Wine Capital Art Walk

CALL FOR ARTISTS: Wine Capital Art Walk (Thursday, May 11, 2017)

This spring, there is an exciting opportunity for artists connected with the Oliver Community Arts Council. The OCAC is collaborating with other Oliver organizations to host an art walk on the evening of Thursday May 11 from 6 – 8 p.m. Participating artists (in all media) will be paired with main street businesses to display their best work. Currently, the committee is considering only the first block of Main Street north of the Fairview Road intersection.

This Call for Artists is open to all visual media:

* photography

* digital media such as computer graphics and film

* three-dimensional, such as pottery, sculpture, mixed media installations, metalwork,   woodwork, jewelry and other artisan crafts

* fibre and fabric arts, such as quilting, weaving, spinning, clothing/fashion

* painting, including acrylics, oils, watercolours

* mixed / other two dimensional media, such as charcoal, ink, encaustic, and collage

All artwork must be display ready. Sale pieces are welcome. Artists must be present during the event and take responsibility for their own sales.

Space may also be available for performing arts:

* street theatre and improv

* dance

* live music (choir, band, instrumental soloists)

* other entertainers

NOTE: This component will be limited by available space and noise level.

There is no entry fee and no commission. However, preference will be given to artists who are members of the Oliver Community Arts Council. Membership forms are available at OCAC Membership  or olivercac @ gmail.com

Only artists who have been confirmed as an entrant may display or demonstrate their art at the event. The committee reserves the right to choose the business venue for each participating artist. In cases where more than one artist will display in one business, the committee also reserves the right to pair artists.

Interested artists should contact Tara Hovanes  hovanes @ telus.net  250-498-6132

Background Information

Last year’s Art Walk (April 28, 2016) opened quietly, testing the waters for a larger event. The evening was so successful, several new components will be added this year. We hope the event will continue to grow over the years. Here are some proposals for 2017:

* including Medici’s Gelateria and Coffeehouse as both a gallery space and as the concluding gathering space for refreshments and art draws (see below)

* food service by local restaurants in finger-food, street vendor style

* sidewalk art by local children through the Town Hall Rose Garden

* live art demonstrations at select locations, such as hand-built pottery, spinning, portraiture

* a “passport” map as a guide, stamped for access to activities, and / or used as a draw ticket

* live music

* gift basket and / or mini art draws

* Robert Woods art draw (in support of the Agnes Sutherland Memorial Piano)

There may be opportunities for arts-related businesses that are not located on the first block of Main Street to participate in street vendor style.

This event date has been moved to pair with the Okanagan Spring Wine Festival (May 4 – 14).  There will be wine tastings available during the art walk. Stay tuned for other exciting wine-related news.

The Wine Capital Art Walk also plans to include the Wine Barrel Painting event under its banner this year. The event will host a week of barrel painting at a downtown location, as a demonstration open to the public, and culminating on the May 11 art walk. Silent auction bids will be accepted all week long and the finished barrels will be sold off on that Thursday evening. A Call for Artists for the barrel painting event will be arranged separately.

What’s Jammin’ in the Arts on Monday?

Arts Jam  blank

You are invited to our monthly arts “news and views” gathering

 

Arts Jam!

Monday August 26

9:30 a.m.

Quail’s Nest Arts Centre

5840 Airport Street, Oliver, BC

Beverages and morning snacks provided. Hear behind-the-scenes stories of our summer arts events. Share arts news for fall.  See some new improvements to the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre. Take a look at an exciting new purchase. Hint: We’re putting artists behind bars … or in front of them…

What's Jammin' in the Arts on Monday?

Arts Jam  blank

You are invited to our monthly arts “news and views” gathering

 

Arts Jam!

Monday August 26

9:30 a.m.

Quail’s Nest Arts Centre

5840 Airport Street, Oliver, BC

Beverages and morning snacks provided. Hear behind-the-scenes stories of our summer arts events. Share arts news for fall.  See some new improvements to the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre. Take a look at an exciting new purchase. Hint: We’re putting artists behind bars … or in front of them…

No Rain on our Parade!

The Oliver Community Arts Council is looking for people who love to walk! We are entering the International Sunshine Festival Parade on Saturday July 14 and require several volunteers to be part of an eye-catching  procession.

To publicize the broad range of our membership and give our members an advertising opportunity, we are asking for volunteers willing to carry a poster naming each group and business that operates under the OCAC umbrella.

And of course we need someone to hold … the umbrella!

Yes, this procession will have a multicoloured umbrella bearing our name, with colourful streamers connecting each strip of colour to a matching placard. That could mean up to 25 or so volunteers in the procession.

Ideally, each member holding a placard would be a representative from that group or business named on the sign. So does your group or business have someone who likes to walk? AND have fun in a parade? Let us know at OliverCAC @ gmail.com

Thanks to Arvie Bourgeault, BettyLou Trimmer Bahnsen, and Heather Fink for their creative efforts on this committee!

Arts Council welcomes Oliver Twist Winery and Rod’s Aqua Pools

Two arts-supporting businesses have become new members of the Oliver Community Arts Council: Oliver Twist Estate Winery (Bruce and Denice Hagerman) and Rod’s Aqua Pools, Ltd (Rod and LeeAnn Parrent). They join eight businesses, thirteen arts groups, and 80 individual artists and art supporters  currently members of the arts council.

Oliver Twist Estate Winery has delightful wines and lots of charm. From the moment visitors enter the vineyard from Blacksage Road, where a sign cautions  drivers “Grapes at Play” , you know you’re in for a treat!  

Owners Bruce and Denice Hagerman love to mix entertainment and education in their tasting room. As a good example, check out the tongue-in-cheek video of Bruce demonstrating the art of opening a twist-top wine on their website. Look under “Virtual Tours”  on the home page here:  http://www.olivertwistwinery.com

Locals know the winery for one of its specialties: Kerner, an award-winning off-dry white (and this writer’s fave).   Oliver Twist also produces other prize winning vintages, from Proprietor’s Reserve Merlot  to Viognier. Yummy!

Oliver Twist Estate Winery
33013 Road 9A, Oliver, BC
250.485.0227
info@olivertwistwinery.com

Owner Denice Hagerman has been a great community supporter, and any visitors to the winery will benefit from her knowledge of Oliver’s arts and culture scene, activities, and organizations. What a fountain of Oliver information and enthusiasm!

And speaking of fountains and other water features….

The arts council welcomes Rod’s Aqua Pools Ltd as a new business member. Pool installation, maintenance and repair is Rod’s specialty.  In the hot and dry South the Okanagan, you better believe that pools are their very own “art form”, and living by your own backyard pool and hottub is its own summer-long “arts and culture” event!  Rod and LeeAnn are active Oliverites, with LeeAnn standing for a director nomination to the arts council Board at the upcoming AGM.

Rod’s Aqua Pools Ltd
R.R.3, Oliver BC
250-498-2819

Are you an Oliver business who would like to become a member?  Download and submit a membership form (check our banner above under “Forms”) or contact olivercac@gmail.com to find out more information about membership.

Arts Council welcomes Oliver Twist Winery and Rod's Aqua Pools

Two arts-supporting businesses have become new members of the Oliver Community Arts Council: Oliver Twist Estate Winery (Bruce and Denice Hagerman) and Rod’s Aqua Pools, Ltd (Rod and LeeAnn Parrent). They join eight businesses, thirteen arts groups, and 80 individual artists and art supporters  currently members of the arts council.

Oliver Twist Estate Winery has delightful wines and lots of charm. From the moment visitors enter the vineyard from Blacksage Road, where a sign cautions  drivers “Grapes at Play” , you know you’re in for a treat!  

Owners Bruce and Denice Hagerman love to mix entertainment and education in their tasting room. As a good example, check out the tongue-in-cheek video of Bruce demonstrating the art of opening a twist-top wine on their website. Look under “Virtual Tours”  on the home page here:  http://www.olivertwistwinery.com

Locals know the winery for one of its specialties: Kerner, an award-winning off-dry white (and this writer’s fave).   Oliver Twist also produces other prize winning vintages, from Proprietor’s Reserve Merlot  to Viognier. Yummy!

Oliver Twist Estate Winery
33013 Road 9A, Oliver, BC
250.485.0227
info@olivertwistwinery.com

Owner Denice Hagerman has been a great community supporter, and any visitors to the winery will benefit from her knowledge of Oliver’s arts and culture scene, activities, and organizations. What a fountain of Oliver information and enthusiasm!

And speaking of fountains and other water features….

The arts council welcomes Rod’s Aqua Pools Ltd as a new business member. Pool installation, maintenance and repair is Rod’s specialty.  In the hot and dry South the Okanagan, you better believe that pools are their very own “art form”, and living by your own backyard pool and hottub is its own summer-long “arts and culture” event!  Rod and LeeAnn are active Oliverites, with LeeAnn standing for a director nomination to the arts council Board at the upcoming AGM.

Rod’s Aqua Pools Ltd
R.R.3, Oliver BC
250-498-2819

Are you an Oliver business who would like to become a member?  Download and submit a membership form (check our banner above under “Forms”) or contact olivercac@gmail.com to find out more information about membership.

Oliver Sagebrushers Set to “Paint the Town”

Arts council member group, the Oliver Sagebrushers, is working with Town contractor Laurena Weninger to help spruce up Oliver’s downtown. Weninger was hired by the Town of Oliver to help businesses improve their appearance and marketing strategies.  One of her objectives is to help businesses make use of  $50,000 remaining in  “Paint the Town” grant money.

The Oliver Sagebrushers have been brought on board to paint a series of moveable art panels which can be hung in any vacant store windows along Main Street. This will ease the transition when storefronts are temporarily closed, and help those store windows gain sidewalk appeal. The fine art group hopes this will also increase morale of neighbouring businesses who may fear loss of customer traffic when other businesses close.  By beautifying the window space,  Main Street will retain curbside appeal year round.

The advantage of the project is the decorative art panels can be “recycled” as businesses open and close.  As new temporary window dressing is needed, panels can be moved and rehung.

Comments? More information about this project? Want to get involved? Contact olivercac@gmail.com and we’ll connect you with the Oliver Sagebrushers.

Oliver Sagebrushers Set to "Paint the Town"

Arts council member group, the Oliver Sagebrushers, is working with Town contractor Laurena Weninger to help spruce up Oliver’s downtown. Weninger was hired by the Town of Oliver to help businesses improve their appearance and marketing strategies.  One of her objectives is to help businesses make use of  $50,000 remaining in  “Paint the Town” grant money.

The Oliver Sagebrushers have been brought on board to paint a series of moveable art panels which can be hung in any vacant store windows along Main Street. This will ease the transition when storefronts are temporarily closed, and help those store windows gain sidewalk appeal. The fine art group hopes this will also increase morale of neighbouring businesses who may fear loss of customer traffic when other businesses close.  By beautifying the window space,  Main Street will retain curbside appeal year round.

The advantage of the project is the decorative art panels can be “recycled” as businesses open and close.  As new temporary window dressing is needed, panels can be moved and rehung.

Comments? More information about this project? Want to get involved? Contact olivercac@gmail.com and we’ll connect you with the Oliver Sagebrushers.

“Mainly for Women” Trade Show is for Everyone

The Women of Oliver for Women (W.O.W.) Society is hosting their annual “Mainly for Women” Trade Show on the third weekend in February.  The event is held on the weekend following Valentine’s Day every year.

Mainly for Women Trade Show
Saturday February 19, 2011
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
FREE ADMISSION
Oliver Community Centre
(350th Ave/79th Street)

 

“The title Mainly for Women,” explains Sally Franks (WOW’s rep to the arts council), “refers to the women and children of Oliver this trade show is designed to help.”  The WOW Society donates regularly to address the needs of women and children in Oliver. The trade show itself, however, is intended for everyone’s interests.  

Trade show booths feature products and services appealing to all members of the family: woodworking, fibre arts, personal health and hygiene products, preserves, ceramics, gardenware,  glassware, housewares, and countless gift ideas.  Small businesses and societies will also be promoting their services, with door prizes and coupons to appeal to visitors. It’s a great opportunity to pick up some information, educate yourself about their services, and maybe win a gift!

The Oliver Community Arts Council will be hosting a table. Member groups and businesses  are invited to provide brochures, flyers, coupons, tickets, posters, business cards, and even a door prize for the table. We will promote you and your upcoming events!  Drop them off at Handworks Gallery on Main Street (phone first at 250-498-6388)

The table will feature some small arts items for sale, a promotional video, membership forms, and some very nice people telling you all about what’s “jamming in the arts” in Oliver.

Volunteers are welcome to pick a shift from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (or both!) to staff the table and help promote the activities of the arts council. It’s a fun, social time. Want to join us there? olivercac@gmail.com

Want a booth at the show? They cost only $40. Contact  olivercac@gmail.com and we’ll put you in touch with the WOW Society.

Surfing in December!? Catch the Wave to these Sites

Who says it’s too cold to surf? Put on your suntan lotion, shades, and Bermuda shorts, and get set to “hang ten” by web surfing to our member sites:

Have you visited some of our member group websites? A new one has just been created for the Desert Sage Spinners and Weavers.

http://southokanaganslowfibrefestival.weebly.com/

It features the Slow Fibre Festival, but has a section devoted to the Desert Sage Spinners and Weavers. Great sheep photos! 

Two more member groups with their own websites:

Federation of Canadian Artists: http://southokanaganslowfibrefestival.weebly.com/

Oliver and District Heritage Society:  http://www.olivermuseum.ca/

Pick up some great gift ideas from our business members too. They are listed under the blogroll at right.  

Check out the 19th Hole B&B http://www.19thholebandb.com/  and Oliver House B&B http://home.cablerocket.com/~oliverhouse/  and ask for some “getaway” gift certificates.

Paw Prints Studio and Gallery http://artofjohnsalsnek.com/, Handworks Gallery http://www.handworksgalleryonline.ca/, and Twin Lakes Encaustic http://www.encaustic.ca/ have some terrific local and BC art.  Many items for gift giving in all budgets.

Nothing says Christmas like jewelry. Nature’s Elements Jewelry has some fantastic photos of their designs. http://natureselementsjewelry.webs.com/ Absolutely sparkling!  There’s also some cool steampunk jewelry for teens in your life.

At Lauralee’s Treasure Cellar http://www.sochamber.ca/retail/shopping/artists_and_art_supplies/listing_367.html  you will find beads and notions to make your own jewelry or to give as gifts to the crafter in your life. 

Digipic Productions (Russell Work) has the perfect Oliver landscape prints for sale. Put the Okanagan on your wall.  http://www.russellwork.com/photography/

Robot Leather Shop has awesome masks, belts, purses, and other leather items. Check them out on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=wall&gid=192442397351

Don’t see yourself advertised here? Become a business or non-profit group member! Fill out the membership form listed under the banner above, or contact olivercac@gmail.com for information.