Art challenge awards prizes to those in “Quail-antine”

Oliver’s arts council encourages locals to self-isolate with a creative project called the “Quail-antine” Challenge. The council will award prizes to visual art entries of any medium and skill level, as long as those entries are placed in an area visible to the public. The idea is inspired by the arts council’s logo (a quail) and the springtime behaviour of Oliver’s famous bird.

In springtime, quail practice “quail-antine”. Usually found in large flocks, quail start to pair off, and isolate themselves for nesting time. The arts council encourages local residents to be like the quail: Make a cozy place for a “nest”. Find a buddy to bring you supplies and run errands and check on you if you need it. Make lots of “noise” by phone, email, video so others can hear you even if they aren’t with you. Ka-kawkaw!  Then get busy creating something new, whether picking up a neglected art project or a book or a dusty musical instrument, taking an online class, starting a journal, making a video or taking artistic macro shots of household objects. In other words, “hatch” a few creative “eggs”!  Just because you’re in “Quail-antine” doesn’t mean you can’t exercise your creativity!

The Quail-antine Challenge asks locals to create a quail. One option is to colour the Quail-antine colouring page and post it in a window or door facing the public, or waterproof it and stake it in your front yard so others can see it. For those seeking more of an artistic challenge, create a quail sculpture out of found objects like stones, cutlery, garden implements, or recycled materials. Use up leftover craft supplies like feathers and glitter. Felting, sewing, photographing or painting quail are all welcome. No age or ability restrictions.    

Colouring pages are available here or by emailing OliverCAC @ gmail.com Two colouring pages are available, a simple one for beginners is here:

and one slightly more challenging is here:

To enter for a chance at a prize, take a photo of your artwork showing that it is in a location on your property where the public can view it. Email the photo of your artwork to OliverCAC @ gmail.com with the subject line “I’m Quail-antining!” Feel free to share the story behind your artwork. Enter your finished creation before May 30 to be included.

Prizes will be awarded on May 30 for three $50 gift certificates to one of the arts council’s many business or group members. Each winner may choose from among participating businesses or groups — tickets to a concert or play, food and beverages, arts workshops, health services, and more.  A complete list of those 30-plus members is on the right-hand column.  Gift certificates will be good for one year, expiring in June 2021, to use when life returns to normal.

Show your creativity and solidarity as we all quail-antine!