There are as many artistic mediums in the Okanagan as there are craggy peaks in the Kootenays.
At their recent 29th Annual Ribbon Show, the Armstrong Spallumcheen Museum and Art Gallery (ASMAS) sought to showcase the multi-disciplinary art world of the Okanagan.
“What delighted me about this show was the variety of mediums,” said Lark Lindholm, ASMAS administrator. “This show gave a taste of everything. It didn’t matter who you were, there was something for everyone.”
The exhibition showcased 80 pieces of work from Okanagan and Shuswap artists in nine categories, ranging from watercolour to drawing, to alternative mediums and everything in between.
“The judges were so impressed with the pieces, that the judging of the art was not an easy task,” Lindholm said.
Twyla Tucker and Sally Tatlow-Kennedy claimed the People’s Choice ribbons, for which 249 ballots were submitted, with Tatlow-Kennedy in first and Tucker in second. Tatlow-Kennedy also placed first in the portrait and drawing categories, to Tucker’s firsts in watercolour and pastel, a second in oil, and a third in mixed media.
“A number of new artists won,” Lindholm said, adding that it was Tatlow-Kennedy’s first time exhibiting her work with ASMAS. “I think it was very exciting and uplifting for them. The artists have felt well cared for in this show — that was a comment we heard a lot.”
Each year, the Annual Ribbon Show grows, with more pieces and more artists on offer. And Lindholm believes the 30th Annual Ribbon Show will carry on that trend.
“I hope for something just as wonderful as this year,” Lindholm said. “I hope for more people to know about the fabulous Okanagan artists and for them to take the time to come into the gallery.”
As the exhibition continues to grow, so to do opportunities for the array of artists, both upcoming and established, who submit their work to the Ribbon Show.
“The mediums used throughout the Okanagan are diverse. I think you move here and find culture,” Lindholm said. “You don’t have to go to Vancouver to see wonderful art.”
The 29th Annual Ribbon Show
winners in order
Watercolour: Tucker, Jo Colley, and Sharon Isaaks
Pastel: Tucker and Ria Carpay
Oil: Karen Oliver, Tucker, and Terry Goodrick
Alternative Medium: Ann Crook, Myrna Button, and James Wilkins
Acrylic: Dawn Scott, Liz McArthur, and Pam Montgomery
Portrait: Tatlow-Kennedy, Marg Robertson, and Shelly Larkin
Drawing: Tatlow-Kennedy, Crook, and Lois Mollard
Mixed Media: Cathy Shultz, Lou Conron, and Tucker
Youth: Melanie Lemaire
People’s Choice: Tatlow-Kennedy, Tucker
On display now at the gallery is Progressions by Ann Willsie and Jeff Wilson.