Wandering 'Art in the Garden' (Nanoose Bay, British Columbia)

It's not like any other art show. It's community proud and true. Art in the Garden. Put it on your bucket list if you enjoy a tranquil afternoon of art and music... you'll be surrounded by some pretty high level creatives of every visual art ilk.

Ten years ago 'Lesley' and some friends decided to bring folks together around the summer Solstice for a walkabout in her 10 acre garden. She invited artists and the community... not to mention some fine food trucks that would rival kitchens across Vancouver Island.

I was fortunate enough to happen upon Lesley's mother who was walking their lovely elder chocolate lab Molly through the sunny grounds. The entire event is a family affair.

Take the artists for instance. The accomplished pastel artist father whose booth is adjacent to his glass artist daughter; the brothers who paint and draw sharing a booth also stewarded by their sister who's joined them from out of town for the event... and the charming wood turner who confides that his daughter gives him tips for his product line.

Lesley's mother reminds me that the community benefits further from this wonderful weekend. Proceeds from the two-day event go the Nanoose Community Services helping children, families and seniors in the community. The event has a dedicated committee, crew and volunteers.

I walk along the well worn paths... some dappled with sunlight, others in full shade. The gentle sound of the acoustic guitar drifts over the water to the relaxed crowd while in another quiet corner of the property a grandmother dances with her little granddaughter on the perfect garden stage... creating their own lovely memories of the day.

I feel grateful to have made it out to Art in the Garden but I did leave my precious Blue Heeler Haida at home. After an afternoon of music, food, art and some of the friendliest folks it was time to head back.

This event was inspiring in so many ways that some of the folks I met will be the topic of the next 'Blogging the Countryside'.
I look forward to introducing Janeane, Betty and Sandy... and their very special art venture.

Creating memories at Art in the Garden, Nanoose Bay 2019.