Art is hatching in Oliver this spring. The bay doors roll up at Oliver’s Quail’s Nest Arts Centre for their second open house on Sunday May 28th between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Visitors will discover art exhibits, sales, and demonstrations, as well as live music, children’s art activities, and door prizes. Information booths will introduce visitors to many local artists, upcoming arts events, and ways to become active in the arts community. Admission is free, although there are also opportunities to purchase wares.
Writers, fibre artists, painters, quilters, jewelers, and multimedia artists will all showcase their creativity. Shoppers can purchase art cards, handcrafted jewelry, pine needle baskets, clothing and souvenirs. More than just a market, the event salutes local arts-and-culture groups who want to display and demonstrate their craft. “We will see not only some favourites, but some soon-to-be favourites,” says JoAnn Turner, Oliver’s arts council president. JoAnn is excited to welcome newcomers including the Wine Country Writers Festival, a Mexican handcrafter, and an indigenous society selling merchandise in support of reconciliation and mental health.
The Desert Sage Spinners and Weavers, Kreutopia encaustic art, and GNR Alpaca Boutique will demonstrate their skills. The RipOff Artists are set to reveal what famous Canadian painter they will reproduce in their summer studio. Turner adds, “SOSS Art Club students will partner with the RipOffs this year, and have impressive art on display.” The Ukraine Nightingale Project will raffle a quilt and also sell merchandise in support of the refugee crisis. “Art is interactive and wide-ranging,” explains JoAnn, “and we’re always trying to capture that variety.”
Door prizes include a gift certificate from Sagebrush Nursery paired with gardening supplies, bottles of wine from Kismet Estate Winery and River Stone Estate Winery paired with wine glasses, and several beautiful home decor items.
Children’s activities include quail-themed craft projects, colouring pages, and some quirky quail dress-up opportunities at the photo booth. Oliver Ambassadors will guide little hands although parental supervision is required. Folk duo Markin and Celli will create a relaxing, friendly atmosphere, singing a mix of Americana, folk, and their own compositions.
All artists are members of the Oliver Community Arts Council, the organizers behind this colourful event. The arts council will promote their own programs and events, including CreateAbility, Music in the Park, and the Fall Art Show and Sale. Handbills, entry forms, and memberships will be available.
The Quail’s Nest Open House welcomes the public to see what art is hatching at 5840 Airport Street, Oliver. Public parking is available on the north side of Big Blue.
