Local artist Libby Parsons opened a solo show of her work at The Art Gallery Osoyoos on Wednesday, Sept. 30. The show runs until Saturday, Oct. 31.

Her work features the gorgeous landscapes of the Okanagan, as well as a few appearances by birds and animals — a grizzly bear, a bison, owls, and California quails. She mostly paints with acrylics on canvas.

Parsons was born into an artistic family in Quebec and at a young age she studied art – including classes at the Ontario College of Art, now known as Ontario College of Art and Design University.

When her family moved to India, she studied nursing, later completing her nursing degree at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. She married a military officer and they had two children.

She has travelled extensively both abroad and within Canada. Most recently, she and her husband travelled the Dempster Highway to the Arctic Ocean.

“My focus has been on large canvasses, vibrant colour and bold brushstrokes,” she says. “These elements allow me to capture the impression and love of the landscape, rather than a detailed rendering.”

The opening of this exhibition comes two days before the First Friday Art Walk. The Art Walk is on Friday, Oct. 2.

First Friday includes local galleries and businesses, among them: Best Cellars Bistro & Books, TAGO, Artists on Main, The Okanagan Art Gallery, The Osoyoos District Museum, Century 21 Pop-Up Art, Wayside Select Books & Art, and Backroads Brewing.

The gallery is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

It is located at 8713 Main St. in Osoyoos, B.C., just west of Town Hall.

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