The person behind The Umbrella Project, a creative fundraiser for Penticton’s art community, was encouraged by the inspirational designs that will be adorning local patios.

“I was really excited with what the artists came up with,” said Charlie Utz, who sits on the City of Penticton’s arts and culture advisory committee. “Every umbrella has art on it that was beyond my expectations.”

The project began in June when 36 artists painted the common, large-span patio umbrellas with colourful themes related to the Okanagan area.

Their works were showcased at sponsoring wineries, cafes, restaurants and other businesses in the community and surrounding areas through the summer. Businesses were able to purchase the umbrellas or allow them to go towards Saturday’s silent and live auction fundraiser.

The event was held in conjunction with the city’s Reimagine Art Festival which wrapped up today. A variety of artists spent Friday and Saturday painting giant murals on walls in the back alleyways of the downtown area.

Utz thanked the artists for embracing their work on the project and for taking on the challenge of painting on a unique style of canvas. He also acknowledged the support of the business community.

“They’re great conversation starters and some of them actually tell a story,” said Utz, noting that one, the Ecobrella created by Yvonne Goldberg, reveals messages about the environment.

Others had themes based on the sunshine and beaches, the fruit and wine industry as well as the legendary Okanagan Lake monster, the Ogopogo.