Local arts enthusiasts may know Susan McCarrell’s distinctive mixed media work from her award-winning entries in the annual Fall Art Show and Sale. Combining sepia-toned photographs, archival newsprint text, and textured media, she creates haunting imagery with layers of meaning.

Now Susan has her own exhibit! Opening Reception is August 29th at the Osoyoos Art Gallery, and the show runs until September 19th.

Eclectic yet focused, Susan McCarrell’s mixed media works are reflections on memory, rituals of life, including celebrations, successes and hiccups.  She owns a unique style which is energetic, playful, bound by discipline and tradition.  Her art confronts the ups and downs of modern life with connections to similarities of past lives with strong feminine energy.

Using a combination of mixed media, photography and historical images, she likens her art to a ‘construction’ to produce her natural and organic pieces.  A thread runs through Susan’s work that makes it unmistakably hers.

Susan relocated from Vancouver, British Columbia to the South Okanagan, British Columbia in 1996.

With a set of powerful pipes and dynamic delivery, Darlene Ketchum  kept the rhythm and blues coming at Music in the Park on Thursday August 13. From Etta James’ At Last (My Love has Come to Me) and Billy Holiday’s God Bless the Child to the Motown sound of My Guy and You are the Sunshine of my Life, to the traditional gospel Wade in the Water, Ketchum showed her range. Backed by jazzy pianist (and husband) Kelvin Ketchum, solid bass guitarist Gerry Teichrob, and super-hot drumming by Tyler Friesen, the Delta-based quartet entertained with two sets that perfectly matched the sultry summer weather.

The backing trio, two of whom are members of Quintessential Jazz,  got to strut their stuff on two numbers, including the haunting Autumn Leaves. 

Ketchum also shared some of her original compositions, including the funky That Kind of Friend. Her theatrical delivery, radiant smile, and wide gestures were especially welcome in the large outdoor venue where distance can mute the emotional power of a song.  This lady knows how to hold the attention of a crowd.

Next in the Music in the Park lineup is the Kettle Valley Brakemen on Thursday August 20, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Oliver Community Bandshell on Park Drive. Admission by donation. Bring a lawnchair or blanket.  The popular beer and wine garden continues, including some fine brewskies by OCAC member business, Firehall Brewery. Evening market with fresh produce, crafts, and home items, bouncy castle and face painting for the kids, and food vendors for picnics in the park.