Visit the artists where they live and work
A few weeks ago, my husband and I were invited to dinner at a relatively new friend’s home. The couple had moved to Kelowna from Vancouver a few years ago and I met Kirk and Karen Holland through Kelowna Actors Studio where Kirk is very active. Upon arrival to their home, my husband and I were given permission to look around. We fell in love with all the original artwork that adorned their walls. We especially commented about a few of our favourite pieces and were excited to discover that the artist was our host.
Listening to Karen tell the story of how she created our favourite piece, a mixed media using old study notes on paper, oil paint and rusted steel — as well as the colour choices she used — excited us enough to invest in a piece that now proudly hangs perfectly in our dining room.
If you want to know which piece I now own, you can visit artbykarenholland.com and click onto Altering States. It’s called “reflection.”
I tell you this because this weekend it’s the Carr’s Landing Art Tour, which showcases local artists. The public is invited to visit artists’ workshops and painting studios on a self-guided tour, talk to them about the pieces you feel drawn to, and to purchase them without a middle man.
Featured artists are: Dale Harris, 12715 Pixton Rd.; Laine Lowe, 12959 Pixton Rd.; Virginia May, 16950 Coral Beach Rd.; John Waite, 147 Commonage Rd.; Doug Alcock, 340 Commonage Rd.; Jennifer Wiens, 16766 Carr’s Landing Rd., and Chris Malmkvist, 16766 Carr’s Landing Rd.
The artists’ studios will be open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and Aug. 4-5.
————— On Friday night, the Wild Woman Wise Woman Foundation fundraising shindig is back and rejuvenated after a few years’ hiatus.
The foundation, since its inception in 2004, has raised over $100,000, which was donated to local projects and organizations, such as the Kelowna Women’s Shelter, Kelowna Boys and Girls Club and Heroes Kelowna.
Nationally, the group has helped the NOW Canada Society and the Elizabeth Fry Foundation. Internationally, the foundation has contributed to the Navajeevan Orphanage in Calcutta, India, an orphanage in Haiti and the East Meets West Orphans Foundation.
This year, the event is supporting local charity Mamas for Mamas. This year’s theme is “Rose, All Day, Summertime Soiree” and will take place at 7 p.m. at Kelowna Golf and Country Club.
Tickets are $100 and include tapas buffet, rose wine on arrival courtesy The View Winery and a signature Rose cocktail. There’s also photography by Bonne Belle Photography, photo booth with Okanagan Photo Star, performances by Kitch n’ Sync’ and Hanna and dancing all night long with DJ Larry Gray. Get your tickets at: CoCo Boutique in Mission Park mall, Faces Body + Soul in Orchard Park mall or online at mamasformamas.ca/tickets.
————— I have these old fashioned visions of sitting on a dock somewhere with a rod in hand just wasting time fishing.
I love these magic scenarios and regret I have not ever learned the art of fishing, but for those who have time on their hands this Sunday, take a drive to The Kingfisher Interpretive Centre in Enderby, on Mable Lake Road, for a big family day created specifically around learning to fish and various techniques that one should know, such as fly tying, other related activities.
You can even catch a real fish. There will be food stalls and prizes given away and all this is free to join with no pre-registration required. For more information on this and many events held at the centre, visit their website at kingfishercentre.com.
————— A few weeks ago, a young gentleman walked into the clothing shop where I occasionally work to ask to put up an event poster. I asked him questions and really liked the concept of this young entrepreneur who was compelled to put creative minds together and cultivate artistic growth.
The man’s name is Brent Carmichael and he created The Rhythm Event, which will have its premiere at the Mary Irwin Theatre inside the Rotary Centre for the Arts, on Tuesday.
This is a non-profit event providing an opportunity for local artists to take the stage and show not only their talents but their passion for the arts.
Carmichael was well-spoken and full of fresh energy as he explained his vision to “unite the talented artists of this city and foster a force able to compete with larger cities. Why should artists have to leave in order to find success? We can bring success to us.”
Appearing at this year’s event will be Chloe Davidson, Drew Schulz, Syren and the Waves, SoulSikk School of Breaking, Acro Yoga Kelowna, Amber Bayani, Ed Dane Medi, Slim Tyme, Sian Flanagan, Huey Doje, James McEwan and Carmichael himself. The show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 to be purchased through the RCA box office.
————— Tonight, get inspired to walk and talk about health with Falko Kriel, a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner with a master’s degree in oriental medicine and acupuncture. This walk is along Mission Creek Greenway while Kriel discusses the Chinese fiveelement philosophy and how we can use natural cycles to cultivate and maintain optimal health. The beautiful setting of the creek will help bring these concepts to life as one observes the natural world and our relationship to it.
Arrive just before 5:30 p.m., outside the Environmental Education Centre at the Springfield Rd and Durnin Rd entrance. The event is free and all those in attendance will also be given a gift certificate for a free initial acupuncture/Chinese medicine consultation. Visit falkokrielacupuncture.ca.