A dozen artists from Summerland and area, known as the De Vine Arts Group, have joined forces with Culture Days, a Canada-wide movement featuring more than 7,000 cultural activities in 900 cities and towns aimed at promoting awareness of culture’s impact on the local economy.
This free event takes place at Summerland Waterfront Resort, 13011 Lakeshore Dr. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 26 and 27 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The purpose of the De Vine Arts Showcase with its Culture Days and Bottleneck Drive affiliation is to promote an appreciation of quality in both the arts and wine industries.
Culture Days was created in 2009 and is dedicated to creating a network of activities which give Canadians an opportunity to participate in and appreciate a variety of forms of culture. In B.C., more than 400 activities are planned.
The event takes place during the last weekend of September each year.
The following week sees the beginning of the B.C. Fall Wine Festival, which runs Oct. 1 to 10.
At the showcase, complimentary tastings of Bottleneck Drive wines will be offered to visitors as they view works of artists Val Eibner (glass fusion), John Topham (turned wood), Jean Evanishen (pottery), Susan Scott (jewelry), Pat Scott (art cards), and painters Bill Hibberd, Will Enns, Elaine Watts, Dale Matthews, Cortney Riep, Deb Tougas and Carol Munro.
A task force is currently working on creating a cultural plan for Summerland.
“Artistic workers are ‘catalysts of change and innovation. They are adaptive and creative and their energy enriches the economic sustainability or our community,” said Coun. Janet Peake, who is on the task force.
“Art starts with a kernel of an idea; wine begins with the grape. Both are lovingly crafted by passion and skilled hands,” said jewelry maker Susan Scott.
For more information, contact Jean Evanishen at 250-494-3205 or email claygirl@uniserve.com.