Okotoks artists are joining over 1,000 creatives worldwide for a major initiative.
International Art and Found Day, dubbed the world's largest free art drop, began in 2015 as a social project by Toronto artist Courtney Senior before becoming a worldwide undertaking in 2021. International Art and Found Day will be held worldwide on March 12.
The event has participating artists create original artwork and hide it somewhere in their community, while also leaving hints so that people can find it and even take it home.
"There's lots of bad news in the world," said Virgini Senden, one of the Okotoks artists taking part in the event. "This is one of those things that will bring a smile to the person who finds it. I would say lots of people are pessimistic, but there's still lots of fun things and good things going on in the world too."
There are currently 1,177 artists from 45 countries taking part in the fourth annual International Art and Found Day, and the number of artists continues to grow.
"I'm happy for every opportunity to put the arts in a good light," said Senden. "Because sometimes people don't realize that the beauty of the town and everything is in part because of art.
"Okotoks actually has a great arts community, a lot of good artists who provide classes and workshops and work with kids. There's a whole bunch of us out there. Art here is pretty thriving, in my opinion."
There are currently five Foothills artists, four from Okotoks and one from Diamond Valley, signed on for the event. Senden, Janifer Calvez, Christine Walker and Renee Carrier are from Okotoks, while Sherri Gussman is joining from Diamond Valley.
"Art beautifies our world," said Senden. "And I'm always a great believer in the fact that having a nice piece of art on your wall is the best therapy you can have because it makes you happy every day."
As part of the event, Senden is currently working on a painting which she will hide somewhere in Okotoks for a community member to find and keep.
"I think this is one of these initiatives that I'm thinking, yeah, it's not always about money, it's also just about being part of your community, giving back whatever you can, whatever you're good at," Senden said.
