The opportunities to witness art as it is being performed are few. Open studio tours provide one venue. The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria provides another, with its 17th Annual Moss Street Paint-In, which brings local artists and their studios to the streets on July 17th.

Every year the City of Victoria closes down Moss Street to vehicular traffic from Fort Street to the Art Gallery, at 1040 Moss Street, to Dallas Road. Artists line the boulevard in fantastic, temporary outdoor studio spaces. Over 25,000 people gather to wander the street, witness art in the making and meet and talk to local artists at work.

This non-profit event has become a summer tradition in Victoria, offering a vital link between the artists and the people in the region. Invited professional and emerging artists from Victoria and area are selected through a competitive process. Those artists selected are chosen from criteria which include a high level of professionalism, excellence, originality and inventiveness, quality and strength of work, and most importantly, a willingness to work on-site.

During the afternoon these invited artists demonstrate their art-making practices. They work in on-site "studio spaces" for the public to witness each brush stroke, pencil, pastel or ink mark onto page, canvas or board, or the creation of a sculpture, from unformed clay and stone to found objects. Artists display their work and answer questions from curious onlookers and passers by, creating a rare and exciting opportunity for people to witness the nitty gritty of the creative process.

What started 17 years ago as a promotion for the Art Gallery's Art Rental and Sales Program where artists were invited to come and demonstrate along Moss Street, has over the years become a happening event in Victoria. In addition, the Art Gallery hosts a food and beverage garden featuring local restaurants and beverages, as well as a Latin Dance in the evening featuring the popular Victoria band Kumbia. These activities have added tremendously to the celebratory atmosphere.

Hit the street Saturday, July 17th for the best opportunity to see and interact with art and artists. Come by foot, by bus or by bike to 1040 Moss Street. Witness a masterpiece in the making! Moss Street road closures are from Fort Street to Dallas Road, 12:30-4pm. The Food and Beverage Garden is open noon-9pm. Outdoor Latin dancing with Kumbia from 4-9pm. For more details visit www.aggv.bc.ca or call the Art Gallery at 250-384-4101.