The 24th Annual Art & Bloom Festival runs May 16–18 with blooming gardens, featured musicians, artists’ booths, and cash-only admission.
The 24th Annual Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens Art & Bloom Festival, May 16 to 18, is one of those Comox Valley events that has become a must attend for many residents and visitors.. This is a perfect time to visit the gardens as many of the over 3,000 rhododendrons and wildflowers are in full bloom.. The highlight of the weekend though is the fantastic display of work by artists and artisans who set up their
booths throughout the nearly 24 acres of informal gardens.. As visitors stroll the many pathways, enjoying the blossoms and relaxed atmosphere, they will discover an eclectic mix of paintings, photography, pottery, works in wood, stone, metal, along with fabrics, jewelry and unique pieces that can add a touch of art to their own gardens.. Many of these artists are award winners in their own mediums and come from near and far to set up their
booths that are literally spread out from one end of the gardens to the other.. Some of these artists have been exhibiting at the Festival since its inception and visitors come to see their latest creations.. On the other hand there are always new exhibitors whose works add to the ever-evolving mix of sights and sounds.. Along with the exhibitors, the gardens will also host a number of musicians whose soft sounds add to the
overall ambience of the festival.. Each musician will perform in their own unique style with sounds that seem to blend with nature.. This year’s featured musicians are some Valley favorites such as Luke Blu Guthrie, Bruce & Judy Wing, Canuck Country and new this year is Interlude.. No festival would be complete without food vendors to help keep the energy flowing.. From wood fired pizza to healthy Dragon Bowls, sweet and savory and of course
Festival favorites such as hot dogs and pretzels.. While the focus is on the artists and artisans, the gardens themselves are a work of art.. What began as a cut your own Christmas tree farm has been transformed into a wonderland of flowers, ponds and pathways that have been designed to enhance the natural setting of the gardens.. Recognized by garden societies as one of the country’s finest informal gardens and many people who visit
the gardens have remarked how peaceful they are even with such a large event taking place.. There’s even a labyrinth for those who need time to quiet the mind, reduce stress and enhance their creativity.. Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens is located a 15 minute drive north of Courtenay just off Highway 19a.. The Art and Bloom Festival takes place May 16, 17 from 10:00 a.m.. to 5:00 p.m.. and on Monday, May 18 from 10:00
a.m.. to 4:00 p.m.. Admission is $10 and cash only.. There is no ATM on site.. For more information about the gardens and the Festival visit woodlandgardens.ca.
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