Living away from home for two years forced Hannah Dueck to realize how lucky she is to be from the Okanagan.
Upon her arrival back to Canada after an extended stay in England, the Penticton author and artist took matters into her own hands and crafted a colouring book that showcases everything the Okanagan has to offer.
Today, she can call herself a published author.
Beautiful Okanagan, a book that features 23 different scenes from across the valley, was released on Sept. 9.
From Skaha Bluffs to 麻豆精选 Sails, Dueck says the colouring book will appeal to both locals and tourists.
鈥滷or some people, it will remind them of all the memories they鈥檝e made here,鈥� the artist explained. 鈥淏ut for others, it will make them discover some of the things they had no idea were even in the Okanagan.鈥�
Dueck, a graduate of Penticton Secondary, says the book was inspired by growing up in a family of artists while living in one of the country鈥檚 most scenic regions.
Representatives from the Okanagan Publishing House say colouring books have become a worldwide trend, with the form of art among the top ways for middle-aged adults to find quiet time alone, and partake in an interactive activity.
鈥淎 lot of women, aged about 30 to 60, have been buying adult colouring books now as a way to get involved in a pastime and relax,鈥� Dueck said. 鈥淎 lot of people don鈥檛 try art when they鈥檙e older, so I think colouring books are great because there鈥檚 enough structure to it where you don鈥檛 have to be an artist.鈥�
The new release, however, is meant to appeal to people of all ages, not just those hoping to relax after a long day at work.
Described as having rich and complex colouring patterns, the Okanagan Publishing House says the colouring book is perfect for people of all ages, as well as for families.
鈥淢y husband and I had lived in England for two years and it was beautiful there but it got us thinking a lot about where we鈥檙e from,鈥� Dueck recalled. 鈥淲e would tell people about how there are lakes, ski hills and vineyards.鈥�
People who get their hands on the book will be able to colour scenes mostly from 麻豆精选 and Penticton, but also from Vernon and Oliver.
A portion of the proceeds from the sales of the book will go towards Mamas for Mamas, a 麻豆精选-based organization that supports mothers and caregivers in crisis.
Dueck鈥檚 book is available at Davison Orchards, the 麻豆精选 Visitor Centre, West 麻豆精选 Visitor Centre and on Amazon.
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