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"I am thrilled with the idea of having the RCA as a place to house my creativity and artwork," says DiBello. "My home studio was difficult for clients to reach. Having an accessable space will give me the room to teach individuals my techniques while they enjoy discovering their own creativity."

Inspired by her worldly travels, DiBello's works are reflective of her eccentric personality, views and unconventional approach to life. As a professional ice skater, publicist and promoter, DiBello developed a cosmopolitan view of the world and its inhabitants. Painting for over forty years, she is an accomplished artist who continued to find time to paint and sell her work, even while working abroad. DiBello relocated to Kelowna in 2000, with husband Tom (winemaker of CedarCreek Estate Winery), where she hung up her skates, in exchange for her paintbrush.

Now, painting full time for well over 7 years, DiBello has found solace working with a palette of bright, bold acrylics - incorporating organic materials and 3- dimensional elements mounted onto the canvas. Her focus on colour and texture in her most recent work is inspired by her travels to Cozumel, painting landscapes of vast open shorelines, reflecting brilliant hues of sapphire.

One of her most recent projects was the Barrel Art Auction Program introduced and launched by CedarCreek Estate Winery to commemorate their 20th anniversary. DiBello was one of seventeen distinct artists from Kelowna who was invited to participate in this unique program.

Tari illustrates and parodies this world in a caricature style reminiscent of artists like Marc Chagall and Honoré Daumier. This 500 year old tradition in art was intended principally to poke fun at pretentiousness. "With my work I like to make people laugh and smile," says Tari. "Wine is a great subject to make light of because there are so many people who take it too seriously" she explains. Just as DiBello exuberantly embraces life, her lastest works are energized by the Valley's sights, colours and textures.

"We are so pleased to have Tari's talent, energy and enthusiasm onboard at the RCA," says Executive Director Tracie Ward. "We are all looking forward to having Tari join us in October as the newest addition to the many other Resident Artists here at the Rotary Centre for the Arts."

Anybody wishing to visit Tari DiBello in studio 202 is welcome to do so upon her occupancy in October. For further information please contact the Rotary Centre for the Arts at 717-5304.

About the Rotary Centre for the Arts

Located in the heart of Kelowna's Cultural District, the Rotary Centre for the Arts is a multi-disciplinary visual and performing arts centre and a rental venue providing enjoyment of a wide array of events and festivals. At the RCA, the community can experience artists and performers in action, and share in the excitement of developing and strengthening the Okanagan's cultural heritage.