By David F. Rooney
More than just art will be in the eye of the beholder during Saturday’s Garden and Art Tour.
“We have 10 gardens and 20 artists in our tour this year,” says organizer Erin Wilkins. “The gardens vary from high productive vegetable gardens, unique crops, unique landscaping, and floral beds. Our art ranges from paintings and photography, to ceramic, mixed art, woodworking, and stained glass. I think there is something here to suit everyone’s tastes.”
It’s an almost ideal pairing as both are avenues of creative expression.
“While gardens can be appreciated on their own, pairing them with works of art only enhances the sensory experience,” she told The Current.
This is the third tour organized by the North Columbia Environmental Society and the Visual Arts Society and could well be on its way to becoming an established annual event.
“The goal of the tour is to inspire people to garden whether that is trying it for the first time or fuelling a long-held passion,” Erin said. “Having a chance to see what others are doing and asking questions provides the best learning experience.”
There is an additional reason for this year’s tour: emphasizing the importance of locally grown food.
“The aim of the Local Food Initiative works to increase the food security capacity in Revelstoke by providing opportunities for: knowledge sharing, mentorship, and training opportunities,” she said.
This will be underscored by the culmination of this year’s Garden and Art Tour at the Visual Arts Centre starting at 5 pm on Saturday afternoon.
“The highlight of this event is the grand opening of our newest community garden at the Visual Arts Center and to officially announce the Local Food Initiative as its own society, now separate from the NCES,” Erin said. “Entrance to the Garden Party is included in the tour ticket and will begin at 5 pm. We will be serving drinks, Begbie BBQ & Catering will be serving food, we will have prizes, music, people’s choice awards for best gardens and rock art for the kids.”
Tickets with self-guiding maps can be purchased the day of the event at the Downtown Community Garden by the United Church between 10:30 am and noon. Tickets are $15 per person (this price includes one free drink for the Grand Opening Happy Hour). Kids under 12 free.
For more information please click here to visit the Revelstoke Local Food Initiative’s Facebook page.
