By Timothy Collins
If, as Henry Thoreau claimed, art is but a canvas to our imagination, then the TD Art Gallery annual Paint-In gives art lovers a chance to stretch that imagination to new levels.
The Paint-In is Vancouver Island’s largest summer art festival and it brings together more than 160 artists, all celebrating and expressing their particular view of the world. Annually, the festival attracts more than 30,000 people and provides both new and established artists a chance to promote their work.
“We have more than 350 artists apply for a space in the festival, and we choose 160 artists to represent a wide range of styles, mediums and approaches to art,” said festival director Nancy Noble.
“The artists are a mixture of the Island’s artistic wealth. From painting to sculpture to ceramics, they are some of the most talented artists out there.”
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| Imagination stations at Paint-In give the public a chance to create art. (Courtesy Art Gallery of Greater Victoria) |
And while the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria at 1040 Moss Street – where the festival is based out of – is open during the event, the actual festival is far too extensive to be housed within its walls.
“We close a section of Moss Street and artists set up their booths where people can watch them at work, ask questions about the art and, of course, purchase their favorite pieces if they so wish,” Noble said.
But the festival is more than just a display of artistic talent. While admiring the art and watching the artists at work is a central part of the festival, it has a lot more to offer to the whole family.
“We have all kinds of activities on the street. There will be food vendors and a family-friendly beer garden where a host of entertainment will take the stage throughout the day,” Noble said.
“We’ll also have ‘imagination stations’ where children and adults alike can try their hand at creating their own art. It’s a chance for everyone to let their imagination take flight and, who knows, maybe discover their own inner artist,” Noble said.
The July 15th event at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria will kick off at 11 a.m. and run until 6 p.m. so be sure to get there early or risk missing out on some of the fun. There is no admission charge for the event, although volunteers will be circulating through the crowds, welcoming donations to offset festival costs.
This will be the 34th year for the festival and Noble said that it just keeps getting better.
“This is a great opportunity for artists to platform their work and for the public to get a taste of the amazing talent that’s out there,” Noble said.
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