It’s one of the great institutions in the cultural landscape of Pender Island!
Art Off the Fence is a showcase for for some of the most talented artists on the Island, the Southern Gulf Islands and even the province! These artists are cultural gemstones and their work brightens the lives of all those who live and visit here.
An enduring tradition
It is an enduring tradition that began 23 years ago. It became known as Art Off the Fence because the participants displayed their work in the backyard of the late Joy McAughtrie, one of the founding artists. For years, the event attracted summer visitors to her quiet neighbourhood on South Pender.
It soon became a summer rite of passage.
It is now held on the grounds of the old Church of the Good Shepherd at 8978 Gowlland Point Road, near the entrance to Poets Cove Resort.
Sun-dappled grounds of the Church of the Good Shepherd
This year’s instalment of Art Off the Fence happens Saturday and Sunday, July 20-21, both days 11 am to 4 pm. Some 12 artists will display their work in the gentle, sun-dappled grounds of the churchyard.
If you’re a Pender Island resident, you’ve seen the work of these people before: Peggy Bagshaw, Frank Ducote, Mimi Fujino, Greg Hankins, Diane Kremmer, Diane MacDonald and Susan Taylor. The show also includes five guest artists: Al Blake, Joanne Green, Kelly Irving, Kelly Leroux and Sally Robinson.
Great music forms part of the backdrop of the show, with performances by Turnstyle (Saturday) and Patrick Smith and Bryce Woollcombe (Sunday).
And I’m pleased to say the Happy Monk Baking Company will provide simple fare ‒ wood-fired pizza (including vegan options), soft drinks and cookies ‒ for the hungry art aficionados.
If you’re a culture buff, an art and music lover, this is a cornerstone of the Pender Islands cultural summer! Mark it in your calendar for this week! See you there!
For more information about the event and the artists, check out the Art Off the Fence Facebook page.