Article appeared in the August 14, 2013 issue of the Interlake Enterprise, by Teresa Carey…
St. Laurent artist, Orest Montschak, opened his home and studio to the public for the second annual art show and sale, Aug. 10 and 11. The venue, located five miles east of St. Laurent off Hwy. 415 on Stony Ridge Rd., was taken in by about 200 people, the bulk of them attending on the Saturday.
Eight artists and artisans, set up in amongst picturesque rock gardens, offered such things as pottery, acrylic paintings, sculpture, jewelry, crafts and woodworking. Montshcak’s wife, Terry Shpak, provided a catered lunch and refreshments which made the event an afternoon-long affair for many of the visitors.
Despite additional advertising this year, the turnout was about the same as last, according to Montschak. “In hindsight we wouldn’t do it for the two days,” he said.
“We’re encouraged with the turnout we did get,” Montschak added. “Both local and seasonal residents came out. There seemed to be a nice mix.”
Montschak and the group of participating artists will continue to work at keeping this blossoming art show and sale on the radar. There will be a lot more signage next year along the highway in the form of sandwich boards which will be painted by each of the artists, which they hope will draw a lot of attention.
“We need to be a little more proactive to get better support. We probably need to do the farmers markets and bazaars just to get the message out,” Montschak said.
Montschak is in the process of deciding whether the event will be held at Stony Ridge Gallery next year, or whether another venue might draw in more crowds.
“We were talking about a different venue in town, or at the new rest area being built on the curve of Hwy 6 (across from the recreation centre). We still have to go through the channels with the RM to get their permission.”
Next year’s show and sale will take place some time between the end of July and mid-August.
For further information Montschak may be contacted at 204-646-4087. Art
