The Creston Valley and East Shore Art Walk returns for its 16th consecutive year on June 17, launching a summer celebrating the work of local artists and artisans with venues from Yahk through the Creston Valley and along Kootenay Lake to Riondel.
Live music, a feast of color and a sampling of tasty snacks — you’re invited to experience it all at the opening event of the 16th annual Art Walk in Creston on June 17 from 7-9 p.m. at the Coffee Creek Café. The music will be provided by Strings Attached, the feast of color by the artwork of James McDowell and the snacks from the kitchen of Coffee Creek Café.
A similar opening event will also be staged at Bob’s Bar and Grill in Riondel on June 19 from 2-4 p.m. There, the live entertainment will be provided by Jenna Schell, the color by the Riondel Arts Club and the savory snacks by Bob’s Bar and Grill. These events are proving to be popular social events for artists in the Creston Valley and the East Shore of Kootenay Lake.
While at one of the opening events, grab a brochure, with map included, and spend your summer exploring the Art Walk venues throughout the Creston area, then along Kootenay Lake to Crawford Bay and Riondel. These brochures are available at all venues as well as the Creston Valley Chamber of Commerce info centre in Creston. The brochure and map will allow art lovers to navigate one of the geographically longest exhibitions they may ever encounter.
From June 17-Sept. 5, art and events will be presented in several galleries as well as many non-related businesses. Art Walk supports professional artists and artisans working in their own studios and galleries, and links emerging artists who do not have their own venues with businesses interested in promoting local artistic talent and through their support these businesses all receive publicity. Organizers are excited to welcome several new artists for the 211 Art Walk, as well as many returning participants and venues.
The Creston Valley and East Shore Art Walk is a not-for-profit event organized solely by volunteers and produced by Art Link. Through the continued generous support of the Creston and District Credit Union and the Nelson and District Credit Union, the summer-long event is able to produce a colorful brochure listing all the artists and their venues as well as a map that locates all the galleries, studios and supporting businesses.
Additional support is received from the Town of Creston, the Community Arts Council of Creston, the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance, the BC Arts Council and from participating artists and venues. This allows Art Walk to produce colorful posters, cover administration costs and advertise in local newspapers. Art Walk is thankful for the continued support of both the Creston Valley Advance and East Shore Mainstreet.
Whether you are just beginning your art journey, learning and appreciating art, or a seasoned art connoisseur, you will find plenty for your individual tastes in Art Walk 2011. Without realizing it you’ll be adding to you personal art collection.
Remember: “Buy what you like … like what you buy.”