The 2011 art season has kicked off again this year with a showcase of young local talent at the Pynelogs Cultural Centre in Invermere. The Art from the Heart (on from April 5–24) show brings together works from hundreds of local students to the centre and is the perfect way to start the season, according to Jami Schaffer, Manager of the Gallery and Administration at the Pynelogs Cultural Centre
“It is always exciting. This is the best way to start the season with the Art from the Heart. It is a great kickoff. It is a bit of everything and also a celebration to the start of a new season,” she said.
“There are not many kids in this country who can say they have had their art hung at a gallery show.”
The arts council is doing its best to support art from all ages from all over the Columbia Valley. They have hosted the Art From the Heart (Kindergarden to Grade 7) and REACH: DTSS Art Show (Grade 8 to 12) for the past 6 years.
“Last year we hosted the first Annual Lil’ Peeps Art Show from the Columbia Valley Childcare Societies, featuring art from 18 months to 4-years-old. The Show coincides with the Wings Over the Rockies. The theme is simple: birds. This season will see some of the classic staples of the cultural centre but the season has also been extended by approximately one month due to the high number of artists who applied to hold events this year,” Schaffer said.
Some of the more well-known shows and events returning this year will include Wings Over the Rockies (April 26-May 15), REACH: David Thompson Secondary School Art Show (May 31- June 12), Columbia Valley Tour of the ARTS (Sunday July 31) and the PyneStock Concert (July 20 or July 21).
“This year we had a record number of applications come in from artists. We will have shows until the end of October. Some of the new artists coming in have such unique art,” said Schaffer.
The art is just one reason to drop by the centre as the Pynelogs Café has also re-opened with food and drinks for customers to enjoy.
This year the café will be open Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“The beauty of this is you can order your lunch and then have a look at the art before sitting down and enjoying the food,” said Schaffer.
Registration for the upcoming Wings over the Rockies event will be happening at Pynelogs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 a.m.-1p.m. or online as well at www.wingsoverrockies.org