Once again the arts community has shown their support and enthusiasm in helping Project Watershed protect and restore the K’omoks Estuary. 37 artworks were submitted to Project Watershed’s Keeping It Living Art Auction and Competition which wrapped up with Elevate the Arts on Saturday the 8th. The art not only raised funds but also showcased the talent of our artists and the inspiration they derive from the Estuary. It also illustrates that we all can play a part in its protection and restoration – whether it be volunteering for eelgrass planting, making estuary inspired art or contributing funds.
Another fun component of the Keeping It Living Campaign is the competition. All artworks are judged by three different sets of judges (the public, the artists and the Estuary Working Group of Project Watershed) and three winners are chosen each year. This year the winners are: People’s Choice – Reaching Up by Shirley Dickie, Artists’ Choice – View From the Air Park #66 by Bev Byerley and Keeping It Living’s Choice – Living Waters by Martha Ponting. Matha Ponting has graciously donated her winning piece to Project Watershed for next year’s campaign. Blackbird Flight by Tracy Kobus deserves special mention as it was runner up to all three winning artworks. Project Watershed would like to congratulate this year’s winners and thank all the artists for their time and energy in making the 2013 campaign a success.
While the auction has wrapped up it is not too late to support the restoration and protection work Project Watershed is doing in the K’omoks Estuary. They are still selling limited edition art prints ($100) and art posters ($25) created from previous year’s winners as sponsorships. Full sized giclees ($1000) and art cards ($3ea/set of 4 for $10) are also available . Artworks include Bev Byerley’s View From the Airpark # 34 (only two limited edition prints remaining), Jennifer Weber’s Mingling Waters, Rena Roger’s Morning Mist and Shirley Dickie’s Blue Forest. Living Waters prints should be available before Christmas. Make sure to visit www.keepingitliving.ca for updates.
