The 2011 Art Walk and Sale started last Friday with a guided tour of 16 of the 35 businesses featuring the work of local artists.
City interpreter Mary Forbes lead the tour and had help from Mayor Kerry Cook and Miss Canada International Anna Dell in reading profiles of the artists for the walkers.
The walk started at Lake City Ford which put on a spread of cold meats and veggie dip for the walkers.
There are 35 businesses and 35 artists participating in the art walk this year along with musicians who have been lined up to play on street corners and community venues during the month-long art walk. “We are really excited about bringing art and music to downtown Williams Lake,” says art walk committee chair Willie Dye.
The art walk runs until Friday, Sept. 9.
Passport books are free and those who have their passport books stamped at 30 of the 35 businesses have a chance to win a pair of diamond earrings valued at about $800. Participating merchants also have prize draws for their visitors.
Passport books are available in Williams Lake, 100 Mile House, Quesnel, Clinton, Bella Coola, and Horsefly/Likely.
Art walk is a project of the Williams Lake Central Business Improvement Area and the Station House Gallery and Gift Shop Society.
“The Art Walk is a great way to spend time in Williams Lake getting to know the merchants and what they have to offer and meeting new people, you also see some great art work and you get a fabulous workout to boot, but best of all you get to enter for an amazing pair of diamond ear rings,” says BIA president Sheila Mortensen in her welcome address in the art walk passport booklet.
Completed passports should be dropped off at Western Financial Group, Lake
City Glass, Rona and Laketown Furnishings.