If you're looking for a fun outdoor event filled with artistic inspiration and the chance to purchase local artwork in every medium, check out the Acre of Art set for Sept. 4 and 5 on the Roberts Creek Elementary School grounds.
Organizer Mardi Ahmed said last year over 1,000 spectators took in the event that is now in it's third year, and she expects an even bigger turnout this year.
"I like to think big. I have trouble organizing things on a small scale," said Ahmed who started the Acre of Art show on her property with 22 artists and 500 spectators in 2002.
She said she decided to organize the show herself only after years of asking others to do it.
"But no one wanted to do it, so I finally decided I'd do it myself," she said.
She used to live in Toronto where hundreds of artists gather yearly to put on outdoor art festivals.
"And on the Coast there are so many talented artists. We really have a mecca of creative geniuses here, so it just made sense to create an event that brought them all together to benefit the artists and the community," said Ahmed.
Ahmed is an artist herself and a full-time mother of three, although when she started the Acre of Art endeavour she had seven foster children as well.
"So it wasn't like I had a lot of extra time. I just thought this was something worth doing," she said.
And her efforts have created a fabulous yearly event that is open to the public free of charge, although donations are happily accepted.
This year, in addition to established artists at the Acre of Art, Ahmed is calling for amateur artists of all ages to create gumboot art.
"The only rule is there are no rules," said Ahmed, who noted art should be expressive, but anything highly offensive will not be put on display.
Would-be artists are invited to put their creativity into gumboots, which should be brought to the Acre of Art on Sept. 4 at 11 a.m. where they will be judged. On Sunday, prizes will be awarded in different age categories.
It's free to take part in the gumboot art, but if businesses want to enter they are asked to pay $20 to help cover event costs.
Ahmed said she doesn't know what kind of entertainment will be at the Acre of Art.
"It's the Creek and people kind of just do things at the last minute, so I'm hoping people will just show up with their instruments and grace us with their talents," said Ahmed.
She invites anyone wishing to provide entertainment to call her at 604-886-2959 if they want to set something up beforehand.
There will be food at the event provided by Darren of Shadoblix Farms, who is also co-organizer of the Acre of Art.
There are tables still available for artisans who want to display their work at the show. Call Ahmed to book a table.
For more information on the Acre of Art, you can contact Ahmed or go to her website at www.mardi.ca or shadoblixfarm.ca.
