Hamill Studios | home
Langley Advance 2006
Arts Alive: Sun shone on festival Published August 22, 2006
Attendance topped 8,000 at the 13th annual arts festival in downtown Langley on Saturday,
leaving organizers both exhausted and elated.
by Roxanne Hooper
rhooper@langleyadvance.com
Anyone travelling to downtown Langley Saturday noticed parking was at a premium, the main drag was blocked off for pedestrians only from 204th to 206th Streets, and the sounds of live music, laughter and chatter were permeating outward.
That was accentuated by the smell of food being cooked up by a myriad of outdoor vendors, the sight of the commercial strip turned into a giant outdoor art gallery, a new children's activity area that exploded with fun at Douglas Park and a stable of crafters who held court at the entrance to the park.
Add that together, and it equals the 13th annual Arts Alive.
And what a success it was, according to Teri James, event organizer for the Downtown Langley Merchants Association.
"I think overall, it was one of the best," James said minutes before Arts Alive wrapped up for the day.
"My favourite parts of the day was the weather, the ease with which the festivities went together, the set up, the organization and countless volunteers that made it happen," James said, looking a little exhausted but elated as she stopped to listen to musical stylings of the Miller Eastman Band on the stage in McBurney Lane.
Not only was there 100 per cent turnout by all the artists who signed up, but there was an incredible showing of spectators this year, she noted. Organizers estimate there was more than 8,000 visitors who checked out this year's festivities.
"It almost runs itself, with the exception every year for the need of more and more volunteers," James said, noting there was more than 50 people who came out on the day of Arts Alive to help with everything from the information booth and multicultural venue to handing out balloons and brochures or assisting with the two live music stages.
A kids table in front of Lalita Hamill's booth was packed with aspiring young artists who accompanied their parents to Saturday's show.
A steady stream of visitors to her table and booth slowed down only slightly during the lunch hour, and otherwise was non-stop the rest of the day, much to the delight of this Langley artist who took part in Arts Alive for the third time.
"This year was particularly successful," said Hamill, an artist who does everything from architectural renderings and pastel images to contracted paintings in watercolour and oils.
The private art teacher networked with potential buyers and students all day and even sold one of her original watercolour and pen pieces of bright yellow flowers.
"It seemed busier. I think the weather was perfect. It wasn't too hot and we didn't get rained out like we did two years ago. It was great," Hamill said.
Sandra Reams used her creatively designed paper pulp busts to attract people to her booth. Then in her naturally humourous manner, asked visitors how they like her "ladies," showed off her Hot Flash Marys, then introduced them to her a menopausal survival kit and a number of her other whimsical creations.
"It's fun chit-chatting with the public. I see the day as a little bit of an opportunity to visit," Reams said, who returned to Arts Alive this year as an independent artist for the first time in many years.
It was Catherine Bayly's second time at the event, and she's already looking forward to returning again with her handcrafted raised or imbedded images on a plaster-polymer or wood base.
"It's a great market," said Bayly, who takes part in at least 20 art shows each year. "It's like people are anticipating it and wait for Arts Alive to happen each year."
Downtown merchant Ron Taylor, owner of Old Country Antiques, has watched the Arts Alive grow throughout the years and applauded its success.
Admittedly, his business tends to drop off during the day of the event, Taylor said. But ever year he has people return, spend money and mention that they first discovered his shop during a visit to Arts Alive.
"The exposure is great. All of these things [events] are good for the downtown core. Whatever brings people downtown is a good thing. Exposure for these businesses is always positive," Taylor said.
published on 08/22/2006