Arts Rising kicks off

Photo: Chantelle Deacon

Arts Rising kicks of with a new piece of art work in Penticton's downtown.

Penticton's Arts Rising Festival officially kicked off Thursday with the ribbon cutting of a new piece of art work that will be finished by the end of the weekend. 

The painting will be the first of its kind done by the the Penticton Indian Band, painted on the concrete wall by Mike's Pawn Brokers on Main St. 

"It is the first major peace of Indigenous art work other than the sculpture by Clint George down along the waterfront," said Laurel Burnham, director of Arts Rising. "It’s a very significant event for our community because we have to begin to reconcile the fact that there has been terrible injustices done." 

The painting will feature a woman, mountains and lakes, meant to represent Mother Earth, female power, regeneration and the community.

"The role of art that art plays in bringing people together and healing communities is really significant and profound and that’s what we’re here to do," Burnham said. "It is the beginning of the long road to reconciliation that we are all going to walk together, to bring all of us together."

"A rising tide lifts all boats and that’s our intention with Arts Rising to heal and foster community, to bring us all together as one to celebrate this beautiful great, good earth that we live on."

The celebration is meant to display the power of art to unite, build and change communities. The four day festival is located downtown Penticton, making the entire event accessible by foot.   

There is many events available for the community to attend. To view the online schedule visit their website.