Over 24,000 visitors enjoyed viewing the unique art and craft work of 90 local artists earlier this summer in another successful ‘Art in the Garden’ event in Nanoose Bay. As they strolled through the lovely woodland grounds of hosts Leslie and Mike Seselja on the family’s 10-acre property off Northwest Bay Road, guests were yet again awed by the calibre of the work they saw. Attendance was up by 400 visitors from the previous year.
Again this year, Nanoose Community Services (NCS), the local charity, benefited from entry fee donations. The event raised over $4,400 for NCS, bringing the total contribution from ‘Art in the Garden’ to over $31,700 over the past nine years. The money will go towards food cards and other assistance to those who cannot support themselves.
This year’s art show marked a special achievement for Leslie. “The goal we initially set for our event was to raise $30,000 over 10 years for NCS and we have surpassed that in just nine years”, she proudly noted. This effort truly exemplifies the NCS slogan of ‘Neighbours Helping Neighbours’.
Of the 90 artists who participated this year, over 35 were new to the event. There were wood workers, jewellery crafters, metal artists, painters and those who work with fabric, among others.
“Bringing art and the love of gardening together with the sound of music has been a dream come true since we purchased our property in 2005”, says Leslie. Local musicians entertained the crowd and food trucks offered goodies throughout the two-day event.
Guests expressed their appreciation in comments to Leslie. “It’s one of our favourite events each year”, said J. Bowlenger. “We look forward to the beautiful gardens and top quality artisans”.
B. Schmidt exuded, “It’s a beautiful venue filled with beautiful art—our arms are full”.
“The Garden artisans, musicians and crafters were all wonderful and happy and we loved it. Thank you”, said K. Nelson.
One grateful guest summed it up this way, “Thank you for opening up your property to the public to view and visit and purchase lovely art, making our little slice of heaven on earth, Nanoose Bay, a wonderful place to live”.