25^th ANNIVERSARY SILK AND SILVER SHOW

“We are, first and foremost, painters. This is not fabric art, or silk-screen printing. The silk is our canvas.”

The Vancouver Island Silk Painters, formally the Silk Worm Club, was founded in January 2000 by Maureen Walker at Pioneer Silk Studio where members of the group were taught, challenged, but above all, allowed to keep their own style and artistic individuality. Each person, taught a new technique, would take it and do something different with it – thus exploiting the versatility of silk painting.

The group has been used to holding workshops and monthly meetings which include Show & Tell and a critiquing session. Members have a good grounding in the traditional outlining with resist technique, experience with contemporary use of layering colour and indirect painting, together with knowledge of design and composition. This is a very social, active group of enthusiastic and supportive artists, with diverse styles, subject matter and techniq

OPENING RECEPTION: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1-3pm

Step into a world where every brushstroke dances with the essence of natural light at Bev Robertson's enchanting art show, "Capturing the Light." This exhibition invites you to witness the delicate interplay of light in some of the most serene and captivating settings.

The gallery is adorned with an exquisite collection of Bev's paintings, where her talent for capturing light transforms each scene into a radiant experience. The show features an array of floral masterpieces, from vibrant Peonies to elegant Tulips and splendid Dahlias, each nestled in jars and bathed in the warm, golden glow of a summer day.

As you move through the exhibition, you'll encounter mesmerizing ocean scenes where light glints off the water's surface or shines through the waves, creating a dynamic play of reflections that make the water appear almost alive. Bev's portrayal of these moments captures the ephemeral beauty of the seaside, evoking memories of tranquil

Reconnecting to that side of me that has been dormant for so many years. Letting finally go of all distractions, needs and duties. Letting myself immerse in colours, shapes and creativity. 

October 29 – November 24, 2024

OPENING RECEPTION, Saturday, November 2, 2024

Expressionist and realistic artist Christian Ouellet’s art embodies his profound love for nature, encapsulating the space and vibrant life that flourish within the natural beauty of our environment—a beauty we too often overlook. With a palette of bright and vivid colors, Christian skillfully captures the essence and emotion of each subject. His chosen medium, acrylic paint, becomes a conduit through which he shares his undeniable respect and appreciation for the world around us.

We invite you to immerse yourself in his work, where each piece speaks a language of tranquility and awe. May the artwork you select resonate with you, bringing a sense of serenity each time your gaze falls upon it.

Thank you for embracing this

October 29 – November 24, 2024

OPENING RECEPTION:  SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2024    1-3pm

At the MAC

When it comes to my dotillism work, all of my pieces generally feature around light.   The designs created with the dots all branch out from a central circle which usually represents either the sun or the moon.  This has always been a wonderful reflection to me of the natural world – how so many of the Earth’s systems rely on light and are all affected by the change of light as seasons progress.  I create the pattern of dots based on what level of light the scene I’m painting would have – a more explosive, linear design for bright sunlight and a more mellow, gradient design for moonlight or stormier, lower light days.  The subject, whether an animal, a coastaline, a view point, etc. are painted simply and in silhouette so that they contrast with the complex design in the ‘background’ and do not compete with the dots, but are highlighted by them.  All designs are a celebration of the subjec

Show dates: October 29th – November 23rd.
Artist talk Saturday November 2nd at 2:00 pm.

The McMillan Art Centre is pleased to present an exhibition of new paintings by

Janis Gosbee.

Dive into a world where nature and abstraction converge. This exhibition highlights the
dynamic interplay between the forces of nature and the energetic strokes of action
painting. Featuring large-scale oil and acrylic paintings, each piece captures the essence of
movement and emotion, transforming natural landscapes into vibrant,
abstract expressions. Explore the rhythmic motifs, unique color fields, and evocative mark-
making that defines the work, and experience the raw power and beauty of nature
reimagined through abstract art.
Please join us November 2nd at 2:00 pm for her artist talk and viewing of her latest work.

OPENING RECEPTION AND CONCERT:  SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1-3pm

Being an artist, for me, was never really an option. I was not really passionate about anything else – except maybe watching the Three Stooges on Saturday morning television.  Life was simple growing as a kid in Hamilton, Ontario, during the 1960’s; the local lads and I spent most of our weekends fishing, hiking, exploring, and avoiding anything related to household chores.

Art, though, was another thing. Being banished to my room, as punishment for some misdemeanour, was actually fun. I would spend the hours (before my father got home) drawing and painting anything that came to mind. There was little or no artistic instruction or guidance in my life, so I was alone with my imagination to seek inspiration from art found in books and magazines.

Many calendars later, I found myself, through a fantastic twist of fate, studying at the Ontario College of Art in Toronto where I studied under some of the best illustrators of the day.

Rosemary FONTENLA 

OPENING RECEPTION, Saturday, September 7, 2024

I began my Artistic endeavors in 1981 at Camosun College in Victoria where I studied for 2 years. Learning Perspective, compositon, life drawing, & watercolors.   In 1985 I took courses with 2 very different artists. First studying with well known Victoria botanical water colourist artist Byrony Lynne-Jones. Next Allan Mark Cross, whose style is completely different, very loose, mostly Landscapes and old houses.   My husband and I moved to Parksville in 2006. I took acrylic painting with Devon Featherstone, and Elissa Anthony a landscape artist whose style I admired.     After I took some time to explore what I learned. I practiced daily and I found my artistic style.

A few years ago I developed and co-ordinated the free art program for seniors “Aging Artfully” and “Seniors Art Program. I taught classes at both Stanford Village in Parksville and The Gardens in Qualicum Beach, where I taught students with a range of disab

A WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE

DeCosmos Fine Arts Society Art Exhibition

September 2 – 29, 2024

OPENING RECEPTION Saturday, September 7, 2024,  1-3pm

JUNE 29 – SEPTEMBER 1, 2024

Deb FREEMAN   Wildlife Photographer          DF GRAY   Pastel artist         Christopher SMITH    Glass artist          GA FULLER   First Nations Photographer

Nelson SHAW    Steel artist            David MACKENZIE    Videographer         Mike BELLIS    Haida Carver

  In keeping with the MAC’s commitment to showcasing work that provokes conversations about the beauty and importance of our natural environment and building on previous installation works ( Soft Shore 2019, Tale of One Urban Creek 2022)  Xpey’ will be an artistic ‘deep dive’ into the fragility  and splendor of our threatened wetlands.

Wetlands is a big conversation, from the intermingling of fresh and salt water in our estuaries, important nurseries for salmon, to watershed catchments and sponges that retain water for release in times of drought; Hamilton Marsh, for example.  Wetlands are central to the biodiversity and health of the wild environment.   To potential wetlands being returned to its

 June 25 – July 28, 2024

Opening Reception:  Saturday, June 29, 2024   1-3pm

Marina paints using acrylics. Her favorite subjects to paint involve places she has visited, particularly those to which she has consistently returned throughout her life – the local beaches and forests of Vancouver Island. Marina holds a degree in biological sciences and is always keen to expand her knowledge of local ecology. She holds a deep appreciation for the species and natural landscapes of her home and enjoys showcasing them in her paintings. Painting is a quiet passion for Marina and the potential to improve and explore more subject matter is a huge motivator.

Judy Button - STRAIGHT LINES

• May 28 – June 23, 2024
• Opening Reception Saturday, June 1st, 1-3pm

Marion Jamieson - ISLAND TIME

• May 28 – June 23, 2024
• OPENING RECEPTION Saturday, June 1, 2024,  1-3pm

A SERIES OF 5 OUTSTANDING ARTISTS

• ANDREW COLLINS, VIDEOGRAPHER
• May 28 – June 23, 2024
• Opening Reception, Saturday, June 1, 1-3pm

WILL MILLAR - A ROVING IRISHMAN’S LIFE IN ART

• May 28 – June 23, 2024
•  OPENING RECEPTION AND CONCERT:  SUNDAY, JUNE 2, 1-3PM

April 30 – May 26, 2024

Opening Reception:  Saturday, May 4th, 2024   1-3pm

Born in Poland, Dorota studied Architecture before immigrating to Canada in 1981. She graduated with Honors from the Architectural Technology Program in 1983 and completed her Bachelor of Architecture Degree at the University of Toronto in 1989. After few years of commercial design work, and over 30 private residences designed, she accepted a teaching position at Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario. As a Faculty Professor she specialized in design, rendering, 3D Revit and CAD modeling, building codes, as well as sustainable construction. Retired in 2018 she is currently living in Nanoose Bay enjoying nature, creative arts, gardening, golfing, sailing, travel, and recently teaching Arts at the Nanoose Place Community Center.

Dorota received extensive education in drawing, completed courses in watercolors from Dundas Valley School of Art, and recently attended a number of workshops with prominent artists. She lov

APRIL 30 – MAY 26, 2024

OPENING RECEPTION, SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2024, 1-3PM

Tom Shardlow, AFCA, SCA

Tom Shardlow’s artwork was recognized early receiving awards and media attention in High School. He later studied at the Vancouver School of Art (now Emily Carr School of Art and Design) before working in advertising doing art layouts. After graduating from UBC, Tom worked as a field research biologist where he was fortunate to have traveled to many of British Columbia’s wild places. These travels inspired him to document on canvas and paper what he saw and felt.

His drawings and illustrations have appeared in book form, magazines, and newspapers, and he completed a series of commissioned drawings for Fitzhenry and Whiteside publishers. His paintings have won multiple awards and have been acquired by a major private collection lending to the National Gallery in Ottawa and are included in a Simon Fraser University permanent collection. Tom’s works have appeared in over 70 juried exhibitions a

April 30 – May 26, 2024

OPENING RECEPTION Saturday, May 4, 2024,  1-3pm

The most positive childhood memories I have is growing up within the rugged and beautiful natural landscapes of Vancouver Island. That combined with a creative mind served me well in imagining our area as the most magical place. From the time I was brought into this world, I saw nature and my surroundings though my own mind, and that both fascinates me and inspires me.

It’s important for me to share my art with the world, because in my opinion, the story and narrative of my artwork does not end

The local Arrowsmith Chapter of the Canadian Federation of Artists (FCA) is presenting their annual Spring Exhibition to be held at the McMillan Arts Centre located 133McMillan St. in central Parksville, BC. You will be able to enjoy the creative talent selected from the best of local artists and the show offers you the opportunity to enhance or begin a collection of original art.

You are invited to attend the reception where you can meet the artists at the Awards Presentation on Saturday April 6^th 1 -3 PM.

And…. you will be able to participate in the choosing of the coveted “People’s Choice Award”. Please vote for your favourite artwork. A prize package of art-cards from our member artists will be randomly drawn from participants.

The Arrowsmith FCA Chapter traditionally hosts two prestigious juried group shows per year. All the artwork in these shows, ranging in style from the abstract to the representational in various media such as watercolor, oil, acrylic, pastel, and mixed media

MARCH 5 – 31, 2024

OPENING RECEPTION:  SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2024,   1-3PM

Wilma Millette is a third generation Vancouver Islander and lives and works out of her studio in Maple Bay. She holds a bilingual BA French and English from the University of Alberta and BED from The University of Victoria. She studied Art history at University. She has taught art to young children for over 30 years, has been a curator of popular annual art exhibitions for students in local cafés. She has been exploring Collage and Assemblage since 2008.  It is the playful nature of Collage that first drew her to this art form and has kept her interested, as the variations are never ending.  She exhibits and sells her work on Vancouver Island and occasionally on the Mainland at various group shows and art galleries. Wilma has won awards for her Collage and Assemblage Work in juried shows.  She has been featured on two mini documentaries about Canadian Francophone artists for Radio Canada.  Her art has be

March 5 – 31, 2024

Opening Reception Saturday, March 9, 1-3pm

My theme “AS I SEE IT” is an exploration of the profound inspiration drawn from Vancouver Island’s landscapes. As I view landscapes, seascapes, urban settings, woodlands, plants, and animals in a state of curiosity, the interactions make me aware of the delicately balanced relationship between each specific location. Each piece in this series—whether a sketch, a painting, or a collage—is connected by a common theme and represents what I’ve been observing while I walk around nature.

What distinguishes my artistic practice apart is the tactile journey I take with each piece. By including natural elements into my acrylic paintings such as sand, branches, bark, and shells further enhanced by fiber paste, fine pumice, or photograph transfers, I feel as though I am bringing nature itself into the paintings. I encourage the audience to examine the textures in these pieces of art up close up imaging themselves to be in that space.