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