Alberta’s beautiful scenery will serve as inspiration for some of western Canada’s best artists during the third annual Bragg Creek Arts Festival, Sept. 21 through 30, which kicks off with a Plein Air event. “Plein air is painting outside. Monet and Van Gogh and all these artists started this years ago,” said Angelo Avionitis, event organizer. “They would sit outside, in pleasant weather, and paint.” This year, more than 100 artists will visit the community Sept. 21 through 23, producing art at four of Bragg Creek’s most iconic vistas: Forget Me Not Pond, McLean Pond, Banded Peak and Elbow Falls. The event will be held rain, shine or snow, according to Avionitis. “Many of these artists who do plein air painting, paint all year round,” he said. “They love painting on rainy days – it gives a lot of depth and shadow. Nothing stops them.” He added the public is encouraged to stop by and watch the artists, who he said will be working on their paintings Sept. 22 and 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A desire to promote the arts in Bragg Creek and area prompted Avionitis to organize the Plein Air event. “Let’s get people whipped up about art. The plein air festivals in California are just so well attended, with competitions and big prizes,” he said. “It’s a lot of fun and it’s a real communal thing. I just wanted to attract some of the best artists to the area.” Works completed during the Plein Air event, as well as other stunning pieces, will be on display at a special exhibition at the Bragg Creek Community Centre Sept. 29, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sept. 30, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free and includes a cash bar, appetizers and entertainment. Some of the musicians scheduled to perform include Bragg Creek’s own Robb Moss, the Waltzing Matildas and Sabina and Tilman Sandvoss. The arts festival also features painting and sculpture workshops Sept. 22 through 26. Avionitis said featured presenters include painter Jonn Einerssen and sculptor Vance Theoret. Details and pricing are available at artistsontour.ca Many of Bragg Creek’s businesses are involved in the arts festival – a map has been produced showing which locations are taking part throughout the 10-day event, according to Avionitis. The festival is organized by Arts in Bragg Creek, Artists on Tour and Art Country Canada. A full schedule of events during the Bragg Creek Arts Festival is available at artistsontour.ca
