A small but feisty group of talented Texada Island artists is trying to help turn their island’s economy around with an art studio tour Saturday and Sunday, August 11 and 12.
Known as an industrial island due to Texada’s history of mining and forestry, the local economy has been in the doldrums since the shutdown of a major limestone quarry. Artists hope visitors will come to see the finer side of what Texada has to offer.
Ten individual studios and two central locations will be open 10 am to 4 pm both days and artists will be on hand to talk to visitors and share the secrets of how they do what they do.
Unlike many coastal communities which host art tours on a regular basis, Texada’s art studio tour is the first in six years. Organizers believe the quality and uniqueness of the work being exhibited is worth the effort to get there.
All artists have created handmade one-of-a-kind works which reflect the diversity of the artistic spectrum. Mediums include painting, lapidary, beach glass, stone carving, stained glass, ceramics, jewellery, woodwork, photography, bead work, lamp shades, fused glass, felting, quilting and needlework.
Visitors are encouraged to stay for both days of the tour and to also experience the island’s pristine natural beauty and predator-free wilderness. Texada accommodations include bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, RV parks, a hotel, motel and oceanfront campgrounds.
“We have an industrial past and that is clearly reflected in what some artists produce,” tour director Sandy McCormick said. “What is important now is to create a diversified economy. Our artistic community has something to offer and we’re trying to do our part.”
Entry to all venues is free. Self-guided tour guides and maps are available online or at Holtenwood Gallery near Texada’s ferry terminal. For more information readers can contact McCormick at [email protected] or 604.223.0171.
