Sarah Williams has been a fixture in the Alberni Valley arts scene since 2010, when she returned from a 10-year retail management and fashion-buying career in Vancouver to buy Gramma's Trunk, a former vintage shop in Port Alberni's uptown area.
She renamed it GT Vintage and added a fashion facet to the business, Adorn Atelier. her hair decorations and fascinators have been a hit, especially in the wedding industry.
In 2012 Williams moved down to Harbour Quay, reopening her store as The Place.
Williams and her husband Gordon are two of 50 artists from around the Alberni Valley who are taking part in Days With the Arts, the Community Arts Council of the Alberni Valley's biennial studio tour. The two-day self-guided tour takes place April 25–26, 2015.
While some artists, such as the Williamses, Connie Watts (multi-media First Nations artwork), Todd Robinson (sandblasted glass) and Patrick Connaghan (wood turning) are opening their studios to visitors, other artists will gather in venues around the city.
Some of the venues are only open on Saturday, while others will feature artists both days.
Wristbands and maps are available at Rollin Art Centre and Echo Centre. Single-day wristbands are $15 and weekend wristbands are $20. Many artists have contributed door prizes and there are other perks that come with the wristbands.
For more information, please call the Rollin Art Centre 250-724-3412.
editor@albernivalleynews.com