Watch as live artists take over the streets of Pandosy

The Imagine Pandosy Art Festival was back on schedule after three-week delay due to the wildfires, where over 40 artists and crafters showed their work along Pandosy Street.

One of the festival's events took place at Gallery 421, where live painting and sculpture demonstrations to the public. Five artists showcased their talents, allowing the public to witness their creative process up close.

Among these artists were CJ Campbell and Loretta Kyle, each contributing their unique perspectives and skills.

Campbell, who spoke to Kelowna10 while painting a robin's nest, noted how the skill set required for creating art in a live setting is closely tied to self-acceptance.

“It’s a matter of learning, your understanding, giving yourself forgiveness that this art is a continuous learning process,” he explained. “Getting past any fears of being in public, there's more fear in just painting itself.”

He noted that assembling a group of like-minded people together in a festival setting is very rare.

“I don't know if it's a fear or what, but we do have a great collection of artists here that are really happy to sit and do exactly that, get together,” he said. “Art is such a solo pursuit that for us to be able to get together and enjoy, what we do is phenomenal.”

Campbell was previously a graphic designer for eight years in Australia but wanted to get away from the commercial and disposable nature of the work. Transitioning to painting, filled an internal void.

“The first time that I put my application to paint, it felt like something worthwhile,” he said. “It felt like I achieved something, and something that I made that would last forever. And it's the only one that will ever be there.”

On the other hand, Loretta Kyle showed off her sculpting ability with soapstone. She was crafting it into intricate owls and said it‘a a craft she has lovingly honed over three decades.

“Stone catches my attention everywhere, looking for rocks, walking. When I'm driving, I'm always looking at the rocks,” she explained. “I've always wanted to carve, and I moved to Alberta when I was 19 and I saw a lady carving a bear and she told me where to get the equipment and the stone.”

What brings Kyle joy, is engaging with people who view her work, and knowing that it could possibly influence them.

“I love talking to people about it. I especially love it when children come up because they're very expressive with how interested they are,” she explained. “That's always rewarding to get a person into it and inspire them to do something creative.”