A family-friendly colouring book filled with illustrations of Alberni Valley landmarks and favourite places is now available at the Rollin Art Centre.
The colouring book is a Community Arts Council initiative to not only raise money but to promote arts and the Alberni Valley.
“A lot of levels on why I did this one was to highlight the Valley,” said Melissa Martin, arts administrator with the Community Arts Council. “I really wanted people to think if they were describing Port Alberni to someone, what makes it special to them.”
Each of the book’s 31 pages was designed by an artist in or around the Valley. Drawings include Port Alberni staples like The Donut Shop at the Harbour Quay, Roger Creek Park, Victoria Quay, Johnston Road and the clock tower. The book is spiral bound and printed one-sided so the pages can be torn out.
“I was over the moon with the response from the artists so I’m so excited to bring it to the Valley,” Martin said. “I think it’s something that we can really make people aware of outside the community.”
While Martin hopes the book will be something enjoyable for both locals and tourists she also hopes it will generate funds for the future of the arts council.
“Being a non-profit, we rely heavily on grants, memberships and then private donations which we really don’t get, so we’re constantly having to find fundraisers that are not just about us but about the community and bringing community and art together,” she said.
The colouring book, titled Discovering the Valley, was printed completely locally and is available at the Rollin Art Centre for $20.