May 16 - June 7

Please join us for our Exhibition Opening on Friday, May 16 from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Main Gallery:
Witness To Wonder: SD67 Annual High School Exhibition

Each spring, we have the opportunity to spotlight the creativity, passion, and talent of the next generation of visual artists through the work of students from our three regional high schools: Princess Margaret, Penticton Secondary, and Summerland Secondary. More than just an exhibition, this event celebrates the dedication and imagination of these emerging artists. Each piece represents a year of hard work, experimentation, and personal growth. Together, they invite us to see the world through their eyes—revealing their unique voices, stories, and concerns. The exhibition is a testament to their commitment and to the invaluable mentorship of their teachers.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to art teachers Brad Gibson, Aleita Lloyd, and Shauna Reid. Your dedication has cultivated a safe and inspiring environment where students grow not only as artists but as individuals. The impact of your work reaches far beyond the classroom—fostering confidence, empathy, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of self and community.
To our student artists: thank you for sharing your work with the community. It takes courage to put your art into the world, and you should be proud of the role you've played in bringing this exhibition to life. Your pieces reflect not only your creativity, but also your ability to think critically, reflect deeply, and express yourselves with honesty. Whether or not you continue to exhibit, the insights and confidence you've gained will support you in meaningful ways throughout your lives.

Ultimately, this exhibition reaffirms the vital place of arts and culture in education. Creativity and critical thinking are not just academic skills—they're essential tools for building connection, understanding, and a vibrant community. May this experience inspire you to keep questioning, exploring, and sharing your voice with the world. Your creativity has the power to make a lasting impact.

Penticton Secondary School
Fine Arts Teacher: Shauna Reid
”It has been another exciting year in the Penticton Secondary Art Studio! Our students are thrilled to be part of this show and share their work with the community. We strongly believe that continuing art education at the high school level helps students develop critical problem-solving skills and the perseverance needed to succeed. The arts foster creativity, social and emotional growth, self-esteem, and cognitive development. Completing a large work of art requires focus and dedication- skills that will serve our students well as they transition into adulthood.

After many hours of practicing technical drawing skills, grade 8 and 9 Pen High students will be showcasing graphite portraits of familiar faces. Senior students have also been honing their expertise and will be showing exquisite still-life drawings.

We are excited to be including digital photography this year. The photographs included in this show were taken for a variety of projects and purposes. Each photograph is not just an image but a glimpse into the unique vision of these young artists as they navigate their individual paths. As you explore the show, take a moment to admire the skill, passion, and perspective that each student has put into their work.

Not to worry, there will be colour! We will be including an installation of 3D value paintings, and the Senior students have included whimsical ‘Bad Hair Day’ portraits and chalk pastel animal studies.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the PAG for providing our students with the opportunity to showcase their work.”


Summerland Secondary School
Visual Arts & Photography Teacher: Aleita Lloyd BFA, Bed

”This year our district high schools acquired grade 8s, and personally, I have loved experiencing again the enthusiasm they bring to the school and the art room. Our spaces got louder, and more fun. We forget how much we lose as we get older. Pablo Picasso is credited to have said, “Every child is an artist.  The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up”, and I couldn’t agree more. Having taught grades 6-12 and now being a mother to a 6-year-old, I am reminded how important play is in our lives.

When we incorporate play into art, we become more open to growing. There’s less stress. Imperfections don’t matter, because we’re just playing. I find the more we try to achieve success, the more stress we have; this is especially true in art, and I see it every day as an art teacher. The majority of my job is managing students’ anxiety around trying to be perfect. Someone appearing “unmotivated” may just actually be scared. The stress of not being good enough stifles creativity and the desire to truly grow.

So, it is with gratitude that I share my students’ brave explorations into improving themselves as artists. I hope you enjoy their efforts.”

Princess Margaret Secondary School
Art Teacher: Brad Gibson

”Witness to wonder. I really like the sound of that. Sometimes, certain words just group well together. It is what makes good writers so successful- that uncanny ability to place words so confidently and purposefully on paper. Making art is very much the same thing – a personal and visually successful arrangement of different media or materials on a variety of surfaces with the intent to share with the public or save for personal affirmation. And, as we are all so different, we celebrate the unique approaches we all develop as we make our mark.
I look forward to this show every year as it represents a coming together of a wide variety of student artwork from our 3 high schools in the district. It is not a competition. There is no expectation of who will be crowned the” all mighty art student in School District # 67”! Instead, it celebrates the many different individuals creating art in our district high schools. Each teacher gets a chance to share their own unique approach to inspiring the important message that taking risks and being creative is so important for our personal confidence.
We hope you enjoy the visit within the walls of this year’s exhibition, Witness to Wonder.”

Toni Onley Gallery:
Meadowlark Festival Featured Artist, George Traicheff

The South Okanagan and Lower Similkameen valleys are among Canada's most unique and beautiful regions. Known for their breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, outdoor recreation opportunities, and thriving agricultural industry, this area is biologically rich. It is home to diverse wildlife, many species at risk, and is recognized as one of Canada’s most endangered natural systems.

For over 20 years, the Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Alliance (OSCA) has provided opportunities for people of all ages to experience, discover, and protect this extraordinary natural environment. Through a variety of programs and outdoor events offered year-round, OSCA connects the community with nature, including the annual Meadowlark Nature Festival and Ecostudies outdoor education programs for schools and home learners.

Since 1998, the Meadowlark Nature Festival has celebrated the region’s natural beauty each May long weekend. Featuring a wide range of interactive, multi-disciplinary events, the festival showcases the Okanagan Similkameen’s landscapes—from desert valleys to alpine meadows. By engaging participants in hands-on activities, the festival fosters a deeper connection with nature and inspires efforts to protect the region’s unique habitats and wildlife.

Part of this yearly celebration has been selecting a local artist to feature. Creating an original piece highlighting the beauty of the valley, the art is featured on festival marketing, and later headlines the Meadowlark fundraising auction. This year, long time festival supporter George Traicheff has stepped up to the plate.

George has lived from Atlantic to Pacific coasts. He is an artist who works in various mediums & subject matter and prefers to work “en plein air” as much as possible and use field sketches as well as his photography to complete larger studio works.

Titled Essence of the Meadowland, his featured piece was created in the ancient medium of egg tempera which is made from egg yolk and natural pigments. It is one of the most ecologically friendly paints in existence, thus keeping with the Meadowlark Nature Festival ideals of enjoying and preserving the wild lands and its inhabitants. The frame is an extension of the work, handcrafted by George from an old fence post recovered from Meadowlark territory.

"It is a real honour to be chosen as the featured artist this year, as the Festival follows along the lines of my values and life aspirations."

The Gallery is delighted to be part of the Festival, showcasing more of George's work. He has studied at Ecole des Beaux Arts in Montreal and the Arts Students League in New York. Upon moving west to British Columbia as a member of the RCMP, he was fortunate to meet and be taken in under the tutelage of late great artists: Clarence Tillenius and Robert Lougheed, who both have had a vast influence on George’s life and work. He has also studied and painted with other well-known artists, including, Robert Bateman, John Clymer, Harley Brown and others. He has taught painting & drawing at a number of venues in both Canada and the USA.  

His paintings and original prints are collected worldwide and have been published in a number of journals, magazines & books and can be found in private and corporate collections including, Michele Obama the former first lady of the United States, the Royal Collection, England, The National Gallery of Canada, the Metropolitan Museum of Fine Arts New York and the RCMP Museum, Regina, Sask.

Thank you once again to Lyse Deselliers, along with Shauna Sprules, Paul Lockington, and the entire Meadowlark organizing committee, for all of your hard work and dedication in bringing this annual event to life. We deeply appreciate your continued commitment to featuring a new artist each year on the festival’s poster and branding. It’s a tradition that enriches the festival and highlights the talent within our community. We are thrilled to continue this wonderful partnership and are excited to showcase the work of George Traicheff, who now joins a long and distinguished list of talented artists who have graced the festival poster over the past 27 years.

Project Room Gallery:
47th Annual Auction Preview

In anticipation of our most significant event of the year, The Project Gallery will showcase an incredible selection of curated artworks. Peruse over a hundred unique pieces by artists such as Anthony Thorn, Garnet Tobacco, and many more.  Online bidding runs May 10th - June 18th, with bids closing during the Soirées live auction.

 The 47th Annual Fundraising Auction and Dinner on June 19th is a celebration of art, community, and culinary creativity. This highly anticipated event begins at 5:30 PM, giving guests the opportunity to mingle and preview an extraordinary collection of items up for bid. Dinner will be served just after 6:00 PM, offering an exquisite dining experience in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Chef Tyson Still and his team at Still Foods will delight your palate with a menu that celebrates local, seasonal ingredients. As you enter you will be created with a selection of gourmet appetizers and canapés that showcase Tyson’s imaginative plant-based cuisine and the bounty of our region which will be followed by dinner and topped off with an incredible selection of desserts.

The Artful Soirée is all about inclusiveness and fun "no dress code required." Feel free to come as you are, whether in jeans or dressed up for the occasion. The most important thing is your generosity of spirit. Enjoy mingling with old friends, meeting new ones, and participating in an evening where art and conversation flow as smoothly as the local wines. It’s a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere focused on connection and support for the gallery’s mission.

The Artful Soirée is more than just another fundraising gala—it's a celebration of the Penticton Art Gallery’s vital role and the transformative power of the arts in our community. 100% of the proceeds from this event directly support the gallery’s ongoing exhibitions, as well as our educational and outreach programs. Your presence helps fuel the gallery’s ability to bring in exhibitions from artists across Canada and beyond, while also supporting and uplifting our region’s arts ecosystem. In essence, every dinner ticket and each bid becomes "a brushstroke of generosity," strengthening our creative community. By participating, you help ensure the gallery can continue to inspire both residents and visitors, forging meaningful connections through the arts.
Please join us for this unforgettable evening: experience the gallery in a whole new light, indulge in exceptional food, and take pride in supporting an institution that fosters creativity, connection, and culture for all. Your presence not only sustains the gallery but also strengthens our entire arts community here in Penticton, ensuring that future generations will continue to be inspired, engaged, and connected through the transformative power of the arts.