Dear Editor
It isn’t surprising that Art has put the focus on Ashcroft again this year, with the very successful Plein Air event held mid-week, Sept 16, 17th and 18th.
Several Victoria-based artists braved the time and the distance to venture up to our Thompson River canyons and mesas. The village itself became the subject of a number of interesting studies. How others see and interpret our terrain and our village streets and surrounding clay slopes is always fascinating. The event ended with a show of the work produced during those days. The public was invited to view it.
It is events like this that put Ashcroft on the map. The Wellness Festival is another attraction that brings in people from other parts. Tourists passing through were also attracted to stay a little longer and enjoy the spirit of the event.
Social gatherings like this which reach out and proclaim what our village and our magnificent landscape have to offer the eye and the spirit, can’t be better promoters. Plein Air brought artists from more than several points of the Province, some of them for the third time.
A number of volunteers made the event the success it was. The organization was exceptional in every way. Dedicated is the word that comes to mind. For the efforts made so cheerfully and responsibly to ensure the success of Plein Air. Particular thanks to Royden and Nancy Josephson for their handling of the exhibition of art. But also those from the Winding Rivers Arts and Performing Society who promoted the event, and whom participated so magnificently in its very successful execution. My gratitude and praise for the efforts made by Pauline Ogilvie in coming up with this unique idea to attract other artists to our area.
It was a privilege to be part of it all.
Esther Darlington
Ashcroft