Submitted
The Vancouver Island Mountain Centre (VIMC) recently hosted its first artist retreat for local Island artists.
The retreat was organized by local artist Perrin Sparks and combined quiet and relaxing places to paint, great food and sub-alpine walks in the crisp mountain air.
Fourteen local artists spent four days painting, talking and learning from each other.
“It was so amazing to be in the midst of such beauty and be able to paint from right out our front door,” said Sparks. “Then, to be across from the Alpine Meadow was the icing on the cake! It was exciting to see the wide variety of interpretations posted as folks completed their plein-air sketches.”
“This year has seen a huge variety of groups visit us ranging from artists, writers, quilters, yogis and elite athletes to Cadets, Brownies and families,” said VIMC manager Andrew Scherck. “The goal of our facility from the start was to provide affordable sub-alpine access to our Island community and it appears that we are starting to succeed.
“It is amazing to see how the facility transforms based on a group’s needs. This week we had single chairs and painting easels and next week we might have 20 sewing machines or a classroom setup for our local youth groups.”
Visit vimountaincentre.com for additional information on the facility.