The second-annual Arts on the Avenue festival filled downtown Kelowna Thursday evening.

Based on last year's success, this years event expanded to two blocks on Bernard Avenue and featured art, live cultural performances, “Spotlight Artist” presentations, drop-in visual art activities, interactive community art projects and more.

“When we launched this new visual-arts festival last year we were unsure how people would respond to the event,” said Lisa Brown with Festivals Kelowna.

“To say that we were blown away by the positive feedback, the huge number of artists that wanted to participate, and the willingness of local arts groups like the Federation of Canadian Artists, Kelowna Arts Council, and Artsco to partner on the event would be an understatement. This year’s event is even bigger and better than last year.”

Initially launched in 2015, Arts on the Avenue has grown to include artists from a variety of disciplines selling their original handcrafted products from such artistic streams as fibre art, jewelry, pottery, painting, wood carving and more.

New this year was the inclusion of two 3D Chalk Artists. Emmanuel Areizaga, an emerging visual artist heading to CATO this fall, and Shawn Smith, a professional and well-known local chalk artist whose work can be seen in restaurants all over the Okanagan, and who is breaking into new territory with the 3D format.

“People should come prepared to buy art and experience all kinds of visual arts,” said Brown.

“This is a great chance to start some early Christmas shopping or to buy a one of a kind gift for a special occasion. We’ll also have live musical performances throughout the night so plan to spend a few hours with us.”

Photo: Carmen Weld