Fine art and great company will be the theme for Penticton’s downtown artwalk on Thursday.
Picture This Custom Framing and Gallery is the latest to join an expanding network of businesses that have joined the Penticton artwalk movement. A resident group of South Okanagan artists including Marlene Aikins, Barb Hofer, Sharon Leonard, Art Moore, Barbara Mosby, Joshua Stel, Peggy Stel and Munro will be exhibiting their work.
“It’s nice to have a wall to throw yourself against. We live in a small place and all know each other a bit too well. It’s nice to have a larger canvas in which to see your own work among other people who don’t know you and aren’t related to you,” said Munro, who has a studio in Okanagan Falls.
As resident artists at Picture This, their work will be showing on a permanent basis at the business, but also show other work temporarily at other exhibits.
“This is a well-tried model for galleries to expand their own reach and for artists to have a home. A lot of the artists are really glad to have that kind of outlet,” said Munro.
The artist said the event is growing in popularity as more people are getting accustomed to seeing art in the city. Munro said it has been beneficial to all the businesses and artists involved.
“This has grown collaboratively not because there was a team of us saying ‘lets arrange a Thursday night artwalk,’ it has all just come together,” she said.
Munro added that Penticton, as much as it is known for its beaches and wine, is also becoming known for its art.
“It has a wonderful reputation for wine tourism, music and all sorts of things. My sense is that Penticton is getting known as an area where the arts are thriving from theatre, music and fine art as well. These evening events are a successful effort to expand the public awareness that there is art everywhere and lots of it,” said Munro.
From 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday galleries downtown are inviting the public to enjoy the artwalk. Participating galleries include Picture This Custom Framing and Gallery, Tumbleweed Gallery, Saint Germain Café, Kindrie Grove Studios, Ad Hoc, Caroline’s Boutique, MGallery/Books and Front Street Gallery. Munro said many of the artists who have work showing at each gallery will be present at the artwalk on Thursday to speak about their work.