by Doreen Marion Gee –
Every fall, Sidney slips out of its sleepy summertime cocoon and transforms into a spectacular butterfly. It becomes a vibrant community sizzling with creative colour. Artists of all stripes spread their wings and dazzle us with their extraordinary talents and skills. The Sidney Fine Art Show puts us on the map every October, and this year it promises to “stuff our eyes with wonder” once again. (Courtesy Ray Bradbury).
A world-class event at Mary Winspear Centre (this year from October 14 to 16), The Sidney Fine Art Show is one of the largest juried art shows on Vancouver Island, attracting artists at the top of their game. The show’s chairperson, Diane Thorp, moves excitedly in her chair at Beacon Landing Restaurant. She sums up the Sidney Fine Art Show experience: “The event is a great way to showcase a diverse display of excellent art in one spot. We usually have around 400 art pieces and it is incredible how the space at the Mary Winspear Centre is transformed into a beautiful art gallery overnight.” At this creative thrill-fest, everything is art – from paintings and sculpture to glass works and photography. Diane is very grateful to all the energetic volunteers who bring this celebration of the arts to life. Presented by the Community Arts Council of the Saanich Peninsula, the magical event is an homage to gifted people who enrich our community by capturing the beauty and glory of the world around us.
How does this enhance the community, I ask? Diane feels that the art show provides an affordable and accessible opportunity for everyone – adults, families, children from the Peninsula, Victoria and elsewhere – to savour and appreciate the pure joy of artistic creation.
The rewards to Sidney are huge: “It benefits Sidney because it draws a lot of visitors to our town. We are providing a shuttle bus down to the Sidney Pier Hotel and back again.” The art show coordinators are hoping that visitors will enjoy our ocean side town and that local businesses will benefit from new shoppers and diners. Also “There are special events happening. We are celebrating Peninsula businesses with local cheeses and wines on the Friday evening.” On Saturday night, “Meet the Artists” provides a venue to engage with people who beautify our community. This is an enriching experience, whetting and inspiring people’s interest in creative expression: “It goes beyond the usual opportunity of simply looking at art – it is a chance to interact with the artists.” And perhaps purchase that perfect objet d’art to brighten up your home.
By incorporating artistic expression into daily life through the Sidney Fine Art Show, we become a more vibrant and healthy community. Diane believes that showcasing creativity enhances the lives of residents. As for the artists themselves, recognition from the October event could jumpstart their career, giving them an impressive resumé that opens doors to local galleries. “We have helped quite a few artists,” says Diane proudly. Plus all of the money raised at the Sidney Fine Art Show goes back into art programs at the CACSP and around the Peninsula.
A catch-phrase on one of the art show’s promotions is “Experience Excellence.” The Sidney Fine Art Show is an awe-inspiring event, just like a magnificent butterfly emerging.
Contact and information: www.sidneyfineartshow.ca, www.facebook.com/pages/Sidney-Fine-Art-Show/372439796129154. Table of contents image: “Bear #7 The Golden Age,” by Richard Shaw.
