Local artists are being invited to take part in a new 2012 Artist and Studio Guide.
For over 30 years, the Artist and Studio Guide has been published with the support of the Oceanside Community Arts Council (OCAC).
The guide has been widely distributed throughout the district in the past as well as being placed on BC Ferries.
At a recent meeting, several artists expressed an interest in producing a guide to the studios and galleries for the Oceanside area. They are hoping to attract like-minded artists and art galleries.
The (OCAC) is leaving the production of the guide in the hands of the artists. The OCAC board voted to endorse the project at a meeting April 17th.
Betty Assaf of the Art and Soul Pottery and B&B in Nanoose Bay said last year’s guide had about 16 artisans.
She said her studio has been in previous guides and it provided a boost to her business.
“It certainly brought people to me. This year we are planning to have a better map,” she stated.
Plans are to maintain local distribution, and to include placement on BC Ferries’ two Nanaimo routes as has they have done before.
She said having a flourishing artistic community in the Oceanside area is a definite attraction to tourists because travelers often look for locally made items to take back home.
She added that area residents who like to shop locally may also enjoy meeting the people who create the artworks.
“The studio guide and map offers them an opportunity to visit area studios to see beautiful and unique art, and in many cases, meet the person who created it.”
The deadline for artist participation in the 2012 Artist Studio Guide is April 30.
Artists from Nanoose Bay to Qualicum Bay including Coombs, Errington and Whiskey Creek are welcome to participate and can call Betty Assaf at 250-468-7468, or Jacqueline Murray-Hall at 250-586-8788 in the evenings.