Robert Janes MacDonald
Musician & Painter
Robert Janes (left) and his folk band, October Sky
Robert Janes began his artistic journey in the 1990s in Vancouver, BC. While he didn't attend formal art school, his passion for nature, art, and his dedication to studying other artists' work provided the foundation for his own unique expressive style.
Robert’s paintings are admired and displayed throughout local businesses along Commercial Drive, where he was often commissioned to paint family portraits. One of his most notable commissions was painting the Sistine Chapel murals for Cafe Calabria, Vancouver's oldest Italian coffee house. He was most recently featured at The Marmalade Cat Café in Kelowna, BC.
In 2005, Robert moved to Kelowna with his wife, Davina Huey. Honoured by the ongoing love and support from family and friends, they proudly display Robert’s paintings in their homes.
A multi-talented artist, Robert has also been sharing his creative spirit through music since his twenties. For the last seven years, he has been a lyricist and musician, performing alongside his wife in their folk band, October Sky.
Gail and Karl
Musicians
Gail and Karl playing with Jay Dallamore
Gail and Karl Hourigan love writing songs, and over the years they've penned songs that travel across different genres, but always with an ear tuned to melodies. Stepping out as the duo “Gail and Karl” has given them a chance to highlight their original songs, and dive into old and new songs by other folk and rock artists.
Their songs have been heard on CBC, college and community radio stations across Canada, and internet radio channels like Accuradio out of Chicago. Performance highlights include the 2008 and 2013 CelticFest Vancouver with The Malarkeys.
Karl began writing songs before he could even play an instrument. His earliest influences were his parents' record collection, which included Johnny Cash, The Clancy Brothers, and the Chad Mitchell Trio. Then, of course, there were the Beatles, and his affinity with Brit pop has never waned. The combination of his natural inventiveness, a formal music education (classical and jazz), and many nights performing original songs to diverse audiences, has given him a keen understanding of what it takes to connect with an audience.
Gail started writing songs on piano, and later picked up the guitar. Lately, she has turned to performing on the bass guitar. Gail has years of experience performing her original music in bands in Victoria, Vancouver, and Kelowna (Hoi Polloi, The Slip, Helen Gone and then The Malarkeys). As a creative artist, she is always interested in exploring new ideas and seeing where they lead.
Judy Hamilton
Painter
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Judy Hamilton, Alcohol Ink Abstract
After retiring from corporate life in Vancouver, Judy returned to Kelowna to realize her lifelong dream of becoming an artist. Deeply inspired by the colours, textures, and movement found in nature in the Okanagan Valley, Judy creates alcohol ink abstracts which are turned into cards and paintings of all sizes. She also paints Christmas ornaments using ceramic balls. Self-taught, Judy became recognized as an emerging artist in 2019.
Judy’s passion for working with alcohol ink stems from the vibrant, vivid colours they create. She manipulates the flow of the ink by blending a solution of isopropyl alcohol and glycerin using a variety of tools––a hair dryer, canned air, blowing through straws, brushwork, or by manually turning the object in different directions. Judy admires how the ink flows with a mesmerizing magic over photo paper, stone paper, yupo paper, and other non-absorbent surfaces. Once the ink has dried, the colours are then sealed with a varnish and UV protector.
“Alcohol ink is an exciting medium. I hope that you enjoy my work as much as I enjoy creating it!” - Judy Hamilton
Robyn Santamaria
Textile Artist
Robyn Santamaria, Hand-Dyed Silk Ribbons
Robyn Santamaria has a BFA from The Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University and a Textile Arts Certificate from Capilano University.
Founded in 2009, Shibang Designs is the umbrella for all creative projects over the years, from trade shows in Chicago, Toronto & Vancouver to holiday wreaths made with fresh greens to a blog sharing DIY home projects.
The underlying theme throughout all of the work from Shibang Designs is timeless design, striving for simplicity and respect for natural materials & resources.
KAC Events (Autumn 2025)
Celebrating beautiful art, music, and people.
