How do you beat the February blahs? Twelve artists working in different media are chasing their muses and urging each other on in the 3rd annual Art-a-Day challenge. The premise is simple: for the month of February do a measurable artistic act every day. “I feel as if I have met a whole bunch of new friends and like-minded people,” says Maggie a knitting writer.

We send pictures and talk about our projects with the others in the group. As fibre artist Hilary puts it, “I take such pleasure in connecting across ‘cyberspace’ with the group and feeling this sense of community spirit. While I must admit I have not met my personal goal each day, this initiative you have created as been ‘with me’ every day. Through this, I have given myself permission to take space for creativity not something I normally allow.”

We’ve inspired each other to greater heights and have turned a rather dismal month into a month filled with fresh ideas and sharing. “Some days it’s sometimes hard to find time in my day to get out to the studio, but it has made me realize that I have art in my day in many different aspects. From my walks with my camera, painting in my studio to creating in the kitchen there is art everywhere,” muses abstract artist Tara.

The artists hale from Penticton, Oliver, Osoyoos and Vancouver Island. Some of us knew each other, but most are getting to know each other for the first time. Poet Colleen enthuses, “Just that as a writer, I never thought I would be joining such a diverse group of artists on such an amazing challenge! What a great way to brighten up an otherwise “dreary” February. I would definitely do it again!”

Want more info about the Art-a-Day movement? Please visit the website http://inspirationfindsyouworking.weebly.com/ then go to contact page “Interested in Art a Day”. My name is Terry Irvine, a proud Oliver resident. I would be happy to answer your questions.