Tony Mainwaring is the featured artist in Catching Stars Cooperative Gallery for the month of January. His wood and resin creations inspired by the nature of forests and coastlines graces the gallery.
Not just gorgeous, but functional pieces that bring colour and the natural beauty of wood and stone. Two local families have already purchased benches for their homes. These beauties can also be custom made for your space.
Tony Mainwaring grew up in Crescent Beach and moved to Bowen in the early 1990s. After working in the tree business for around 40 years, Tony retired in 2021.
“I have always liked working with wood and creating unusual sculptures and tables,” says Mainwaring.
Tony lives at Mount Gardner with his partner Irene and has two very talented daughters, Chelsea and Katie, that also reside on Bowen Island and their work is represented in the gallery.
Our new Feature Artist opportunity attracts artists from near and far. February brings jewellery by MétisArtist Jake Freeman. Jake (Jacqueline) Freeman (she/her) is a proud Michif raised in the birthplace of the Métis Nation, Treaty 1 territory, now known as Winnipeg, Manitoba. A Red River Métis Citizen, Jake draws inspiration from her rich cultural heritage and the natural beauty of her surroundings.
Having relocated to British Columbia in 2021 and having lived on Nex̱wlélex̱wm for a time, she is now residing on unceded Syilx (Okanagan) territory. Jake’s artistic journey continues to evolve, influenced by the gorgeous BC landscapes and her homeland which she visits in the summer months.
Jake has family on Nex̱wlélex̱wm and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and visits the Coast as often as she can.
As a primarily self-taught contemporary Indigenous artist, Jake works with a diverse range of media, including beads, leather, caribou hair, paint, birchbark, quills, and metals, creating unique pieces that reflect her connection to nature and Michif culture. Her art is a testament to her continuous exploration and appreciation for various artistic forms.
This exciting Feature Artist opportunity is available to artists to apply to showcase their work for one month at the Gallery on our Feature Wall. Feature Artists receive a larger percentage of their art sales and will receive extra marketing and promotions of their work. It is a great opportunity to showcase and sell more of their art, have an event related to the show and introduce new collections to our clientele.
At Catching Stars Gallery, LOVE-inspired pieces by a selection of our collective’s artists brighten the entry. January is traditionally quieter in the gallery and on the island in general but visitors who have braved the winter weather to be amongst the creations of over 50 artists now in the gallery have been rewarded with a joyful and uplifting experience that will carry us through until Spring arrives! Many have purchased very special pieces for themselves and their loved ones, and we’ve been busy with shipping artworks across the world!
Our little island has become a very popular place to celebrate special occasions and we offer gifts of art and collectibles for weddings and anniversaries, births and birthdays, new homes, welcome and goodbye gifts - there is something for every occasion. And for those who prefer to choose for themselves, a gift certificate is a perfect option.
Artists can apply for a Featured Artist session by contacting us through the website submissions page or email [email protected]
Dates will be determined at the time of the application. Interested in finding out more about becoming a Catching Stars Artist? We would love to hear from you.
Check out the website at www.catchingstarsgallery.com or email us, Emilie and Kathleen, with your questions and to set up an appointment at [email protected]
