A Black Diamond business owner is blending two artistic mediums rarely placed together in a unique event this weekend.
Katrina Diebel, owner of Vale’s Greenhouse, is combining her array of annuals and perennials with the work of more than 50 Alberta artists in the greenhouse’s annual Cultivation of Art Show June 23 to 25 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hundreds of pieces of art including paintings, glass, pottery, wood, sculptures and functional art will be placed among the plants and flowers.
“I feel that art and plants go so well together,” said Diebel. “Gardening is an art so we integrate the art in and around the plants. That gives it texture, another layer of diversity.
“We have this beautiful art with these really nice shrubs and perennials and the natural light is coming in through the greenhouses. It’s a very interesting concept.”
The atmosphere tends to reduce any hesitation people might feel about buying art, Diebel said.
“We are not selling $10,000 bronzes, we are selling modestly-priced, high-quality original pieces of art,” she said. “We are just bringing people in to see what amazing talent we have and showcasing it on a whole different level. You can buy something really nice for under $500.”
Diebel began the Cultivation of Art Show in 2009.
“That first year I was hoping to sell a piece of art,” she said. “Now, it’s become a part of our business plan, it’s our biggest crowd. We are very lucky because we have a very strong clientele that supports not just the art show, but the greenhouse. Our sales have been strong the last few years.”
More than half of the artwork on display is that of artists from the Foothills region, said Diebel.
While Friday is often the busiest day, people can meet the artists and enjoy snacks and beverages on Saturday.
Watercolour painter Cathy Hern, of Turner Valley, will be displaying her work at the show for the third year this weekend. Hern’s watercolours portray the natural surroundings of the Foothills including horses, wildlife, flowers and aspen trees.
She said Vale’s Greenhouse is the perfect backdrop for her art.
“I love having the greenery and plants that go with the colours of your paintings,” she said. “It just makes it look nice. Even if it was to rain, a lot of this stuff is under cover and the atmosphere of Vale’s Greenhouse is beautiful. It’s just a fun time and I recommend people come out.”
This year will be the first for Darrell Ward in the show.
The Black Diamond artist said he has a collection of about 90 acrylic and watercolour landscapes, florals and pet portraits to showcase.
“I walked through it last year and it’s got quite a turnout,” he said of the art show. “There is a lot of great art and a lot of great craft art. The atmosphere of the greenhouse is spectacular. Art and gardening seems to go hand in hand.”
The representational impressionistic painter captures breathtaking scenes right at home including the Sheep River valley, Blue Rock, Elbow Valley and scenes along the Cowboy Trail.
“I start all of my paintings on the field,” he said. “I’m out there when it’s 20 below and when it’s nice.”
Fort Macleod resident Marney Delver, who grew up in Millarville, has had her ceramics displayed in the art show since the beginning, including clay vessels and feathers made out of porcelain, as well as some agriculture drawings.
“It’s a really beautiful show,” she said. “It’s just so interesting with all the artwork in with all the plants and flowers. It’s one of my favourites because it has a more casual feel about it. There’s just something inviting about plants and flowers and the art amongst it.”
Throughout the weekend the artists will restock any sold pieces with new original art.
For more details about the art show go to www.valesgreenhouse.com
