I’m writing this column having just returned from a celebration to honour what would have been the 81st birthday of playwright and novelist George Ryga.
It is inspiring to know that one of Canada’s most prolific writers lived in our community.
Ryga was a short story writer, novelist, radio and television dramatist, poet and film scenarist.
In a period of 14 years he produced 190 plays, two cantatas, five screenplays, two long-playing albums, three novels, and a book of poetry, as well as a considerable body of unpublished and unproduced work.
And he did it here. In Summerland.
You can find his works in local bookstores and at our local library.
Fortunately Summerland continues to be home to many talented, artistic people.
When we look around we see that we are surrounded by artists, writers, painters, sculptors, musicians and others active in the cultural community.
You can explore the talents of a wide-range of local artists by visiting local Summerland businesses displaying Art Walk decals.
You’ll find wooden bowls, pastels, watercolours, acrylic paintings, pottery and so much more as you go in and out of the 38 stores and business participating in Art Walk 2013.
The most visible art in downtown Summerland are, of course, the bright colourful street banners. Created by a wide range of residents of all ages these banners demonstrate the incredible talent in our community. And better yet one or more of these banners could be yours.
Drop by the Arts Centre at 9533 Main Street and enter your bid in the Banner Bid Book.
They are an excellent way to brighten up a back deck, a carport or the entrance to a home.
August is a good month to explore and discover all the different artistic and cultural events not just in Summerland, but throughout British Columbia.
The B.C. Cultural Crawl is a self-guided tour of community-initiated events that include music, theatre and dance performances, visual arts, festivals, museum and heritage exhibitions, culinary arts, community art walks and more.
In our community you are invited to enjoy theatre in Memorial Park this weekend and a show featuring abstract art by Summerland resident Robert Dmytruk at the Summerland Art Gallery.
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If you know of an event you feel should be included in the Arts Palette or on the Arts Council’s online calendar, please email: artspalette@summerlandarts.com or call: 250-404-3225. http://summerlandarts.com and http://twitter.com/artspalette
The Arts Palette is written by David Finnis, publicity chair and president of the Summerland Community Arts Council, P.O. Box 1217, 9533 Main St., Summerland, B.C. V0H 1Z0.