New events and a wider arts focus accompany the Lacombe art show and sale's new name.
Rebranded as Encore: Annual Art Sale and Celebration of Creative Expressions, the 14th annual event runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the Lacombe Memorial Centre.
"We decided to breathe new life into it," said Rhonda Linklater, the City of Lacombe's marketing co-ordinator.
"We wanted to expand the scope of talent to be featured and lay the groundwork for something more than just an art sale."
Singer/songwriters will perform throughout the event, including during the new Strawberry Tea and Social from noon to 2 p.m. on Sunday.
The Red Deer Lettering Arts Guild will also have an interactive event in the County Room on Saturday.
A major addition is the Saturday night Art Benefit and Fashion Show to raise money for the Lacombe Arts Endowment Fund, which has provided more than $10,500 in grants to 24 area artists and improved art appreciation in the Lacombe area.
"We wanted to make people more aware of the greater good of the event for the endowment fund," said Linklater.
The benefit debut Art of the Corset in Centennial Hall will have a fashion show of silk, taffeta, velvet, and lace steel-boned corsets by Edmonton's Levanah's Workshop, paired with Primrose Boutique clothing and accessories.
Wine and hors d'oeuvres will be served and participants will each receive a hand-etched wine glass by local artisan the Blasted Celt. The event runs from 5 to 8 p.m. with tickets $30 each.
Of course, Encore's heart is the visual art of more than 75 emerging and professional Alberta artists. This year's featured artist is Norma Barsness of Birchcliff, whose acrylic paintings of Central Alberta nature and everyday life emphasize vivid colour and lively brushstrokes.
Encore runs from 1 to 4:30 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Admission is $4 per person with children 12 and under free. A two-for-one admission coupon, as well as more information on the event, is available online at heartoflacombe.ca.
rfiedler@reddeeradvocate.com