Willingdon Beach will provide a snapshot into the lives of dozens of artists this weekend for the 12th annual Arts Alive in the Park, taking place August 17 and 18.
“It’s an opportunity to meet artists in their own environment,” explained Ann Nelson, who founded the event along with Roberta Pearson. “It’s the next best thing to actually visiting them in their own studios.”
Both established and emerging artists are welcome at the festival to showcase their work. The event, which is hosted by Powell River Arts Council, gives attendees a chance to connect personally with the art they’re buying. People can find the story in a painting and learn more about the artist behind it.
This year, organizers have been renewing and redoing activities to create a better experience for all.
The poetry slam and clothesline of past years have been dropped due to lack of participation. In their place, Arts Alive is hosting a children’s bike parade. All decorated bikes, trikes and wagons are welcome and children will march through the grounds on Sunday afternoon. Prizes will be given for best decorated.
To replace the poetry clothesline, disc painting has been introduced. Children and adults alike are invited to paint old CDs and DVDs, which will then be hung up.
Organizers are also looking to integrate old-fashioned games such as tug-of-war and three-legged races, which will take place at the beach throughout the day.
Nelson said Arts Alive aims to create a laid-back atmosphere. The arrangement of the artists’ stations is organic. “The whole idea is for it not to be regimented,” explained Nelson. “There’s little alleys and lanes to explore and around every corner, there will be another artist.”
Many artists are adding an interactive component to their booths, setting up their easels to give a glimpse into their creation process. Nelson said in addition to painting, attendees should expect to see everything from wood carving to basket weaving to knitting.
She is particularly excited for Adam Donatelli, who will be doing live demonstrations of his stone sculpting and inviting others to join in. “If you want to try, he’ll get you started with a little kit with patterns and tools,” she said.
Also present will be food vendors and community groups giving out information.
Entertainment will be abundant up on the Rotary Pavillion. Although the lineup is not finalized yet, all who have created their own work are welcome. “There needs to be a component of creativity besides the musicality,” said Nelson, noting that original works, traditional material and unique takes on familiar songs all fit the bill.
This year, the event is aiming for zero waste. “We’re encouraging all the food vendors to think ahead about what they use to serve food and make sure it’s recyclable and compostable,” said Nelson. Recycling stations will also be set up around the park, with profits on refundables going towards next year’s event.
Vendors can sign up online at powellriverartscouncil.com, or pick up registration forms at Artique Artist Cooperative, Visitors’ Information Centre, or Patricia Theatre. Nelson isn’t strict about deadlines though. Artists are allowed into the show up until the morning of, she said.
Nelson explained that she thinks of Arts Alive as a window into the cultural soul of Powell River. “Preserving arts, culture and heritage in the community is a daily opportunity and challenge,” she said. “That’s what this showcase is about, to remind the community of what a rich cultural life we have here.”
Arts Alive in the Park runs from 11 am until 7 pm on Saturday, August 17, and until 6 pm on Sunday, August 18. The event is free and runs rain or shine. For more information, readers can contact Nelson at 604.483.9345.
