Thursday July 8, 2021 | SOOKE, BC [Updated July 31 2021 with map]
by Mary P Brooke, Editor | Island Social Trends
There’s nothing like painting outdoors for a sense of creativity and freedom.
The art community in Sooke knows that, and as part of bursting forth from most of the pandemic restrictions, two arts organizations will be hosting an En Plein Air (painting outdoors) event at various locations around Sooke on the BC Day long weekend, Sunday August 1 and Monday August 2.
Registration for 30 artists’ spots now open. | Click here to register. The outdoor art event will be held at various locations around Sooke. Artworks will then be auctioned online August 25-September 5, with proceeds benefiting the two host organizations: Sooke Fine Arts Society and Sooke Arts Council.
The event will bring local artists to various Sooke area locations and the public is invited to view the artists at work.
‘Plein air’ is a French term meaning ‘painting outdoors’ and is a style of art that takes the artist outside to create artwork based on inspiration they find in their location. With this event, they’ll be sharing their creative processes with the public too.
The finished art works from the En Plein Air event will be displayed at the Sooke Arts Council Gallery (#6 – 6596 Sooke Road, Sooke) between August 25-Sept 5, 2021, and auctioned online, with the proceeds benefiting the two arts organizations.
“We’re thrilled to be working with local artists and our partners at the Sooke Arts Council to bring this exciting arts event to Sooke and the surrounding region during our annual Sooke Fine Arts Show, and we’re so grateful for the artists’ support in making this a benefit event, as well,” said Sooke Fine Arts Executive Director Terrie Moore.
“It’s a peek into the artist’s work and skill that we usually only see in the end product,” she added.
Sooke Arts Council is excited about partnering with Sooke Fine Arts for this project. Tanya Darling, SAC President, noted “It is an opportunity for local artists to showcase their work and a way to invite residents and tourists to participate in this event.” Darling added: “It will be a delight to watch each participant create their inspiration and then view the finished work in the Gallery.”
Both groups expressed their appreciation to all those who helped make this happen; in particular, to the Sooke Region Tourism Association for their sponsorship. Approximately 30 artists will be situated in outdoor, public locations in Sooke and surrounding areas on Sunday August 1 and Monday August 2.
Call to artists opened July 1:
Artists of any experience level, working in any media form are encouraged to register to participate in the event. Registration opened July 1 and artists will be accepted on a first come/ first served basis. Volunteer hosts will be onsite to engage with viewers and assist the artist as needed.
Rain or shine:
Appropriate COVID-19 measures will be in place and monitored by the host volunteer. Artists will likely spend 2 to 4 hours creating in one location. The event will occur rain or shine.
Several Sooke-area locations have been confirmed for the En Plein Air Event: Sooke Boardwalk, Ed MacGregor Park, John Phillips Memorial Park, Whiffin Spit Park, Stick in the Mud Coffee House, William Simmons Memorial Community Park as well as Shirley Delicious Café, Shirley Market & Pioneer Park, and French Beach.
Other locations are being finalized and will be listed on the event website closer to the event date.
The hosts:
The Sooke Fine Arts Society and Sooke Arts Council are not-for-profit organizations created to encourage and promote a greater understanding and appreciation for the arts.
The SAC does this through the Sooke Arts Council Gallery, and through supporting and developing arts initiatives in the community. The SFAS contributes by organizing an annual art show, as well as hosting public learning opportunities to demonstrate artistic technique and expertise.
