2024 Poster contest winner and entries on display at The Art Gallery Osoyoos

Trista Bassett, of Summerland, was the first-place winner in the annual poster contest at The Art Gallery Osoyoos. She was presented with a certificate by Mayor Sue McKortoff and she also received a monetary award. The limited-edition, signed posters will be available on Jan. 13. Her winning image is the one on the left. The one on the right by Diane Akey took second place. (Richard McGuire Photo)

Trista Bassett, of Summerland, is the first-place winner of the 2024 Poster Contest at The Art Gallery Osoyoos. The announcement was made Saturday, January 6.

The image was selected by a panel of outside judges, who also considered other submissions by local artists. The judges did not know the identities of the artists when they made their decision. An exhibition of the entries opens Saturday, January 6 at the gallery and runs until Saturday, January 27, 2024.

Local artists were invited to submit artworks on the theme of, “A recognizable image of the Osoyoos area.”

A release of the limited edition poster, signed by the winner, takes place Saturday, January 13 at the gallery.

Second place went to Diane Akey, who recently moved to Salmon Arm, and third place went to photographer Loyd Chapplow, of Osoyoos. Honourable mentions went to Jane Scheffler and Richard McGuire, both of Osoyoos.

The gallery is now on non-summer hours and is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday.

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

Click on thumbnail images below to see in Virtual Gallery. Use arrow keys to flip through images. Click on images to see title at top.

 First Place:

Trista Bassett: I chose this image of Osoyoos from a photo I took in 2021, my first trip down there with my husband. As recent residents of Summerland, we were captivated by the subtle differences in landscape and the desert feel of this area, surrounded by Okanagan mountains. I think the image captures the region well, while still showing the unique landscape of the town.

Second Place:

Diane Akey: When I have an opportunity to Plein Aire paint, I know I am going to experience an adventure. I choose a location; a scene is selected, and I begin my painting! I use colours to represent shapes then mark making and strokes to define areas. The location sets the tempo for painterly explorations. Weather is also a factor. A plein air painting is completed on site usually within 2 to 4 hours. One of my favourite spots to paint is the Nk’Mip Desert Walk. I appreciate the muted colours of the desert path steeped in quiet.

Third Place:

Loyd Chapplow: sẃiẃs.

Honourable Mention:

Jane Scheffler: Veterans’ Park: I chose this image of Veterans Park because it showcases the lake and the view south but also the hard work done by many to honour our veterans and welcome all generations to a peaceful place of recollection and reflection.

Honourable Mention:

Richard McGuire – Vineman: When you drive southbound towards Osoyoos, a tall human-like figure can be seen on your left as you climb Graveyard Hill. It spreads its arms wide, as if reaching to embrace you, as it protects the vineyards and orchards. It’s a sign that you’re close to home. Vineman, as I call him, is an unofficial icon of Osoyoos, appreciated by many visitors and local residents. (Richard McGuire Photo)
Sandra Albo: The Iconic Haynes House in the Osoyoos Desert: As a young schoolteacher, coming to Osoyoos 50 years ago, I was quite fascinated with the historical buildings on Road 22 at the north end of Osoyoos Lake. This house still clings to life below Throne Mountain above the oxbows in Okanagan River. It once had an out-building bunk house that has collapsed but an old barn remains. As one of the oldest structures in our area it is well known.
Mary Kate Woodward: Osoyoos Ghost: I first saw this silent figure patiently pointing the way to Osoyoos. A collaboration of plant and human creation, it stands like a benevolent guardian of the area.
Claudia Punter.
Marcia Hurley.
Greg Reely: Wire Man: Friend or Foe? Osoyoos’ iconic ‘Wire Man’ is known by many names — the ‘Reaper’, ‘Monster’, ‘Protector’, the ‘Guardian of the Vines’, even ‘Harry’—everyone seems to have their own name for this creeping vine.
With a mysterious origin story that dates back many decades, ‘Wire Man’ continues to intrigue visitors and locals alike.
Robyn Lynch.
Marc Dumas.
Jocelyne Lamontagne: Cherries Everywhere: My painting is called Cherries Everywhere.
Just like July in Osoyoos, starting with our Cherry
Fiesta of July 1st.
Bev Vorley: July 29, 2023, we were evacuated from our home due to the Eagle Ridge fire. We were very lucky as we got to stay at a friend’s place for as long as we needed. This is what I saw one day while there. I found beauty in where there was much sadness.

Author: Richard McGuire

Richard McGuire is an Osoyoos photographer who worked at the Osoyoos Times between 2012 and 2018, first as reporter and then as editor. He has a long career in journalism as well as research, communication and management at the House of Commons in Ottawa and in the federal government.