There may be snow, but there is no doubt that spring will be in the air at the Cochrane RancheHouse April 11-14, thanks in part to the Spring is in the Air Art Show, Sale and Fundraiser.
There have been a few changes to the schedule, according to show manager and producer Lee-ann Harder. The kick-off event on Thursday evening from 4-9 p.m. (April 11), is now the Opening Night Art Preview.
Open to all, the evening will boast a presentation from B.C.-based painter, Murray Phillips, who will be providing attendees with insight on selecting artwork. Musician John Gilliat will be strumming on the floor throughout the evening, which will also feature a wine bar, catering and will open up bids for the silent auction pieces.
The evening will provide people with a special preview of more than 75 pieces of art from 13 artists. The unveilings is slated to include encaustic paintings, fine art photographs, pottery pieces and sculptures, among other mediums.
Tickets for all of the evening’s festivities are $20 and can be purchased online at springisintheairartshow.ca or at the door.
The show will get started again April 12 at 3 p.m. with seven hours worth of activities, including a photography presentation from Debra Garside and Ken Hoehn, more live music from Gilliat and light catering. Canadian band The Wardens will hit the stage at 7 p.m. Tickets for Friday’s activities are $15 for adults.
The weekend will get started bright and early on April 13, with a day featuring a professional puppet show and a performance from musician Jesse Wall. In addition, a panel of three artists will be holding an instructional workshop called “Uncover the Hidden Artist in You,” to provide instruction and advice for new and relatively new artists.
Another panel of artists will host April 14’s “Help…. I Need Help with my Art” workshop, where attendees are invited to bring one piece of their art in to the lecture for revision and feedback.
The final day of the show will again feature the musical talents of Gilliat, a draw for four grand prizes that total more than $10,000, children will have a chance to paint with the artists and the final bids for the silent auction will be announced.
Proceeds from the silent auction will be divided between two charities: the Cochrane and Area Humane Society and Bridge To Malawi. Bridge To Malawi’s Jordan Dowbush will be presenting on Sunday afternoon about his work with children and communities in Malawi as a response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Parking for the event is free and Harder said there will be shuttle to take attendees back and forth from the overflow parking lot. Door prizes will be given out each day.
For more information on the Spring is in the Air Art Show, Sale and Fundraiser, or to see a full schedule of events, visit springisintheairartshow.ca. For details, call Harder at 403-949-2721.
