This Friday some of Kelowna’s key leaders will gather at the Rotary Centre for the Arts for a special art exhibit putting the environment centre stage - but they might have to crouch to meet the artists. Entirely crafted from the hands and minds of Okanagan residents ages 5 to 18, the art shows how little encounters with nature can make a big impression.

 

The collection boasts 170 original works submitted to the 2013 Get to Know Contest. It’s a national competition challenging young Canadians to portray the outdoors from their perspective using a medium of their choice - from paintbrush to camera lens. Since its 1999 launch here in the Okanagan by acclaimed painter Robert Bateman and director Mary Krupa-Clark, the contest has steadily spread its roots across Canada. Today it produces fresh, modern work that proves nature and wildlife are just as relevant sources of inspiration as ever.

 

Tomorrow’s show promises to be a memorable celebration for contestants across the Central Okanagan. Not only will they get to see their work on public display, but also get personal congratulations from Kelowna MP Hon. Ron Cannan and provincial minister Hon. Steve Thomson. A silent auction will kick-off the festivities at 6:30 p.m. followed by a video screening, multimedia slideshow, door prize giveaway and live auction of this year’s winning art. Shaw TV will cover the event and interview some of the young contestants for the personal stories behind the art work.

 

While celebrations are also hosted in major cities like Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary, it's a first for the Okanagan this year thanks to support from the Rotary Clubs of Kelowna. Assistant governor of the Rotary, Vern Nielson, says, "We believe in Get to Know's mission to connect youth with nature through arts and technology. These few words speak to clean water, health, exercise, environmental awareness, species preservation, things Rotary supports and believes are very important."

 

Also speaking at the show, Hon. Steve Thomson says, “As Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, I’ve gained a greater appreciation for B.C.’s wildlife and the great outdoors. So I also appreciate the goals of Get to Know – a program designed to connect Canadian youth with nature and wildlife, and I look forward to celebrating this year’s contest winners.”

 

http://www.get-to-know.org/