Every fall, the picturesque community of Lake Country bustles with activities and performances as they host 300+ artists from all over British Columbia and Alberta at the community's popular Lake County ArtWalk. This annual event sees more than 7,000 art-loving spectators so most locals have either attended or are familiar with it. What fewer people are aware of is the fantastic Lake Country Art Gallery and adorably rustic coffee shop located at 10356 Bottom Wood Lake Rd.
The gallery is open Wednesday to Sunday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and is well worth the 20 minute drive. From now until the end of May, the Lake Country Art Gallery has a Members Exhibition curated by Lee Claremont, titled Another Conversation. Another Conversation is an exhibition about responding to a previous idea or opinion. Whether the conversation is about an event, a political movement, a time in art history, post colonialism, feminism, gender equality, the environment, or cats vs dogs…this exhibition is open ended and provocative. Several pieces struck a cord with me on a personal level. Particularly one by Yolanda Robinson titled ‘Confidence – Raising a daughter with confidence in a digital age’ as my husband and I are raising two girls.This painting, along with several others do exactly what the show intends – they start a conversation.
When you're done wandering through the exhibit, don't forget to pop over to neighbouring Lake Country Coffee House for a delicious beverage. The space is cozy and inviting and begs for you to stay awhile. Insider tip: try their puffed wheat. It is the best I have ever tasted!
Another local gallery event worth checking out is the upcoming Annual Spring Show and Sale Gallery 421 that features work from Angela Morgan, Andrew Kiss, Debra Martin and many others. The show runs Friday, May 19 from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm and Saturday, May 20 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at Gallery 421, 560 Raymer Ave (Kelowna) and the artists will be in attendance to tell you the story behind their pieces.
Also notable for this charming arts & culture rich community, are their Creekside Theatre which features films, music and live theatre throughout the year and their Live! in Lake Country open air free concerts in the parks during the warmer months.
Rebecca Leboe was born and raised in the Okanagan and has a deep love for everything the area has to offer. From a cool glass of local wine on a patio to attending lively events around town, Rebecca believes everything in the area should be experienced, savoured and enjoyed. As the manager at Kelowna Tickets, she gets a front row seat and loves to share her passion for the arts with locals and tourists alike and loves nothing more than introducing someone to a little-known event or activity.
