The calendar is filling up and holiday tunes are taking over the airwaves. It's that time of year once again when the Gallery at Artisan Square is pleased to present Gifted our annual group show featuring the work of more than 45 local artists.
It's the opportunity to purchase unique treasures, hand-crafted and straight from the heart. During the exhibit, which opens today and runs until December 24, you'll find over 104 paintings, photographs, limited prints, books, jewellery, pottery and other artworks to please anyone on your gift list. Join us tonight at the artists' reception, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. and kick-off the holiday season with a little artful socializing.
The Gallery will be open extended hours in December, Wednesdays-Sundays, from noon to 4 p.m., or by appointment. There are so many reasons you just have to drop by.
We have just received a new shipment of Ron Woodall's book of cartoons: Captain, there's something funny about Bowen Island this morning. It's a hilarious look at our island home and its inhabitants captured deftly by Woodall, a masterful illustrator, philosopher and sage. The books sell for $20, which is a direct donation to the Gallery. If you haven't seen the book yet, and you need a little boost of cheer, it's the perfect trigger to lift the spirits. Share the mirth.
We have small but picture-perfect oil paintings from Ann Beatty, metallic archival photo prints by Roger Willoughby-Price, sparkling beaded necklaces by Titania Michniewicz, and a carved alder mask by First Nations artist, Simon "Winadzi" James.
Something you might not have seen before but is definitely worth a trip to Artisan Square is the art of chigiri-e, by newcomer to Bowen, Marc Baur. Baur uses an ancient Japanese technique creating images from hand-made paper. His work is delightful, a blend of colours, shapes and intensities capturing scenic views of Bowen in a new way.
This is just a smattering of the visually engaging attractions you'll find at the Gallery.
Of course, there are an array of enticing shops and galleries to visit when you come up to Artisan Square, all of which are participating in a special event Artisan Square Christmas Fair on Saturday, December 17.
Mark the date on your calendar and watch for more news soon about the special events and highlights of the day.
For more information, visit the website of the Bowen Island Arts Council (BIAC) at www.biac.ca. Download the free weekly update of arts and cultural events, or become a member and have it sent straight to your inbox. Come visit the BIAC table at the BICS Christmas Craft Fair this Sunday for more information.
