Art for your Lifestyle

When I moved into my art studio in August 2007 it was like a dream come true, and about 10 years earlier than expected. It was one of those things where I couldn’t really afford it, but I couldn’t afford not to either. The amazing part was that I did not seek this studio out, the opportunity presented itself to me almost like a gift from the Universe.

When I first moved into my studio I sent out an email inviting people to a watercolour workshop.

I received an email back from Carrie Harper, an artist who I had never met but who was on my mailing list from a mutual contact a few years back. Her email was short and sweet: “Any advice on Studio hunting in Kelowna… I have been looking for a while and finding spaces very expensive. Thanks.” I wrote back to her saying that I didn’t really know of any studios for rent.

Then only a couple of weeks later my studio partner told me that she was going to have to move out. I called Carrie up and asked her if she was still looking for a studio space. She came to see the studio and she couldn’t have been more excited or a more perfect partner for me. We get along so great, it’s like we are soul sisters.

Every November Carrie and I put together a Christmas Studio Show so that our friends and family can see what we have been creating throughout the year. It has been a joy to have our neighbour Nikki Balfour open her doors and join in on the events. We love the atmosphere of having both studios open where the guests can flow through from one room to the other.

We are thrilled to announce that our show has expanded. This year Nikki, Carrie and I have organized a studio show with SEVEN artists displaying and selling their work ranging from mixed media and photography to jewelry, ceramics and felted Christmas tree decorations! Carrie and I are currently sharing our studio space with another talented artist, Tina Schnellert, and it’s been so exciting seeing all of her new encaustics going up on the walls. You have got to come and see these pieces in person to appreciate their rich texture.

We invite you to our 4th annual Christmas Art Show!
Studios 4 & 5, 375 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna, BC
Friday, November 26th 5-9pm
Saturday, November 27th, from 11am to 4pm
(Sunday by appointment)

Get to know the 7 artists displaying and selling their work:

• Jessica Balfour – photography
• Nikki Balfour – acrylics
• Lisa Brown – jewelry
• Amy Burkard – felting and ceramics
• Carrie Harper – mixed media
• Tina Schnellert – encaustics
• Kendra Smith – watercolour and acrylics

We would love for you to come by.

Are you on Facebook? Visit our event page!

Someone will win this 8×8 acrylic painting of mine for only $50! I donated it to a fundraiser for the Whistler Arts Workshops on the Lake program. It’s an amazing program where the Whistler Arts Council offers art workshops in a beautiful cabin on Alta Lake in Whistler, BC. I was lucky enough to take a workshop there this July and the whole time I was in artist heaven!

Here is more information from the Whistler Arts Council:

The Whistler Arts Council (WAC) would like to invite you to a celebration and fundraiser in support of Whistler Art Workshops on the Lake program. The event will take place at the beautiful Nita Lake Lodge on Sunday, September 12, from 4pm to 7pm.

The event will focus on a raffle of original artwork created by emerging and professional artists including some of the Art Workshops instructors. Raffle tickets for the 8” x 8” pieces of artwork are $50 each. As people’s names are drawn, they choose a piece of artwork; it’s a matter of first come first serve. It is a fun way to purchase amazing and affordable original art! There will be a cash bar, complimentary appetizers and the opportunity to mingle with fellow artists and art lovers.

WAC also invites you to consider contributing to the event by painting a canvas (or two!) for the raffle. Canvases will be supplied by WAC.

The Whistler Art Workshops on the Lake program is entering its 5th season and offers two to four day workshops of introductory to advanced level instruction in visual art led by world-renowned professional artists from across Canada . The workshops are held in the serene and rustic Alta Lake Station House set on the shores of Alta Lake .

David McEown demonstrates watercolour painting at the Alta Lake Cabin during a Whistler on the Lake workshop.

Unfortunately, this popular program is threatened after the recent budget cuts to the provincial BC Arts Council and Gaming Grants. These cuts have greatly impacted arts and culture organizations throughout the province that provide economic, social, and institutional value to our community.

Volunteers, in partnership with the Whistler Arts Council, have come together to create a fun fundraising event that will not only provide a source of much-needed funding, but also offer a forum to showcase local talent.

Please attend this celebration and – if you are an artist – consider contributing a work of art in support of this terrific program that has seen so many emerging artists grow into the creators of sought-after masterpieces.

Deadline for artwork submission is Friday, September 3rd.

Contact the Whistler Arts Council or the volunteers below to purchase your ticket to the celebration or to pick up your canvas for creation.

Thank you and we hope to see you on September 12th!

This excerpt was written by Jenn McElroy, the Event Coordinator at the Whistler Arts Council. For more information about the event you can contact Lisa Geddes or Bea Gonzalez:

Lisa Geddes – (604) 932 6054 or email: lisaandbill at gmail dot com

Bea Gonzalez – (604) 932-8390 or email: beagon at telus dot net

If you find yourself in Whistler, BC, you can visit the Whistler Arts Council at at Millennium Place, 4335 Blackcomb Way, across from the Brewhouse.

Kendra Smith and Keya White painting canvases for the fundraiser