The 19a Art Festival is returning this year to offer both an indoor fine art exhibition and a self-guided studio tour. 

The indoor event takes place Sept. 14 and 15 at the Lighthouse Community Centre while the studio tour takes place on Sept. 21 and 22 with studios and galleries open from Parksville up to the Comox Valley. 

鈥淲e wanted to create an event that would provide art lovers with an opportunity to learn more about the creative process as well as make it easy for them to connect with a wide spectrum of artists on a personal level.鈥� said Peggy Logan, a jewelry designer who lead last year鈥檚 event. 

鈥淎nother important consideration was that we wanted to ensure that the indoor event would present visitors with a selection of high quality work. As a result we brought in 3 independent, accomplished artists to jury the applications, David Goatly, Dominik Modlinski and Ian Carter.鈥� added Logan. 

The indoor exhibition will be held at the Lighthouse Community Centre, 240 Lions Way in Qualicum Bay and features 21 artists plus representatives from the Qualicum First Nation. WIth individual booths set up, visitors will get the sense visiting 21 mini-galleries all in one location.  

The mix of artists ranges from those who express themselves in a variety of mediums and genres. From works in oil, acrylic and mixed media, to sculpture, fine woodwork, hand crafted high end jewelry and photography.  

There will be musical entertainment playing in the background throughout the 2 days plus a selection of food items provided by Tidal Tacos. 

鈥淲hile there are many festivals throughout Vancouver Island that cater to an eclectic mix of artists, artisans and crafters, my vision is to be able to present to art lovers a more focused and professional space where art lovers can be assured of top notch quality work especially when they are ready to purchase a piece of fine art,鈥� said Cindy Mawle, one of the exhibiting artists.

Completing the Festival is the Studio Tour taking place Sept. 21 and 22. Over 30 artists will be opening up their studios and galleries from Qualicum Bay to Union Bay. This event provides visitors an opportunity to explore a diverse collection of work and at the same time meet the artists in their own creative spaces. 

The event also expands on the diverse kinds of work that is being created in the region. From garden art to bespoke clothing, original fine art to prints, hand crafted glass to functional pottery, photography to woven creations and works in wood and stone to name just a few. 

The opening hours for both events are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. The events are free to visitors.