Sweeping action on the ice next week is expected to get some creative juices flowing in a youth art challenge in Okotoks.
The Okotoks Scotties Committee is partnering with Lineham House Galleries to host a 48-hour youth art challenge that invites youths ages 10 to 17 to bring an artistic component to the upcoming 2020 Sentinel Storage Alberta Scotties Tournament of Hearts by drawing, painting and creating digital or photo manipulations from their own interpretations of the event.
The contest kicks off during the opening ceremonies on Jan. 22 when contestants will gain inspiration and document ideas to create their art over the next 48 hours, said Lineham House Galleries co-owner Cheryl Taylor.
When Taylor was approached with the idea to incorporate an arts and cultural component to the tournament by the Okotoks Scotties Committee, she was immediately on board.
“Connecting art and sports is one of the passions that I hold dear,” said Taylor. “We worked very closely with Hometown Hockey when it was here in Okotoks in February (2019) and really enjoyed that experience. It was an opportunity to do this again and also get involved with an event for community youth, which is another passion of mine as a local art teacher.”
A panel of judges consisting of two Alberta teachers and two professional artists connected to Elma Street will select three top submissions and the gallery will hold an art show and sale Jan. 26 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
“I think that the idea of connecting with art is going to appeal to a very broad audience in a gallery setting where the curling teams are going to be there to see picture of them in action on display,” Taylor said. “The idea of showing in an art gallery and connecting youth and sports is going to appeal to a large audience.”
Taylor said she will also have a mini gallery set up for the occasion.
Okotoks Scotties committee volunteer Marg Cox said the 48-hour youth art challenge is a great way to enhance the showcase of the provincial Scotties in Okotoks.
“The whole event will be better for this,” she said. “It’s just another sign of the community working together and pulling large events like this off and making it the best it can be.”
To register for the youth art challenge, call the gallery at 403-917-1445. Registration closes at noon on Jan. 22.
For further Alberta Scotties stories and coverage during the actual event go to https://www.okotokstoday.ca/2020-alberta-scotties
