An Off-the-Wall Idea

A big thank you to guest blogger, Andrea Spalding. Andrea is a prolific writer, best known for her many children’s books. She also gives frequent school presentations. Learn more at:  http://www.andreaspalding.com/  Parts of this blog were previously published in Avid Magazine.

Never frustrate Pender’s women artists. They get ideas. One resulted in a blockbusting, weekend-long, annual celebration called ‘Art Off The Fence.’

It all began in 1991 when four artistic women became frustrated with the lack of exhibit space on our island. Christel Barber, Joy McAughtrie, Isabel Roberts and Judy Walker found the perfect solution. They hung art on the fence and the outer wall of a house on Joy's beautiful Whalepointe property on South Pender. People came, enjoyed, and bought, and this practical solution spawned the art event of the year.

Twenty years has brought great changes. Art Off The Fence is now a professional show and a major production. Though still hung outdoors everything is framed, prices are current, and there are discerning buyers. It is one of the most beautiful and evocative art shows in Canada. Sadly, Joy McAughtrie passed away last winter. This year’s show was dedicated to her. And with her property no longer available, the future of the show is a big question mark.

The group currently has eight permanent members. Wendy Munro, Susan Taylor, Frank Ducote, Genia Bogun, Diane Kremmer and Carol Davidson now join Isabel and Judy (Christel left the island). Each year the group invites three guests and a promising student to join them. This year’s guests were Hedi Kovacs, David MacKenzie and Joanna Rogers.

Over 600 people attend the weekend show and sales are so successful the group has set up a fund for student bursaries with ten percent of all sales going into the fund. Over the years the group has supported numerous artists as well as the acquisition of Brooks Point and the Medical Clinic.

Passion and professionalism are needed for a successful art show, but Art Off the Fence requires more: hard work. The group holds a potluck dinner. Then all the artists paint one subject in their own style. The results are exhibited together. The theme this year was Brooks Point. On Friday afternoon the artists position and hang their work. Then everything is taken down and stored. Next morning the artists rehang everything. Everything is taken down again Saturday night and rehung on Sunday morning. Many prayers are offered for dry skies.

The show has a reputation. Well-known people like Silken Laumann come. CBC announces it and the B&Bs are usually full.

Of course, talented Pender Islanders round out the act. This year, delightful music wafted through the gardens, played by Dave Dandeneau & Kathy McIntyre and Patrick Smith & Friends. And Chef Pierre Delacote served up gourmet treats.

From an off-the-wall idea this show has become a remarkable success, a must-attend event. Let’s hope it keeps going.

More Info
Pender Island Chamber of commerce:   http://www.penderislandchamber.com/


Photos by Hans Tammemagi

PENDER ISLANDS FARMERS’ MARKET

A big welcome to guest blogger Barry Mathias, a long-time Pender resident and author of the popular: The Ancient Bloodlines Trilogy. His novels, short stories and poetry are available at the Farmers' Market. He recently received an Islands Trust Community Stewardship award for establishing the Car Stops. He is a regular contributor to Seaside Times, from which the following is extracted.

The Pender Islands Farmers Market is held in the grounds of the Community Hall every Saturday from 9.30am to1pm from Easter to Thanksgiving.  It is a lively, bustling event that attracts visitors as well as locals; tables and tents are provided by a small group of enthusiastic workers who never run out of energy or smiles. In very wet weather the market moves inside the Hall, which can accommodate dozens of vendors.

A number of small farms are regularly represented at every market, and as the weather warms up other small growers appear, so that by July there is an increasing number of locals selling a variety of flowers, vegetables, fruit and eggs. Every week there are many islanders selling a delicious array of baked goods, jams, and chutneys, and hot coffee is served in the Hall. Spread throughout the market  are the artisans, who produce beautiful jewelry, pottery and wood carvings. High quality hand-made bags, intricate wooden boxes and colorful clothing compete with a number of local authors who sell their nautical and historical books, and an artist paints portraits of individual pets. 

Dianne Allison, who is a major force behind the organization of the market, explained: “There has been a Farmers’ Institute on this island for about 87 years, and it was responsible for creating the agricultural market, which was originally situated on a small strip of land at the Driftwood Mall.”  Thanks to a generous donation of land by Karl Hamson, local farmer and landowner, the impressive Community Hall was completed about ten years ago by local craftsmen led by builder, Brent Marsden. Apart from the market, the Hall and grounds provide a fine venue for agricultural events such as the Fall Fair, and for local plays, concerts and artistic productions.

Each week is different: sometimes the Volunteer Fire Fighters or members of the Coast Guard attend, willing to show off their vehicles and keen to make contact with the next generation of volunteers. Last summer, to the amazement of everyone, a large group of young, and not so young, people performed a lively flash dance which rapidly became an hilarious physical workout for anyone brave enough to take part. 

Then, there are the dogs! Dozens of them. A glorious, multifarious collection of unusual and friendly canines that add a spontaneous ‘petting zoo’ atmosphere to every event. Sometimes, farmer Ellen Willingham will appear with one of her goats; young violinists will suddenly perform an Irish jig; a party of foreign tourists will arrive and be delighted with the warmth of the welcome they receive, and always there is the buzz of commerce and the hubbub of community. Perhaps, we’ll see you there?

More Info

Pender Island Farmers’ Institute:   http://www.pifi.ca/

Pender Island Chamber of commerce:   http://www.penderislandchamber.com/