Summer in Penticton means stuff like beaches and lakes and lazy rivers and outdoor patios.
But in 2025, it also means one of the largest pieces of indoor art ever displayed in the city.
How large is it? At 32 feet end to end, it's wider than a tennis court. And it’s taller than most ceilings.
That it's likely one of the most impactful too – a freaky cross between painting and sculpture that seems to float in space – only adds to its appeal.
Meet David Spriggs
Artist David Spriggs is world renowned. His work has been on display in global hot spots like New York, Brisbane, Beijing and even Paris' esteemed Louvre Museum.
He's hot enough that rock icon Peter Gabriel sought him out for artwork to accompany both his stage show and his 2023 composition "Panopticom."
And now one of his personal favourite creations sits at the Penticton Art Gallery. It's called "First Wave," and it's nothing short of monumental.
When a wave becomes a flood
The show, likewise called "First Wave" in honour of its central piece, is the latest in a line of Penticton Art Gallery summer exhibitions designed to create a stir and, says Gallery curator Paul Crawford, entertain the question: "What is art?"
Just this decade there's been Bob Ross, Buffy Sainte-Marie and last year, live and in person, Robert Bateman.
And now, it's U.K.-born David Spriggs. That's an artfully impressive roster for a city of 38,000.
"I'm just trying to be responsive to things I feel are in the zeitgeist," said Crawford in explaining his knack for going after and arranging topical shows from top-level artists.
"And I don’t give up. I don’t think anything is beyond us attracting. I don’t think anything is impossible for us to get."
First time ever seen in public
This time around, Crawford spotted a pic of First Wave online and checked out Sprigg's remarkable portfolio. When he realized Spriggs had moved across the world and settled comparatively nearby in Nanaimo, he knew he had to pitch the idea.
"I just happened to phone at the right time; he happened to have an opening in his schedule and we had the space to accommodate such a large piece," said Crawford, a big believer in what he calls the ‘serendipity of timing.’
For curator and artist, both of whom attended the exhibition opening July 4, it’s been a wild ride thus far. Perhaps more so for Spriggs, who created First Wave just prior to COVID for a Japanese art festival but due to severe lockdowns had never, ever seen it publicly displayed 'til now.
Cathartic experience
And what a compelling display it is. Strategically illuminated, First Wave resides in the Gallery's prestigious Main Gallery, which has been otherwise darkened and emptied. It's the first time in Crawford's tenure that the Main Gallery has spotlighted just one piece.
"I feel people will have a cathartic experience," said Crawford. "They'll come in from a hot day. It'll be cool and dark in here. And there's this massive force just looming at the end of the room for them.
"It's been very rewarding so far. It might be easy to be dismissive of one piece, but it's been remarkable watching people come in. The responses are so deep, so profound."
For Spriggs, who created First Wave over the course of seven months by meticulously painting 90 sheets of transparent film, each a different "layer" in the final three-dimensional presentation, the chance to finally see it in person was almost too much for words.
"I'm absolutely blown away by it," he said at the opening. "Honestly. I have this feeling, and I hope others share it, of an overpowering sense. The magnitude of it, you can feel the energy."
"It’s actually one of my favourite works. I feel it's one of my bests. And it was one of the most difficult to make, partly because of when I made it, during COVID."
Completing the 2025 summer exhibit is another outlandish, large-scale Spriggs offering called "Paradox of Power" (in the Project Gallery), and three wildlife paintings from Spriggs' teenage years (in the Toni Onley Gallery) that capably demonstrate his talents at such a young age.
To check out First Wave yourself, head to the Penticton Art Gallery at 199 Marina Way between now and Oct. 25. Admission is by donation.
Love Local
This blog post is part of the City of Penticton's Love Local series, designed to shine spotlights on local businesses and encourage people to shop and support local. Do you have a local story or business to tell us about? Email communications@penticton.ca. And share your photos over social by tagging the City of Penticton and #lovelocalpenticton!
