Let art take away the February and COVID blahs
Local artists hope to inspire people to be creative during difficult times with an art display to support mental health at a local winery.
The Central Okanagan Chapter of the Federation of Canadian Artists has teamed up with the Canadian Mental Health Association Kelowna for the Almost Spring Gallery display at Grizzli Winery.
Artists were hanging close to 100 works Friday for the juried display.
“As artists we are in such a unique position,” said Jaxon Jurome, president of the Federation of Canadian Artists, Central Okanagan Chapter. “We are able to create our own positivity with a stroke of the brush. Our goal is to inspire others to create that positivity whether it’s through art, music or dance.”
With the COVID-19 restrictions, it’s been a tough year for artists, just like any other industry, said Jurome, emphasizing Almost Spring was a display and not an event.
It’s important to address mental health, Jurome said.
“COVID aside, February can be a difficult month,” he added.
“It’s a little sunshine to brighten up the year,” said Breanna Nathorst of Grizzli Winery, noting it was important to support mental health as many were experiencing feelings of isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The artists will be donating 10% of each work sold to the Canadian Mental Health Association Kelowna, which provides programs that promote positive mental health and support recovery.
“Its one of the things you can do if you can’t do anything else to help that population,” said artist Sue Gudmundson, whose work, Mind Travel, picked up an honourable mention at the display.
Gudmundson created her oil on canvas work to relate the idea that art can transport you somewhere.
“During the COVID-19 lockdowns, the only way we can travel is through our minds,” she said.
Jurome used a happy childhood memory to create his work Belgo Pond which is on display.
Using a reference photo, he brought positive feelings and energy to the canvas and into his life as well as the life of someone else.
“Creativity can give us so much for our mental health,” said Jurome. “It's a great challenge, it can provide us peace, happiness, joy and creates innovation, something that defines us as human and something that has always been so valuable for our society.”
The display will be open during tasting room hours at Grizzli Winery until March 31. The display can also be seen online at centralokanaganfca.com.