For the 16th consecutive year, Artwalk will continue to be the destination for the arts in the Creston Valley and on the East Shore, running from June 15 through Sept. 5.
With the lack of traditional venues, exhibiting art in alternative spaces becomes one of the best ways for artists to introduce their work to the public.
Art Link co-ordinators Nora McDowell, Dena Kubota and Harry Miller will be continuing with the tradition set during the last 15 years.
The vision of Art Link is to continue to develop more awareness within the local communities in Creston and along the East Shore for a continued appreciation of the creative spirit behind original true art form.
Art Link has the best motivation in the world, which is to continue to promote the arts community, because all the committee members are practicing artists themselves.
There is a great pleasure from realizing there are many others seeking the same thing and somehow, by pooling their resources, Art Link will continue to energize a community of artists into action.
Art Link members believe there is something important to continue developing in the valley, and that is the chance to be a destination for the arts — performing, heritage and literary, as well as visual.
The Creston Valley and East Shore Artwalk is a summer-long opportunity to encourage and provide venues for artists and artisans. This year's Artwalk runs from Yahk through the Creston Valley and along the East Shore of Kootenay Lake to Crawford Bay and Riondel.
Artwalk supports professional, established artists with their own studio galleries and venues, and also links artists who do not have their own venue with businesses interested in promoting and supporting the arts and receiving some publicity of their own along the way.
While Art Link has seen an increase in artists owned galleries, its strength has been the many non-art related businesses that open their doors and give art a home for the summer. Each year, Art Link provides a quality, full-color brochure that lists artists and venues, hours of operation, a clear map of the entire route and a list of art related events.
Registrations for this year's Artwalk are being sent out to all of last year's participants. If you did not participate last year, or haven't received your mailing by mid-March, call one of the co-ordinators, Nora at 250-428-9391, Dena at 250-227-9441 or Harry at 250-428-2527, and forms will be sent out immediately. For the benefit of those living on the East Shore, completed forms may be left with area representative Dena Kubota at Pilot Bay Resort. All forms need to be returned by April 18.
This year's committee is planning special opening events in Creston and Riondel, along with special events and workshops throughout the summer.