuitive artistic expression will be accompanied by Brian Mc Gibney’s music.

Sunday:

Day two will continue the process of self-expression. With creative projects that are kept in the vein of play, and that require no specific skill set, you will perhaps discover new passions or make deeper connections to existing ones. Brian will accompany the creation of a large-scale intuitive painting outdoors in the yoga studio on Sunday morning. This piece may be an abstract expression or might incorporate personal symbolism, but it will be a direct representation of the process of music combined with intuitive painting. (art supplies provided) From self-affirming games to the creation of your own personal creativity mandala.

Registration

For workshop registration and accommodation reservations please contact Renee Matheson at Robinson Place Bed and Beach. Home (250) 496-4265 Cell (250) 488-4999, Email:  info @ robinsonplace.ca   A 50% deposit is required upon reservation for  confirmation.

For more information on the Workshop please contact instructor Kindrie Grove at (250) 490-1625.

Supplies

Please bring a sketchbook and an assortment of drawing materials such as: pens, pencils, chalk pastel, crayons, oil pastel or felts, and 4 latex paint brushes from 2”- 4” in size. Newsprint pad also recommended. All other supplies will be provided.

Green thumbs with community spirit make plans for 2012

contributed by Heather Whittall

Gardeners everywhere are looking at seed catalogues and dreaming of the day when they can start planting their gardens. The fun of planning just doesn’t compare with the smell of fresh earth and the feel of soil in your hands and the sun on your back.

Workshops and presentations for gardeners of all ages will be the big focus at this year’s Annual General Meeting of the Oliver Community Garden Society. “Of course we also have raised-bed garden boxes available for rent,” says Luke Whittall, president of the Garden Society. “Not everyone has the space to build a garden. Our raised beds are easy to access and easy to work. You can have tomatoes growing in no time.”

Flowers, peppers, herbs, peas, beans, and pumpkins, have also done well in the past at the Community Garden. “Any crop suitable for raised bed gardening will work great here,” says Whittall. “Our plan this year is to provide totally automatic irrigation for the whole garden site. If you’re away for a couple weeks on vacation, you won’t have to worry about your garden getting watered.”

We have big plans for the Oliver Community Garden this year! Not only do we want to make it lusher and greener and more of the enchanted space we’ve been dreaming of over the winter, but we want to awaken the sense of community a garden can bring.

The Oliver Community Garden Society will be holding its Annual General Meeting on Monday, March 12th at 7 pm at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre, Studio Building on Airport Street which has also been the location of the Garden since the 2011 growing season. Though it is less visible than the previous location on Main Street, Whittall does not see it as an issue. “It’s makes for a much more serene gardening experience. On Main Street, it was loud with all the traffic noise and there was no shade. At the Quail’s Nest, it’s much more quiet and we have great shaded areas.”  The society welcomes all to attend and contribute to the discussion of what you would like to see the Community Garden do this summer and over the coming years. We are already planning a number of workshops and welcome your input on their topics.

The  community garden willl be holding monthly workshops on second Saturdays of each month starting in May as well as getting the youth of the community more involved and educated in the wonders of gardening. The kickoff is a great big Plant Sale and Garden Warming Party on Saturday, May 26th at the Oliver Community Garden at the Quail’s Nest Art Centre.

Visit the Oliver Community Garden Society online at  http://olivercommunitygarden.wordpress.com

We’re on Twitter! http://twitter.com/olivergarden

Now on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Oliver-Community-Garden/207352179362353

For more information:  olivercommunitygarden @ yahoo.com

Colourful Memories: A Photo Spread

The Desert Sage Spinners and Weavers Guild have happy memories of their Natural Dyeing Workshop at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre on June 28 – 29, 2011, an event financially supported by the Oliver Community Arts Council.  The instructor was Coby Vandergast. A follow-up session was held at a member’s home. Don’t the results look gorgeous? Enjoy these wearable “fall colours”!

Remember too, that their Slow Fibre Fest is coming up next weekend! October 29 at the Penticton Seniors Centre on 2965 South Main Street, Penticton, 10 am to 5pm. There’s a Wearable Art Fashion Show at 2:00 pm. Demonstations throughout the day! Sales and fun exhibits all day long. Scroll down the page for another article with more information. Entrance FREE but bring your wallet because you’ll want to pick some fall colours for yourself!  

 

 

 

Photo Credit: Gail Erickson

Arts Council funds four local arts groups

At their June Board meeting, the arts council awarded Contracted Service Agreements in varying amounts to four local arts groups. Financial aid is granted to successful applicants presenting a public seminar, workshop, performance, exhibit or other event with an arts focus that upholds the mandates of the arts council. As such, these events now become an extension of the work of the arts council.

The Desert  Sage Spinners and Weavers received funding for an eco-dyeing  workshop with Coby VanDerGaast at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre this summer. VanderGaast is an instuctor in the fibre program at Kootenay School of the Arts at Selkirk College in Nelson, B. C. She is also an organic farmer and is currently growing dye plants for Earthues, a natural colour company based in Seattle. Desert Sage regularly seeks arts council funding, enabling them to hire professional instructors in the fibre arts.

The Oliver Handbell Ringers were awarded financial aid to purchase sheet music for two public performances in the 2011 – 2012 season. This is the first year the Handbell Ringers have been members of the arts council and applied for funding. The arts council was especially pleased to see a new group apply — and apply successfully.  

Another first-time applicant, although long-time member of the arts council, was the Oliver Sagebrushers. The painting club received funding  for a public demonstration and exhibit entitled “En Plein Air Painting at Rustico Winery” on the weekend of September 10 – 11. The public can watch artists at their easels at scenic locations around the vineyard and winery. Arts council funding will cover publicity and live music at the event.  

The South Okanagan Concert Society, which has relied on  arts council support for many years, has been awarded $500 towards expenses for their 2011-2012 season. The season is a promising one, including  

Fri. October 28: Alexander Sevastian, solo accordion
Fri. Nov 25: Kallisto Trio, a capella female trio
Fri. Jan 27: Daniel Bolshoy, solo guitarist
Fri. Feb 24 : Penderecki String Quartet

$60 regular flex pass and $20 single ticket. Tickets at Beyond Bliss, Oliver and Imperial Office Pro, Osoyoos. All performances at Oliver Alliance Church.

Congratulations to the successful applicants! Please attend these fine artistic events over the next year of programming!

 Photo Credits: Gail Erickson, Val Freisen (file photos)

Spinners & Weavers appreciate funded workshop

In April, the Desert Sage Spinners and Weavers ran a successful workshop facilitated by guest fibre artist Robyn Spady (pictured at left) of Spady Studios, Seattle. Robyn is inspired by the many ways to weave double-faced fabrics as a way to create versatile fabrics. In addition to double-faced fabrics, she also explores uncommon weave structures and narrow warp weaves. More about Robyn and her weaving techniques can be found here: http://www.spadystudios.com/  Here’s what Robyn says about the importance of fibre arts in her life:

“Weaving has always been a part of my life. It started with my baby blanket handwoven by my great-grandmother. While growing up, it helped instill in me a sense of creativity and confidence at a time when my self esteem was developing. During my years while working, in what I like to call “Corporate America”, weaving helped give me sanity and feel a sense of productivity, which was very important while working on long-term projects when day-to-day progress was not evident.

“In 2001, changes in my life provided me the opportunity to dedicate myself to weaving fulltime. One of the earliest undertakings, that has had a huge impact on my life and my weaving, was tackling the Handweavers Guild of America’s Certificate of Excellence in Handweaving.  I [later] successfully completed the Level 1: Technical Skills in Handweaving…. [and] … Level II: Master in Handweaving with the specialized study Loom-controlled Stitched Double Cloth.

“I am fascinated by the infinite possibilities of crossing threads and love coming up with new ideas to create fabric and transform it into something that has never existed before. My intrigue with stitched double cloth encouraged me to explore the many ways to weave double-faced fabrics as a way to create versatile fabrics that are reversible, self-lined, etc. In addition to double-faced fabrics, I love to discover uncommon and unusual weave structures, especially if they can be woven on only four-shafts. Recently, I’ve also been studying how elaborate trims can be woven on narrow warp weaves.

“For many of us, weaving is a type of circle of life. The loom my great-grandmother used to weave my baby blanket on over 45 years ago is in use on a daily basis helping me transfer my inspirations into new fabrics and inspiring new generations of weavers.”

As you can tell from the photos of the very focussed participants, weaving can be all-consuming and takes a lot of concentration!

The event was sponsored in part through the Oliver Community Arts Council.

Need funding for a public workshop, production, exhibit, class, or event? The OCAC is accepting applications for Contracted Service Agreements NOW. Up to $500 in funding per project. Open to all OCAC members. Complete yours by June 1, 2011 for an event in the Sept 2011 – Aug 2012 season.  Click on “Forms” above or email olivercac @ gmail.com for information and application.

Thanks to Desert Sage Spinners and Weavers president Gail Erickson for the photos.

Spinners & Weavers appreciate funded workshop

In April, the Desert Sage Spinners and Weavers ran a successful workshop facilitated by guest fibre artist Robyn Spady (pictured at left) of Spady Studios, Seattle. Robyn is inspired by the many ways to weave double-faced fabrics as a way to create versatile fabrics. In addition to double-faced fabrics, she also explores uncommon weave structures and narrow warp weaves. More about Robyn and her weaving techniques can be found here: http://www.spadystudios.com/  Here’s what Robyn says about the importance of fibre arts in her life:

“Weaving has always been a part of my life. It started with my baby blanket handwoven by my great-grandmother. While growing up, it helped instill in me a sense of creativity and confidence at a time when my self esteem was developing. During my years while working, in what I like to call “Corporate America”, weaving helped give me sanity and feel a sense of productivity, which was very important while working on long-term projects when day-to-day progress was not evident.

“In 2001, changes in my life provided me the opportunity to dedicate myself to weaving fulltime. One of the earliest undertakings, that has had a huge impact on my life and my weaving, was tackling the Handweavers Guild of America’s Certificate of Excellence in Handweaving.  I [later] successfully completed the Level 1: Technical Skills in Handweaving…. [and] … Level II: Master in Handweaving with the specialized study Loom-controlled Stitched Double Cloth.

“I am fascinated by the infinite possibilities of crossing threads and love coming up with new ideas to create fabric and transform it into something that has never existed before. My intrigue with stitched double cloth encouraged me to explore the many ways to weave double-faced fabrics as a way to create versatile fabrics that are reversible, self-lined, etc. In addition to double-faced fabrics, I love to discover uncommon and unusual weave structures, especially if they can be woven on only four-shafts. Recently, I’ve also been studying how elaborate trims can be woven on narrow warp weaves.

“For many of us, weaving is a type of circle of life. The loom my great-grandmother used to weave my baby blanket on over 45 years ago is in use on a daily basis helping me transfer my inspirations into new fabrics and inspiring new generations of weavers.”

As you can tell from the photos of the very focussed participants, weaving can be all-consuming and takes a lot of concentration!

The event was sponsored in part through the Oliver Community Arts Council.

Need funding for a public workshop, production, exhibit, class, or event? The OCAC is accepting applications for Contracted Service Agreements NOW. Up to $500 in funding per project. Open to all OCAC members. Complete yours by June 1, 2011 for an event in the Sept 2011 – Aug 2012 season.  Click on “Forms” above or email olivercac @ gmail.com for information and application.

Thanks to Desert Sage Spinners and Weavers president Gail Erickson for the photos.

Water Wise Garden Trade Fair & Workshop

Oliver’s Communities in Bloom committee presents

Water Wise Garden  Workshop & Trade Fair
Saturday, March 26
Workshop 9:30 – 12:30
Tickets $10.00  at Beyond Bliss & Medici’s Gelateria
Oliver Elks Hall (9725 – 360th Ave)

Join local experts Eva Durance* and Kathryn McCourt** at the workshop and learn about the principles of xeriscape gardening, gardening with drought tolerant plants, organic versus inorganic mulches, efficient irrigation, water wise gardens, and easy care gardens suited for Oliver’s climate. Reduce your water bills by gardening and landscaping with drought tolerant plants. let’s help make Oliver beautiful and water-wise!

Seating is limited for the workshop! Only 50 tickets available. Get yours NOW!

and
Trade Fair 9:30 -4:00
FREE and OPEN to the public, no limit
Oliver Elks Hall (9725 – 360th Ave)

Lots of items for sale related to gardening and xeriscaping in particular. Visit booths for irrigation supplies, landscaping supplies, educational information, and of course nurseries featuring drought tolerant plants.

Reasons to Xeriscape:

■Reduces water use by about 50% compared to conventional lawns or ornamental gardens
■Cost saving when water meters take effect
■Reduction in erosion hazards on sensitive soils
■Eliminates use of toxic pesticides and herbicides
■Low-water native plants provide food and habitat for South Okanagan birds, butterflies, and bees.
■ Xeriscaping will survive restricted water use during drought conditions
■Water conservation helps to mitigate the effects of climate change ad development pressures
 

*Eva Durance, who grew up in Ontario, has been a lifelong gardener and interested in garden designer for over 40 years. She has worked as a xeriscape-naturescape designer and natural systems’ restoration consultant in the Okanagan for over 15 years and has given courses and talks in xeriscape and naturescape gardening for a variety of places including Okanagan College and the City of Penticton. In addition to advanced degrees in English Language and Literature, Eva has a Diploma in Landscape Design from the Institute of Garden Design in the United Kingdom, and courses in Restoration of Natural Systems.

**Kathryn McCourt has been gardening and conserving water since she was three. Throughout her years as a public school teacher, bookkeeper, freelance writer and florist, there was always a garden and it was usually in a dry place, whether in the Okanagan, Calgary or Victoria. Since 2005, she has had her own Summerland-based business, creating, maintaining and teaching about Xeriscape.

The Oliver Community Arts Council is a partner with Oliver’s Communities in Bloom through the Best Bloomin’ Garden Contest. For more information, contact olivercac@gmail.com