An artistic treasure will be unveiled on Saturday and Sunday, August 11 and 12, on Texada Island.
The island has been shy on the art tour circuit for the past six years, but its artists and artisans have been hard at work. Some are new to Texada since the last island arts tour in 2006. Some have refined their techniques. All are committed to deliver a Texada Artists’ Studio Tour which is first rate and worthy of the effort to get there.
Ten well-marked studios and two central locations, with more than 20 artists in attendance, will be open to welcome visitors and share the secrets of what they do. All artists create lovingly handmade one-of-a-kind works which reflect the diversity of the artistic spectrum. Their mediums include painting, lapidary, stained glass, jewellery, ceramics, beach glass, lamp shades, needlework, quilting, felting, stone carving, woodwork, photography, bead work, fused glass and stitchery. Tour locations will be open from 10 am to 4 pm both days.
Lunch will be served at the Texada Arts, Culture and Tourism (TACT) Centre in Van Anda, one of the central locations where artists are exhibiting. TACT is the tour’s key sponsor, whose vision brought the artistic community together to organize the event. Island accommodation includes bed and breakfasts, an RV park, campgrounds and a hotel and motel. Staying for both days of the tour is recommended to capture the breadth and depth of local artists’ work.
Tickets and self-guided tour maps are free and available by registering online, in person at the Holtenwood Gallery near the ferry terminal at Blubber Bay or by calling tour director Sandy McCormick at 604.223.0171 or 604.315.1708.
Volunteer drivers will be on hand to escort visitors between the ferry and the studios for the tour, if visitors pre-register.
Texada is a non-commercial, secluded wilderness paradise which is what makes the arts experience so special, said McCormick. “Our artists are sensitive to their surroundings and care about the environment, using many natural and local products. This is reflected in what they create.”
