By Douglas Paton
I’d like to start off this week’s column with a thanks to the people of Summerland.
Over the weekend I had a chance to check out a couple of artistic happenings around Summerland.
The first was Summerland’s contribution to the Canada 150 Mosaic.
For those who don’t know what the Canada 150 Mosaic is it’s a Canada-wide art project that helps celebrate the 150th birthday of Canada. The organizers are travelling around the country and, with the help of communities like Summerland, mosaics are being put together for the project.
The end result will be 150 mosaics from coast to coast that represents all the amazing things that make up Canada.
Summerland’s contribution, which is now complete, looks great and those who took the time to add a tile or two should be proud of their efforts.
You can find out more about this project online at www.canada150mosaic.com.
The other thing I had a chance to take in was the Stories, Poetry and Pie event that happened at the Arts Centre on Wharton St. Saturday night.
Not only was it almost standing room only at the event, but the level of talent in the room was top-notch. I was there as a performer and it was really great to see so many people in the crowd enjoying themselves and supporting the arts in Summerland.
Thanks to everyone who came out to watch and thanks, again, to Sophia Jackson for organizing the event.
In keeping with the theme of being a community that supports the arts, the Summerland Community Arts Council is holding Community Challenge Art Show and, as part of the show you, the community, are being challenged to create art.
Getting involved is simple. Create piece of art in the medium of your choosing — it can be anything from painting to quilting and everything in between.
Fill out a form provided by the council that includes completing the statement, “My Canada is…” and drop it, along with a $10 deposit, off at the Arts Centre no later than June 12.
For more information about the challenge and to find where to get the form, contact the Summerland Community Arts Council or stop by the Arts Centre at 9525 Wharton St.
Douglas Paton is a Summerland writer and musician. If you know of a local arts and culture event, contact him at dgpaton80@gmail.com.