Call to Artists who have the Spirit of the Okanagan

The annual callout to Thompson Okanagan Artists to have the opportunity for a presence at Kelowna International Airport (YLW) in 2018 opens 1st October and runs to 15th November, 2017.

All artists residing in the Thompson Okanagan area, from Kamloops to Osoyoos, are welcome to submit their work for the Art Kiosk in the YLW departures lounge.  The Kiosk, branded “Spirit of the Okanagan,” is managed by Suk'ʷtəmsqilxʷ West Kelowna Arts Council (SWAC).

Artists are juried by their peers annually on artwork that focuses on Okanagan themes. The cost to submit is $30, which includes membership in SWAC for 2018. The philosophy of the SWAC is to be inclusive of both indigenous and non-indigenous Artists.

Skyway Gourmet Ventures Inc. processes the sales of artwork, with the artist paying commission of 25 per cent to Skyway and 05 per cent to SWAC. The goal is to offer travelers the chance to purchase mementos that capture their experiences visiting the valley.  All artwork must be original and Okanagan themed.

"I'm so proud to be part of the hard working, supportive artists of SWAC, and curators of the kiosk," said Michelle McCullough, Chair of SWAC. "It’s exciting to witness the successful evolution of the Kiosk, and watch our Artists flourish. We are drawing on our love of the Okanagan and sharing it with the world."

As Curator of the YLW Kiosk, Irene Scott sees this as an opportunity to buy local Art for the memories, a place to enjoy beauty, or even just a quiet place to relax out of the traveling crowd.

“We’re very happy to support this program as it creates a unique sense of place for our passengers,” said John Devitt, YLW’s Manager of Business Development and Community Relations. “We want the nearly 2,500 travelers every day to continue experiencing the Okanagan throughout the airport.”

YLW plays a vital part in the economic development and prosperity of the Okanagan Valley, and the door is now opened for artists to be included.

To apply, or for more information on this program, visit: http://www.swac-arts.com/airport.html