The Arnold Mikelson Festival of Art returns to the grounds of South Surrey's Mind and Matter Gallery Saturday for the final weekend of its 39th year.
The annual showcase for visual artists features the work of more than 100 new and established artists, spread out through the three-acre property (13743 16 Ave., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday).
In addition to painters, other artists on hand to sell their wares and demonstrate techniques include potters, wood and stone sculptors, glass blowers, batik-makers and jewellery creators.
Among artists featured at this year's festival is White Rock-born, Langley-based painter Jenn Williamson, who specializes in abstract and semi-abstract paintings utilizing such media as Italian plasters acrylics and resin – resulting in works that blend rich and subdued colours with refined textures and patinas.
Also among featured work from further afield will be the calm colours and meticulous technique of New Westminster-based west coast wildlife painter and photographer Wendy Schmidt, plus the Scandinavian-inspired art prints and cards of Kootenay artist Charlotte Erlandsson.
First organized close to 40 years ago by gallery owner Mary Mikelson and her late husband, sculptor Arnold Mikelson, the festival has grown from a handful of artists to one of the largest art exhibitions in the region.
The festival also offers free parking in the Ray Shepherd Elementary lot, just half a block to the west of the gallery on 16 Avenue.
Refreshments are also available, although patrons should be aware that dogs are not allowed on the grounds during the festival.
For more information, call 604-536-6460, or visit the gallery website at mindandmatterart.com