iN PHOTOS: Okanagan residents recreate famous paintings with household items

Being inside isn’t stopping Okanagan artists from recreating their favourite masterpieces.

The Lake Country Art Gallery recently launched a social media initiative to get artists involved as part of a massive global project to keep audiences interacting with galleries online. As part of the project, locals can recreate art pieces of their choosing using household items.

Anyone can join; participants just need to tag the gallery on its social media channels to participate.

“Although everyone’s doing it and it’s not unique, it’s kind of unifying. It’s wonderful with our own little local contingents,” said Petrina McNeill, art gallery manager.

The Salmon Arm Arts Centre also kicked off a #quarantineartchallenge, roughly three weeks ago, she said.

“It’s up and down the valley. It’s one of many things (galleries are doing) to try and retain engagement while the doors are closed,” she said.

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“We had a little collection to begin with… we launched it this week and already within a day or two we’ve already had three submissions that have been fabulous,” she said.

One of her favourites was a submission by a recent UBC Okanagan graduate who did a take on Leonardo da Vinci's Lady with an Ermine.

“I think most people have been going for famous paintings because they’re recognizable, and they’re an easy go-to, but… you can use anything you want,” she said.

To get involved, find an interesting photo and recreate it using household items and tag the Lake Country Art Gallery on social media for a chance to be featured. Participants can also email their work to the gallery at lakecountryartgallery@gmail.com.

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