Anne Bowen’s backyard is a sanctuary of what makes Saanich naturally unique.
“We have three pregnant does that are very ready to give birth, racoons, ducks, muskrats, hawks, eagles and owls,” said Bowen.
The artist is opening her garden, and home studio, to the public for the Scattered Artists Art Tour, May 20 and 21. The tour visits 17 artists posted at six locations around the Cedar Hill Golf Course.
Bowen’s backyard, off of Ascot Drive, is at the north end of the nature corridor that includes Kings Pond (and privately owned Jenkins’ Pond) and extends into the golf course. It also backs on to a nature reserve that Saanich owns which is closed to the public as it is accessed mostly through private properties.
“I’m a steward. We planted native plants and trees, and we make sure they have enough water,” Bowen said.
“If you live in this neighbourhood, you pretty much have to be an environmental activist,” she laughed.
The tour, Bowen said, is a way for artists to engage with the public and promote their original artwork.
“It’s also a great way for the artists to share their knowledge and for people to see the artistic process in action.”
The Scattered Artists tour is free. The artistry includes painters, potters, a jewelry maker, photographer, glass artists and mixed media artists, with some of the artists crafting art in their gardens, said Bowen, who will likely have a piece set up in her yard to work on.
Bowen uses watercolours and acrylics to create representational and impressionist art in a variety of subjects, including landscapes, animals, still life and flowers.
The Scattered Artists Tour has been around for more than 20 years, and supports a number of local charities.
Bowen includes a fundraising campaign with her stop on the tour – this is her sixth year – and donates proceeds to a charitable cause.
“I go back and forth every year between an orphanage or an animal relief,” Bowen said. “Last year it was for an orphanage in Rwanda and this year I plan to give money to the Animal Crusaders fund.”
The tour takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days within the area bordered by Mount Douglas, Quadra Street, Cedar Hill Road and Hillside Avenue. Maps are available at Fig Deli, Cedar Hill Recreation Centre, or online at GOBC under Arts and Culture or scattered-artists.ca.