Cowichan Valley Arts Council

Rory MacDonald was always captivated by the vistas while hiking in the Rockies near his former Alberta home. Now living in Duncan, and a member of the Federation of Canadian Painters, he likes to paint the forgotten parts of the landscape: the creekside tangles, and the interplay of dark and light.

Landscapes aren’t just the background in our next Gallery and Annex shows. In fact, rocks and trees are the main characters the Sense of Place (April 2- April 30) show, featuring works by MacDonald and four other outstanding landscape artists: Angela Andersen, Nan Goodship, Sharron Campbell and Peter Spohn. “The sky is never just a negative space,”

said Spohn, who previously taught at Sunrise Waldorf School with his wife, (Nan Goodship) and now paints full time. “Its tones and character instigate the mood of the whole painting.” The group will be holding an art opening April 5 and lunchtime artist tours on April 6 and 7.

Island Visions (March 31 to April 14 in the Annex) features magical realist work by Robert Sears, who grew up in New York and now lives in Cowichan Bay. His work is inspired by Japanese realists Hiroshige and Hokusai, woodblock prints and the everyday scenes depicted.

The spring show by the Warmland Calligraphers

(April 16-30) group is always well attended. The talented artisans turn penmanship and poetry into visual art in these very collectible pieces.

CALL TO ARTISTS:

Mt Tzouhalem with Fall Foliage, oil, 30x36, by Peter Spohn

Girls in the Rain, acrylic, by Robert Sears Cowichan Valley Fine Arts Show Register now until April 9 for the largest nonjuried art show on Vancouver Island. Cash prizes this year, so don’t miss out. Events include a buyer’s preview, a Mother’s Day tea and an Art Attack social event that transforms painting into performance art. The Fine Arts Show runs from May 5 to 29.

About Us

CVAC operates two community art galleries, hosting up to 30 shows annually at its art space in the Cowichan Community Centre in Duncan. Founded in 1971, CVAC programs workshops for youth and adults in its studio space. 2687 James Street, Duncan www.cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca