With paintbrushes in hand, dozens of people are helping build momentum for this spring’s Ignite the Arts Festival.
That was evident on Saturday, Feb. 17, as artists of all ages and skill levels gathered inside the Penticton Art Gallery for the first-ever Family Day Community Canvas event.
Families huddled around a 15-by-5-foot canvas to re-create the 2024 Ignite the Arts Festival poster, which includes an image of Okanagan Lake in Penticton.
“We’re celebrating creativity and being together,” said Jenny Long, a local artist and educator at the Penticton Art Gallery.
Saturday’s finished product will be featured at the third annual Ignite the Arts Festival, set for the final week of March. The community canvas is expected to be displayed during the popular Parade For No Reason, whether it is in costumes or as a standalone piece.
The gallery hosted several families for the free event, which included snacks, refreshments and art supplies available for use.
Long was pleased to see artists of all skill levels contribute to the piece, which she hopes will become an annual Family Day tradition.
“All ages, all stages…everyone is on the same level and that’s what makes it special,” Long said. “It is about celebrating community and family.”
The longtime Penticton resident was joined Saturday by members of the Penticton Arts Council and families from across the community.
Long hopes Saturday’s event will help build more excitement for the Ignite the Arts Festival and encourage artists of all ages to further explore their creativity.
“Anything is possible with painting.”
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