art of the Peace | Issue #24 by imageDESIGN

A PUBLICATION FOR THE VISUAL ARTIST

SPRING 2015

The Mattsons

THREE VISUAL JOURNEYS—ONE BLOODLINE

TOUR DE FRANCE

BEST OF THREE STUDIOS

EMILY LOZERON

ISSUE 24

THE CENTRE FOR At the Centre

Classes for all ages and levels Monthly gallery exhibitions Gift Shop featuring local artists Birthday parties School and group bookings Drop in studio use

Art Squared The Centre’s 2015 Silent Auction Fundraiser 32 Artists, 32 Canvases, 32 Works of Art Bidding will be open all month long, ending at our Closing Reception on Thursday, June 25 from 7 - 9pm.

Calls for Entries Gallery Exhibition Opportunities Are you a Peace Country artist looking for the opportunity to show your latest collection of work? The Centre’s Wall Gallery has several openings in the 2015 lineup. Please contact the Centre for details. CFCA Group Show: Gnomes and Gardens “Gnomes and Gardens” is the theme for our next group show. We are looking for Peace Country artists to create 2D and 3D art based around this theme. Enter up to three pieces. Pieces must be no bigger than 100cm x 100cm. Please e-mail an image of your submissions to knsangra@creativecentre.ca by July 12. Show runs from August 7 - 28 .

Upcoming Exhibitions May 1 - 29 Reception: 7pm on May 1 The Centre Gallery The Peace River Federation of Canadian Artists The Wall Gallery Cindy Nychka June 5 - 26 Reception: 7pm on June 5 The Centre Gallery Art Squared July 3 - 31 Reception: 7pm on July 3 The Centre Gallery Stephan Ferriss August 7 - 28 Reception: 7pm on August 7 The Centre Gallery CFCA Group Show: Gnomes and Gardens September 4 - 25 Reception: 7pm on September 4 The Centre Gallery Peace Watercolor Society The Wall Gallery Lynn LeCorre-Dallaire September 26: 2015 Wearable Arts Show Sept. 25 - Oct. 4: 5 Alarm Photography Exhibition October 2 - 30 Reception: 7pm on October 2 The Centre Gallery Carmen Haakstad The Wall Gallery Candace Sanderson

Like The Centre for Creative Arts on Facebook Follow #CreativeArtsGP on Twitter Artwork by Tammy Baduk

9904-101 Avenue, Grande Prairie 780-814-6080 info@creativecentre.ca

in this issue: 4.

ARTIST’S STATEMENT

4. CONTRIBUTORS 5.

ART OUT THERE

TOUR DE FRANCE

10.

FIFTEEN DAYS EN PLEIN AIR IN THE FRENCH COUNTRYSIDE

EMILY LOZERON EMERGING ARTIST

EDITOR: Joanna Moen DESIGN & ADVERTISING: imageDESIGN 10017 100 Avenue Grande Prairie, AB T8V 0V2 Phone: 780-532-6353 Email: info@imagedesignpros.com PUBLISHER: Art of the Peace Visual Arts Association Box 21503, Coop Plaza Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 6W7 Phone: 780-876-4737 (Debbie Courvoisier) Email: art@artofthepeace.ca PRINTING: McCallum Printing Group COVER: DOORWAY, Karl Mattson

14.

THE MATTSONS

THREE VISUAL JOURNEYS—ONE BLOODLINE

20.

SWEETWATER905 ARTS & MUSIC FESTIVAL

CELEBRATION OF MUSIC, LITERARY, VISUAL AND PERFORMANCE ART

23.

ART BOOKS IN REVIEW

“SEVEN DAYS IN THE ART WORLD”

24. ARTCETERA Art of the Peace Visual Arts Association acknowledges the financial assistance of:

WAXING CREATIVE WITH ENCAUSTIC

26.

BEST OF THREE STUDIOS THREE REGIONAL ARTISTS

28.

EXHIBITIONS & OPPORTUNITIES

30.

PATRICIA PETERS

©All rights reserved Art of the Peace 2015 Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. Art of the Peace makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information it publishes but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from errors or omissions.

art of the peace

Artist’s Statement IN THIS ISSUE...

I have been thinking a lot about art and courage lately. For artists, there is the courage it takes to face the blank canvas, the unformed lump of clay, or to make sense of how to use the myriad of media and tools we encounter in our studios. But even more than this, it takes courage to overcome the resistance—the sheer terror we may encounter—at the prospect of having the faith it requires to be an artist. Who are we to think that we could ever create any art that would ever be considered to be beautiful or meaningful? But we must! We must get ourselves to the blank canvas and simply do our art. Good, bad, or indifferent, the true artist must heed the inner call to create. One method to overcome resistance is to grant the responsibility for the quality of your art to the muses (or creator, divine spirit, the universe, the fates, as you choose). The artist’s prayer goes like this: “Okay Muses, I will take care of the process. You take care of the product.” Your only job is to do. How well it is done— leave that to the universe. And so this edition of Art of the Peace is dedicated to all artists in our region who face their fears and yet still have the sheer guts to create. It takes courage to make it through a long, dark and cold winter here in the Peace, but it takes even greater bravery to stare down our own resistance. With humility, gratitude, and no small amount of awe, I say thank you to all artists in the Peace region. Thank you for being brave enough to create. And especially, thank you to the many artists who had the courage to create the amazing artworks in this, our spring 2015 edition of Art of the Peace. art of the peace

Contributors

BY JOANNA MOEN

JOANNA MOEN

is an artist and former art educator. Currently she works as a psychologist. She is the past president of the Centre for Creative Arts and is passionate about supporting the arts community in the Peace Region.

EILEEN CORISTINE

adores summer and reading and writing about art. She is employed as a crisis worker at Crossroads Women’s Shelter. Through painting, pottery, and practicing Tai Chi she seeks balance and endures winter.

JODY FARRELL has more than 25 years experience as an editor and writer for newspapers, magazines and education publications. She loves writing profiles of interesting people, many of whom happen to be artists.

ANDREA JOHANNSON

is an active ceramicist who lives in Grande Prairie. Writing, both technical and whimsical, has been a longtime pursuit. She embraces the beauty of the Peace and the diversity of its artists.

PATRICIA PETERS

graduated from Brigham Young University with a BA in Communications and Art History. In her paintings she tries to express feelings and vitality. She employs colours and texture to give depth and excitement to her work.

SUZANNE SANDBOE

has a strong drive and passion for creativity that has carried her throughout her artistic career. She loves to work in a variety of medium though focuses primarily on watercolours.

art out there... PEACE REGION ARTIST CHOSEN FOR THE CANADIAN WAR MUSEUM

The club, which has been operating for 11 years, includes members from Worsley, Hines Creek, and Fairview. Over the year the guild holds four retreats. The summer one finds them quilting for a few days in the Peace River valley at Green Island Outfitters. Longtime guild member Lucille Polukoshko says,” the retreats are a great place to learn to quilt because you can draw on the knowledge and experience of all the members.”

Tina Peters. Photo by Eileen Coristine

At the retreats the 23 members may be sewing on their own projects, but during each year they work together on a quilt they call the Labour Day Baby Quilt. That quilt is given to the first baby from the region born on or after Labour Day.

When the Second World War was threatening humanity, Guest was five years old, living near Beaverlodge. One day, drawn by the sound of distant engines, Guest ran outside to see three Havoc A20 bombers flying north. America was flying planes from Great Falls, Montana to Fairbanks, Alaska through the skies of northern Alberta and B.C. using only the Alaska Highway as a guide. Russian pilots would then commandeer these planes where they were instrumental in defeating the Germans. That riveting childhood memory inspired Guest’s painting.

LIVING THE DREAM RESIDENTIAL EXHIBITION Dream a little dream of your own sumptuous home studded with stellar art…Voila! Look no further than the Dream Home in Grande Prairie. Eight local artists collaborated to show their pieces in the Dream Home—a charitable project sponsored by the Rotary Club of Grande Prairie and the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital Foundation. Artists Dan Arberry, Deb Courvoisier, Carmen Haakstad, Shauna Hoffos, Ken Housego, Carrie Klukas, Lynn LeCorre, and Jim Stokes hung their art for viewing and for sale (with 15% of proceeds from sales being donated to Grande Prairie Rotary Club). Whether abstract, representational, sculpture, or mixed media—each piece suggested the possibilities of how an artfilled home brings life, grace, and inspiration to its inhabitants. A well-attended opening was held on February 28th. Visit the dream home to view and purchase original works of art.

Bombers Flying to Alaska portrays the stark beauty of the punishing Peace Region winter landscape. It also arouses our interest in the little known history of the western Canadian wartime saga.

Bombers Flying to Alaska, Robert Guest

The Piece Friends Quilt Guild held their winter retreat at the Hines Creek Arts and Crafts Club late in January.

Dream Home artists. Photo by Brooks Hoffos

HINES CREEK QUILTING

Robert Guest has recently been honoured by the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa. His painting Bombers Flying to Alaska has been acquired for the museum’s national collection. Not only does this credit Guest as a respected Canadian artist, but it pays tribute to his profound comprehension of history.

art of the peace

It’s a great venture for all concerned. Local businesses report increased traffic, artists are provided with exposure and possible sales of their work, and an additional fun summer activity is available. Can you visit all the displays?

Art Walk 2015 Poster, Dawson Creek Art Gallery

All types of businesses are participating, including coffee shops, retail shops, a bank, a vehicle dealership, and tattoo parlour. Artists and craftspeople display a great variety of photography, representational and abstract paintings, including 2 and 3 dimensional works.

JAVA DOMAIN

Since last September several Fairview artists have been honing their drawing skills weekly at Fairview Fine Arts Centre. This group is meeting to draw a live model. Over the course of an evening, the model’s poses gradually increase from one to 20 or more minutes in duration.

Java Domain is a cultural hub in downtown Peace River where people love to meet and enjoy fabulous food, superb coffee, and a vibe that makes you feel you belong. Owners Jessie Krushel and Daniel Ducharme are artists in many disciplines. Daniel is a former helicopter engineer, a drummer, bilingual conversationalist, and a fine coffee and tea artist. Jessie has a B.A. in Linguistics, is a gifted painter, and a food artist extraordinaire. Since they purchased the cafe in the summer of 2012, they have hosted numerous events: jam sessions, Alberta Culture Days celebrations, and concerts including Twin Peaks and The Honey Cowboy. They installed a gallery hanging system, and in addition to the works of Peace River artists, they’ve been privileged to display artwork by Patricia Peters (Grande Prairie) and Randall Wiebe (Rosebud). They are looking forward to exhibiting work by Mary Parslow (Dawson Creek) and Eileen Coristine (Fairview). Their curator is Sharon Krushel, who can be reached by email at sharon@donabona.ca. Check out their Facebook page for daily specials, musical and artistic events, and Jessie’s cinnamon roll art on Saturdays!

art of the peace

FAIRVIEW FIGURE DRAWING

Participant Bill Prince describes the process as continuing the 500 year old history of drawing the portrait or the human figure. “The subtlety of the surface is extremely difficult to capture. That forces you to really look and see.” “This is the most complex thing I have ever drawn,” says artist Malvina James. “We’ve been drawing the same model for months and it is never the same. I am learning more and more how to see.” After a number of initial gesture drawings the group moves on to practicing techniques, sharing ideas and carefully observing their living model. Figure Drawing Group. Photo by Bert Reynolds

Dawson Creek will host its 5th Annual Art Walk June 27th–August 31th. A joint initiative between the Dawson Creek Art Gallery, the South Peace Arts Society and local businesses and artists, art works are installed in downtown businesses. A descriptive brochure with map is produced and available at the Gallery, all hosting businesses and tourist information. The hope is that the Walk will be completed by local residents and visitors.

Java Domain. Photo by Sharon Krushel

TAKE A NEW WALK THIS SUMMER

Photo courtesy Alberta Artography

The Dawson Creek Art Gallery and curator Kit Fast take their role to support local artists seriously. The wish is that a single or duo show will serve as a “stepping stone” to exhibit in a wider area. The gallery hosted two outstanding solo shows this past winter. In Karl Mattson’s Lost, he presented paintings, photography, and sculpture. His photographs feature his muse in unexpected and thought provoking settings. The sculptures were created from found objects. A highlight of the opening was a fire lit in the 3 metre tall female figure that appeared standing outside the gallery for the duration of the show.

ALBERTA ARTOGRAPHY ART & ARTIST GUIDE Artography is a hand held and smart phone e-guide describing/listing Alberta Art and Artists. It has gained the support of Alberta Tourism and Culture. Project Artography was born more than ten years ago during the creation of a documentary for the Alberta’s Arts & Culture Centennial. During travels to create the documentary—from the Museum in Waterton Lakes National Park to the galleries of Cold Lake; from the pottery sheds of Medicine Hat to the theatre of Demmitt—the team encountered an amazing variety of cultural experiences, both on and off the beaten path. In response, the idea for a brochure-like directory for travellers in Alberta was born. Four Out of Hand, Joyce Benson

Artography represents Alberta’s first comprehensive Guide to Alberta Art & Artists. To have your studio, gallery, art market, retreat, live theatre venue, or arts festival included in Alberta’s Artography contact Marianne Garrah at 780-852-0359 or arts@iotad.ca.

Joyce Benson featured beautiful pastel works in Rural Roots. Her love of horses and the western lifestyle is evident in pieces depicting cowboys, horses and rope. A wagon driver at full tilt behind racing horses has a wonderful sense of immediacy. Her landscapes and florals are full of lush, vibrant colour that give the viewer pause to enjoy.

Photo by North Peace Spinners and Weavers

MATTSON & BENSON

FIBRE FLING SHOW & SALE IN FORT ST. JOHN Fiber arts are kicking spring into gear this year in Fort St. John. With Barry Moss as curator, the North Peace Spinners and Weavers Guild is presenting Fibre Fling, featuring handspun, hand-woven, felted, and creatively dyed products. Items include a variety of scarfs, shawls, table runners, blankets, bags, and hats; many are for sale. A reception opens the show at Peace Gallery North on Friday, April 10th at 7pm, and continues until April 25th. Guild members will demonstrate spinning, weaving, and felting. They will also host school tours and demonstrations for the general public throughout the year. On Saturday April 11th, Peace Country Spinners and Weavers is holding a Spin In at Cheryl Peebles’ Studio and Gallery, 10244-99th Avenue in Fort St. John. Join in for a fun day of spinning which includes a gallery tour of Fibre Fling. Pre-registration is required. Call 250-261-1157 for more information or to register. For courses in spinning, weaving and beyond, contact Marjo Wheat at jmwheat@telus.net art of the peace

Canopied Streets—Arles, France, Acryclic, Suzanne Sandboe

Under the Buttonwood Trees—Aix-En-Provence, France, Acryclic, Suzanne Sandboe

Tour de France FIFTEEN DAYS EN PLEIN AIR IN THE FRENCH COUNTRYSIDE WRITTEN BY SUZANNE SANDBOE

art of the peace

In June 2014, I travelled to Paris and the South of France on an inspiring and adventure-filled painting excursion with a wonderful group of painters from across Canada. We were led by Mike and Nancy Svob, and the excursion was entitled Paint and Create: a Plein Air Painting Adventure France 2014. I had been in Paris over 30 years ago as a young budding artist, and on this trip we revisited some of the haunts from my first trip many years ago. Landing in Paris on June 16, we stayed within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower. We toured Galleries, Moulin Rouge, and did a walking tour to Montmartre, a favoured place of mine where artists set up outside around the Basilica painting and selling their works. From Paris we travelled south by train to Avignon and then on to Arles. We spent four wonderful and intriguing days there, plein air painting around the Roman Amphitheatre. Quaint medieval streets and alleyways surrounded us, where canopied eateries and shuttered windows, in a variety of shapes and colours played off the ancient walls in this historic city and begged to be painted each day. We followed in the footsteps of the masters, including Monet, Van Gogh and Cézanne. We visited Monet’s Mont Sainte-Victoire, Van Gogh’s olive fields at Saint Remy, and crossed paths with locals interested in our outdoor work. One resident claimed to be a distant relative of Van Gogh.

Lavendar Fields—Grignan, France, Watercolour, Suzanne Sandboe

We passed the next four days spent in Aix-en-Provence, followed by a tour of the southern French countryside with its little towns and villages. We were surrounded by breathtaking panoramas of patchwork fields viewed on high from the hills at Lourdes. The following four days were spent painting at Grignan in the Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France. There, we experienced the unbelievable perfume and views of the lavender fields surrounding the Renaissance castle of Madame de Sévigne. The sights were breathtaking! Everywhere we turned, another painting presented itself. Though we were there for two full weeks of painting, each day whizzed by; as we worked diligently to capture as much of the beauty and intrigue of this land that we could. I worked in watercolour and acrylic and managed to fill a journal with sketches and notes.

Windows of Arles, France, Watercolour, Suzanne Sandboe

The camaraderie was infectious, the food and wine were superb, and the group had boundless energy and contagious enthusiasm. Fifteen days later we bid farewell to France leaving behind the French countryside but taking with us many fond memories and lessons learned from an experience of a lifetime. I came back knowing that I will return again one day soon for an extended stay, painting among this historical and inspiring French culture with its love and passion for art.

Grapes for the Wine, Provence, France, Watercolours, Suzanne Sandboe

art of the peace

“I can’t conceive of anything being more varied, and rich and handsome than the planet Earth. And its crowning beauty is the natural world. I want to soak it up, to understand it as well as I can, and to absorb it…and then I’d like to put it together and express it in my painting.This is the way I want to dedicate my life.”

Emily Lozeron

EMERGING ARTIST

WRITTEN BY ANDREA JOHANNSON

These words were written by wildlife painter Robert Bateman, but could have been articulated by emerging Peace Region artist Emily Lozeron. Bateman and Lozeron are kindred spirits and met during a five day workshop led by Bateman on Cortez Island, British Columbia in 2014. Being in his presence continued to inspire Emily in her pursuit of painting the natural world. And we are the more fortunate for it. Growing up on a farm near Debolt Alberta, Emily was surrounded by animals and wide open spaces. Her first drawing was of a horse. She found this activity to be effortless and experienced so much pleasure from it that drawing became her artistic outlet. After moving to Calgary, Emily painted with the wildlife artist David Kitler from 2003–2007, and again in 2014 at a workshop in Costa Rica. “He taught with integrity, and taught me to be meticulous,” Emily recalls. She also attended classes with landscape artist Michael O’Toole in 2013. There is an intriguing engagement between abstract style and realism in Emily’s acrylic paintings. To reconcile these two styles, Emily describes how she will bring “something solid and not very detailed through the painting” and this softens it. For example, in the Scarlet Macaw she describes how “there is a very abstract background and a very brilliantly coloured bird. I put in one grayish, brown branch that seems to calm the painting down.” In the instance of Unconventional Beauty, the very excited background of this painting is a reflection of the bizarre and gawky movements of the ostrich Emily had been observing. Occasionally, she will do a purely nonrepresentational work, using the image of a tree as an inner reference; but expressing the concept through line and empty space. Baltic birch has been Emily’s preferred surface on which to paint. She appreciates the rigidity and smoothness of the surface when she is painting anything that requires fine detail. However, over the years, she has been exploring the stretched canvas for her more loosely painted landscapes.

Emily Lozeron and Robert Bateman. Photo by Emily Lozeron

art of the peace

Emily’s talent for photography started as a means of gathering references for her paintings. She wanted to preserve the integrity of the subject. But even though she strives for accuracy, she takes artistic license and will use a compilation of photos for a single subject in her work. She started

using more sophisticated equipment to capture detail; and now photography has become a marketable medium for this multi-faceted artist. To find balance between being an artist, mother, nurse, and wife would seem like a daunting task for most, but Emily “loves being busy.” She has the ability to fit art into her hectic life whenever she has the chance. “I can’t paint when it’s quiet. I’ll watch T.V. or have a conversation. I welcome the distraction.” Emily includes her family in her painting and travel roster. All Emily’s references are photographed on-site. And so by including her family in all aspects of her art, she manages to find her equilibrium.

of painting and photography. In previous years, Emily has exhibited at the Art Gallery of Grande Prairie, Centre for Creative Arts, Beaverlodge Cultural Centre, and presently at Peace Gallery North and Grande Prairie Podollan Inn and Spa. She is also a member of the Grande Prairie Guild of Artists. Attributing her success to her supportive family and remarkable friends, Emily states that she would love to be able to do her artwork on a full time basis. Pondering aloud, she asks, “How great would that be?” For art lovers and for Emily, this sounds like one very good idea.

Even though Emily does not actively seek solitude, she knows that if she ever feels stressed or just wants to get away, she can always go out in nature. As she states, “Everything you see, everything you smell is so beautiful. It’s rejuvenating and relaxing.” Her respect and appreciation for the natural world is evident in her wildlife paintings, where we see details of rock, leaf, water, and sky as a backdrop for her character-laden animals. Her honest landscapes speak of her love for the land and the beauty in imperfection. Emily has become an advocate for habitat. Through her paintings, she hopes to make people more aware of the delicate balance between animal and environment. She is a member of the Artists for Conservation and generously donates work to organizations such as Ducks Unlimited, Nature Conservancy of Canada, and the African Wildlife Foundation. The future holds promise for this industrious artist. Emily is negotiating with several Peace Region venues for group shows Chipping Sparrow, Emily Lozeron

Grizzly Splash, Emily Lozeron

The Lookout, Emily Lozeron

art of the peace

Mary Parslow B.Ed. Art

DISCOVER

EXPERIENCE

Artist/Printmaker

CREATE

INSPIRE

· Creates sculptural prints · Leads print workshops · Facilitates Graphic Planning for Artists

250 784 3882

www.mary-parslow.com

EXPLORE

Red Deer College | Alberta July 6 – 31, 2015

2015

SUMMER ARTS SCHOOL

The Works Art & Design Festival

Celebrates 30 Years IN 2015

Grant Berg & Paul Qayutinnuaq

JANUARY 28 – APRIL 26, 2015

SHOW ON DISPLAY IN THE

Tending the Roots of Your Well-being

Counselling Solutions

Joanna Moen Registered Provisional Psychologist E: joanna@gpcounsellingsolutions.ca

B Ed, M Couns Psychology

P: 780.296.1312

gpcounselling.solutions

THREE GENERATION

Watercolourists

june 19 - july 1 downtown edmonton theworks.ab.ca

Evelyn E. Harris | Judith A. Brown Carolyn Brown Fibre Arts | Soapstone Carving | Miniature Books Peace Country Watercolourists

2014 performance on Churchill Square the traveler © Tony Olivaries Detail: It Was Good While it Lasted 2014 Gateway by Nickelas Johnson and Aaron Paquette

art of the peace

780-864-3608 Cabbrown98@gmail.com Judybrown69@gmail.com

ThreeGenerationWatercolourists.wordpress.com

Vicki Hotte

CarmenHaakstad.com BFA

Original Art from the Peace Region Available at the Beaverlodge Cultural Centre 780-933-6030 svhotte@telusplanet.net www.vickihotte.com

Gift Shop

Spring 2015

watercolours, local pottery, knitwear, Calvin Cornish prints, dichroic glass, jewellery, quilted and hand woven items

• quilting • glass • weaving • paper arts • pottery • oil painting • watercolour • acrylic painting • KIDS’ art

Joy of the Journey, oil on board

Domino V Exhibition October 2, 2015 | The Centre for Creative Arts

780-835-2697

www.fairviewfinearts.com May Artists at School and Creations, Inc. Show

June

July

August

Christina Wallwork and Friends Show

Hines Creek Artists Show

Members’ Annual Summer Show & Sale

F or or i gi n a l a r tw or k a n d stud i o v i s i t s , email carmen@carmenhaakstad.com or c a l l 7 8 0 -5 3 9 -4 4 8 3

Frame & Gallery Ltd.

Custom Picture Framing & Fine Art Gallery

780-539-4091 9934-100 Avenue Grande Prairie, AB

The Place to Get Your Art & Culture Fix

Tel: (250) 782-2601 | www.dcartgallery.ca

101-816 Alaska Ave, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 4T6

Artist Run Centre | 13 Exhibits Per Year Art Rental | Education Programs By Donation | Year Round | Gift Shop

The Rabbit Hole

Books • Vinyl • Music • Gifts • Curious & Curiouser

Inside the Picture Perfect building • 780 539 7999 art of the peace

The Mattsons

art of the peace

THREE VISUAL JOURNEYS—ONE BLOODLINE

WRITTEN BY ANDREA JOHANNSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY KARL MATTSON

On a stretch of blue highway in the Peace Region, you will discover the hamlet of Rolla, British Columbia. This unassuming collection of houses and historic commercial buildings exudes a magical, mystical presence on the quiet rolling prairie. Many talented artists and musicians call Rolla their hometown, but have since left this farming community for “brighter lights.” Rolla is also the home of the Mattson family. Mother Emilie and sons Karl and Dean share the land of the working ranch one and a half kilometres from the town. The family homestead has seen generations of Mattsons thrive and create a sustainable lifestyle that demonstrates hard work, dedication, and creative output. An understanding and appreciation of the land is evident in their artistic pursuits and environmental interests. The Mattsons are three very strong individuals who are connected by blood and artistic vision. They work separately but passionately support each other’s endeavours. After participating in several joint ventures, Emilie, Karl, and Dean had the wisdom to realize that their strengths were grounded in working separately. Thus they have developed a respect for each other by working together while working apart. Quoting from the synopsis of their upcoming exhibition at the Art Gallery of Grande Prairie in March 2016, “Although living in the same geographical space, individual response to the physical and spiritual has resulted in unique imagery. Differing styles express a similar feel to the struggles, anxieties and challenges that are inherent in the human condition.”

To fully understand and appreciate this family dynamic of individual but cohesive artistic beliefs, a visit to the Mattson ranch is necessary. Coming into the Mattson enclave is like entering a monumental work of art in progress. Emilie believes that your life is your art, and that sentiment is evident as we make our way past monumental metal sculptures and modified rustic architecture to Emilie’s studio. We sit in front of the woodstove drinking wine and talking about family history and the world of art, while two domestic birds flit about the space and grandchildren enter the studio and sit quietly in the background. “I always considered myself an artist.” Emilie begins. She was interested in art from a young age and attributes her parents for nurturing this interest, by not discouraging but rather congratulating her on some of her endeavors. By accepting her artistic nature, her parents supported an environment of free and authentic creativity. Consequently to answer the question, ’Why do you create art?’ Emilie’s response is “I was never told not too.”

DIFFERING STYLES EXPRESS A SIMILAR FEEL TO THE STRUGGLES, ANXIETIES, AND CHALLENGES THAT ARE INHERENT IN THE HUMAN CONDITION.

(Left to Right) Dean, Emilie, and Karl Mattson

There is an interesting history of the Mattson family that Emilie likes to tell. Her grandmother came to Prince Rupert from a small town in Norway. She left her husband and travelled to Edmonton, where she was forced by poverty to abandon her two youngest children—Emilie’s mom and her younger brother. The two children were adopted by an elderly couple near McBride B.C., where they lived a very secluded life in the bush. Emilie’s mother met her future husband when she was sixteen. They were married after the war. Emilie described her mother as “rock solid”, very reclusive, and a profound influence on her art of the peace

Runaway 1, Emilie Mattson

Placenta 3, Emilie Mattson

life. Though their house was a quiet one, Emilie remembers receiving paint-by-number kits for Christmas and an easel from the Sears catalogue. Emilie’s mother never found out what happened to her birth mother but was visited by her sister from Norway when she was sixty-seven. Emilie received no formal art training; She took only two art courses in high school by correspondence. But she feels that the motivation for her art is instinctive. She says that she creates “to please myself. I never feel compelled to measure up.” Of vital importance to Emilie is having her own space “away from the kitchen table.” She and Dean built her studio twentyseven years ago and she says it has been her salvation. “Every girl needs a space of her own, for the good of her soul, and as a place to store all her stuff. I spend a lot of time here whether I get a lot done or a little. I can just come out here and start messing around. There’s always something to do.” Having her studio thirty feet from her house makes it convenient for Emilie to access her warm and light-filled area at any time. Emilie’s studio is full of her amazing creations, some complete, others ready to be repurposed or reimagined. One of her most powerful pieces is a tribute to her mother. A metal skeletal form with bone china fingers is enthroned on a wheelchair—a single large crystal hanging in the skull cavity, capturing the light that represents the “spark within.” Emilie has displayed this piece outside on a mirror and says that when the sunlight catches it “it just shines.”

art of the peace

Emilie draws, paints, and works in clay, epoxy, and metal. Perhaps the most intriguing medium she uses is cow placenta. Since the Mattson homestead is a working ranch, Emilie’s use of this material seems both natural and practical. During a late-night calving episode where the cow placenta was tossed aside, Emilie noticed that the light in the calving barn was shining through this discarded material and the effect so intrigued her that she decided to incorporate it into her art. Examples of her use of cow placenta can be seen in many of her sculptures. It is reminiscent of stained glass, giving an ethereal, translucent quality to her sculptures and assemblages. Emile will either place the membrane between sheets of glass, attempting to preserve the original colour or dry the placenta, cure and shape it like leather to form specific objects (as in her sculptures Hangin’ Out the Wash and Hangin’ In, where a free-flying kite is rendered in placenta). The preservation of the original colour and posterity of the material still challenges Emilie, but appeals to her desire to always be tested. Even though Emilie humbly professes that she doesn’t weld as well as her sons, she has managed to produce some stellar sculptures. Her welding skills grew out of her need for ceramic sculpture bases. From found metal farm objects, Emilie’s welded metal sculptures evolved. These sculptures are a hybrid of the real and the fantastic. Representational cows or horses or people are sheltered in other-worldly forests (as in Under the Tree). As we look at her works-in-progress, Emilie states that if a piece takes a tragic turn, she will just reinvent the piece until she achieves the result she wants. She’s definitely not worried about mistakes being made and, in fact, embraces the challenge. Not only does Emilie excel at mixed media constructions, but she is adept at drawing and painting. Her two dimensional

Sweetwater 905 Logo, Dean Mattson

all of Dean’s paintings. We are presented with fish, mountains, rivers, boats, trestles, and mysterious groups of figures called ‘watchers.’ Trains gleaned from old books about British Columbia railways show movement, indicate a journey and “are always headed in some direction.” The symbols form a rich, decorative pattern across the picture plane, all held together by colour. Dean says he has a “style within a style.” He describes some symbols as more “cartoony” than others. Yet Dean’s paintings are full of mystery and joy. The symbolism expresses an active narrative; his vernacular bright and magical.

The Red Canoe, Dean Mattson

work is loose and moody, colours dark and intense, the line sinuous. The style is reminiscent of the sixteenth century painter El Greco. Her spirit of freedom translates into the way Emilie encouraged her sons Karl and Dean to be involved with art. They were prompted to draw at a very young age and to develop their own individual styles. Dean Mattson is a poet, musician, songwriter, carpenter, and artist. Even though his work readily sells—Dean has sold more than 150 paintings throughout North America—he never thinks of his paintings as a source of income. Dean reveals that he was very interested in cartooning when he was a young boy. He went to Emily Carr College of Art and Design, where he was intrigued by colour theory. This appealed to the mathematical side of his psyche. He says, “Colour is a science to me.” Dean’s paintings are full of symbols outlined by bold, dark outlines harkening back to his cartooning days. They are full of intense areas of colour—reminiscent perhaps of aboriginal artist, Norval Morrisseau. Symbols weave their way throughout

As Emilie Mattson says, “People do art in a lot of different ways.” Approaching Dean’s property, we keep this epithet in mind, for rising out of the land, we see an assortment of old buildings that Dean has collected over the years. Standing as they are, these structures seem like monolithic sculptures growing from out of the ground. These dwellings are often gifted to Dean. They are the source and inspiration for the repurposing of architectural details; or they may be salvaged for future projects. His own studio has benefitted from his homely collection; the two storey space has morphed into a cozy single level dwelling. In fact, the entire area is “reclaimed everything” from the windows to the decorative metal grates. Dean knows the origin of every board in the house, and proudly points out his grandfather’s tools displayed on the wall. Explaining that the building is in its “tenth incarnation” he adds that, “it’s not the way most people’s places look.” Dean displays his fine woodworking skills on smaller projects. He is presently working on wooden trunks for his daughters. Revealed in this work is the attention to detail and exceptional craftsmanship. When finished, they will display decorative metal features and leatherwork, the mark of a true artisan. Walking into Karl Mattson’s space, Scavenger Studio, is like walking into a world that is part futuristic model shop, part art of the peace

salvage yard. The colossal Lost sculpture dominates the space, and we are all drawn to her majesty and intrigue. Lost is a monumental work that has participated in many exhibitions. She conveys the overriding message of environmental sensitivity that inspires Karl to create. A fabrication of welded metal parts and found objects, Lost is used by Karl to deliver a similar message in different ways. Whether her head is set on fire, or images are being projected from her cranium, she is delivering the same message of awareness of how one treats the land. Presenting this concept is such an important driving force for Karl that he has included a tangible “communication device” in the form of a metal box on Lost. Karl is also the mastermind of a series of Life Pods—metal sculptures that are actual working emergency devices he has created to house his family in times of crisis. Several breathing tanks are attached to each pod, with the ability to sustain life for several hours. The ability to breathe in a possibly toxic environment is an underlying theme in many of Karl’s pieces (Lost is equipped with breathing tanks as well). Karl has also enjoyed success as a documentary film maker. Sisters of Karnataka, Industrial Evolution, and Keeping the Peace are some of his better known productions. Karl considers his immersion in documentary film making as a great learning experience and plans to become involved with challenging and abstract art film projects, with powerful environmental messages. The environment is always at the background of Karl’s work, no matter what media he chooses. “This country has already become different because of the slow, steady march of the gas situation. I’ll make statements about it. Somebody has to.”

duality of the mind: representing two alternate realities, the canvas is often visually divided in two. One side represents an existence more dangerous and foreboding than the other. Karl is interested in both these domains, but chooses to embrace the one that incorporates the light, in a world that chases away the dark shadows. From March through May 2016, Emilie, Karl and Dean Mattson will be exhibiting at the Art Gallery of Grande Prairie. The show is called Expedition and deals with “three visual journeys—one bloodline.” You can see that these three artists have very different ways of expressing themselves, yet there is an underlying connection in their work. Expedition reveals how different yet how connected this talented family is as they make their way through life. Dean emphasizes that since “we [each] have our own ideas” working collaboratively can result in some conflict they would rather avoid. Yet they all seem to be inspired by the power of the land, the importance of being environmentally aware and the ability to demonstrate their resilient family ties. The Mattson family embodies the definition of individualism; yet at the same time they are “family strong.” They each live their art every day in the most authentic manner, as they ride through life with conviction, moving forward while looking back.

Karl’s paintings are soft in rendering and dark in atmosphere. Several of his paintings are self-portraits and deal with the

Vessel in Snow, Karl Mattson

art of the peace

Lost, Karl Mattson

Come

ENJOY the

Ceramic Artist

FUN!

deboss@telusplanet.net Grande Prairie, AB 780.876.4737

McNaught Homestead Heritage � Art Retreats � Hiking Trails � Historical Art Studio/Schoolhouse � Newly

Restored Barn

2015 Special Events: Saturday, April 25th, 2015 Annual Gala Fundraiser

Sunday, July 26th, 2015

Annual McNaught Festival + IODE Strawberry Tea

Sandy Troudt PAINTER/PRINTMAKER

EMAIL: sdtroudt@gmail.com

WEBSITE: sandytroudt.com

ACRYLIC WORKSHOPS AVAILABLE

Live music, art demos, exhibits & children’s activities

Saturday, October 24th, 2015 Ghost Walk

Halloween fun for families

www.mcnaught-homestead-heritage.com

art of the peace

Sweetwater905 Arts & Music Festival

CELEBRATION OF MUSIC, LITERARY, VISUAL AND PERFORMANCE ART WRITTEN BY ANDREA JOHANNSON

It’s that burgeoning time of summer when the wind blows sweet over the prairies and the long awaited festival season begins. The gentle, quiet country landscape is patiently waiting for the kick-off to the wild and raucous Sweetwater905 Arts and Music Festival—an eclectic gathering of maddeningly talented artists, musicians, writers, farm folk, circus entertainers—converging on the Mattson family ranch outside of Rolla June 13th—15th, 2015, 16km north of Dawson Creek, 1.5km west of Rolla. If you are fortunate enough to have met the Mattsons (Emilie, Karl, Dean, and beyond), you will understand how this uncommon assembly came into existence, and why it’s been such a huge success since its inception.

Dean Mattson explains that the original intention was to attract music and art to the community. Artists could come to Rolla instead of area residents having to seek entertainment in larger urban centres. Also, the Mattsons and other local talent could be celebrated.

THEY LIKE TO KEEP THE COMBINATION OF TALENT “FAIRLY DIVERSE.” DIVERSE IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT.

For some cosmic reason, Rolla is a hotbed of artistic talent. Combine this with the fearless entrepreneurial spirit of Emilie Mattson, and you have the makings of a dynamic collection of vibrant souls. In 1997, Emilie Mattson and Donna Kane took on the responsibility of putting together a festival to represent the artists in northeastern British Columbia. Thus Sweetwater Moon Festival was born. Musicians and artists used the Rolla Community Hall (exterior beautifully painted by Emilie) as their showcase, where a small but appreciative audience was entertained by local talent. The festival eventually moved to the Mattson farm on September 9th, 2005 and was appropriately called Sweetwater905. Now the festival could kick up its heels; entertainment would be art of the peace

presented in a less structured fashion. Through hard work, great organizational skills, and lots of willing volunteers, Sweetwater905 has grown every year yet still retains its homey, intimate atmosphere.

Karl adds that they like to keep the combination of talent “fairly diverse.” Diverse is an understatement. Eclectic performers Severn Suzuki, Nora Curiston, and Roy Forbes are among festival alumni performers.

This year will feature a cool mix of bluegrass, country, folk, and just plain wild music performed by King Crow and the Ladies from Hell, Noosa, and Folky Strum Strum (to name a few). Check the website at Sweetwater905.com for a complete list of entertainers and ticket prices. Writer Ian Coyote is back by popular demand and poet Lorna Crozier will be performing on stage. And of course the agricultural arts are represented. As they say, “Bring your tractor, bring your milk cow!” Last year butter churning and horse packing were demonstrated. Be prepared to see a circus act or two cavorting across the grounds.

Visit Albert’s Loft, the big red barn that morphs into a gallery/ writers’ platform. While the barn is used all year round for special events like concerts and movies, it is the showcase for visual artists from the Peace Region and other areas throughout the western provinces. Kit Fast, curator of the Dawson Creek Art Gallery, is organizing the visual arts segment this year, as he has done for the past four years. He works closely with the participants and encourages newer and emerging artists who might not show in a mainstream gallery to exhibit their work at this distinctive and vibrant event. As well as being able to view the Mattson’s art on the festival site, there will be at least four artists set up in the barn. Peace Region artists Tabitha Logan, Stephen Ferris, Amy Gothard, and Caily Oldershaw, will all be in attendance. Kit is also co-ordinating a special guest event in the loft. Last year, local artist Peter von Tiesenhausen showed one of his video installations in the upper level. In past years this area has hosted mini film festivals. There will also be a plein air demonstration on Saturday afternoon in front of Emilie’s studio. Artists will set-up around the grounds, displaying, selling and demonstrating their work. Painter and printmaker Mary Mottishaw and photographer/mixed media artist Kit Fast, who have had several shows together, will also be exhibiting in the Red Barn. Kit welcomes any artists for the Saturday open air event and any questions can be sent to him at curator@dcartgallery.ca.

Sweetwater905 Festival. Photo by Karl Mattson

Emilie Mattson’s studio will be open to the public, where she will show works in progress and finished pieces as well. Don’t miss the glass and cow placenta coffin that she is working on for a Mattson family group show at the Art Gallery of Grande Prairie in March 2016. Karl and Dean will take time from their hectic festival duties to talk to attendees during the weekend about their own work, and, with some advance notice, would be pleased to show people their studio spaces. Keeping with the Sweetwater 905 theme, children will have the opportunity to participate in various arts and crafts projects; that is, when they aren’t being engaged by the children’s entertainers. This atmosphere makes for a family-friendly weekend. It is on Father’s Day after all! “The Sweetwater festival is a truly unique event,” says Kit Fast. “It is drawing an ever increasing audience over the years. It is different and special because it brings art, history, family, and farming together; and holding it all together is the music.” Sweetwater905, Dean Mattson. Photo by Karl Mattson

art of the peace

mary mottishaw

mixed media artist, painter, printmaker

view recent work at marymottishaw.com

Summertime traditions! Preserving our heritage at the

PEACE RIVER MUSEUM Archives & Mackenzie Centre

10302 99 Street, Peace River, Alberta T8S 1K1 780.624.4261 | museum@peaceriver.ca peaceriver.ca/visitors/museum

Marj Taylor

Active member of the PRCFCA & PWS

phone. 780-532-0355 email. ma_taylor@eastlink.ca address. 9506 77 Avenue Grande Prairie, AB T8V 4T3

Cinder Creations Cindy Nychka

Art & jewellery created from leather, various metals & polymer. Custom leather products. Roche Miette â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Jasper National Park

780-228-3741

please call for information

Beaverlodge Cultural Centre | Peace Country themes and wilderness vistas

art of the peace

Exhibitions: May 2015, Centre for Creative Arts July 26â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Aug 20, 2015, Beaverlodge Cultural Centre

Various workshops available Please call for information 780-518-4135 CinderCreations4u@gmail.com CinderCreations.com

art books in review WRITTEN BY ANDREA JOHANNSON

SEVEN DAYS IN THE ART WORLD A VIVID ETHNOGRAPHY BY SARAH THORNTON From the time of the Abstract Expressionists to the financial meltdown of 2008, the market for modern art enjoyed an unprecedented giddy ride; where living artists commanded headline-worthy prices for their work. Canadian author Sarah Thorton brings us on a dizzying “twirl” through this contemporary era in Seven Days in the Art World. This book is organized into seven units, making for one hectic week of exhibitions, auctions, and interviews. From a sociologist’s perspective, we are made privy to different opinions of artist, curators, collectors, and dealers involved in the international art scene. In her unbiased presentation, Thorton enables us to experience life in the statusphere (to quote artist Tom Wolfe). We see that art “has this other value (unlike gold or diamonds). Art is trying to sell you yourself. Art is what makes life worth living.” Seven Days in the Art World reveals many controversial attitudes. It reminds us just how subjective this world of art can be.

TREX

The Alberta Foundation for the Arts Travelling Exhibition Program

The Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) has supported a provincial travelling exhibition program since 1981. The mandate of the AFA Travelling Exhibition Program is to provide every Albertan with the opportunity to enjoy visual art exhibitions in their community. Three regional galleries and one arts organization coordinate the program for the AFA: Northwest Alberta: Art Gallery of Grande Prairie Northeast and North Central Alberta: Art Gallery of Alberta Southwest Alberta: The Alberta Society of Artists Southeast Alberta: Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre

For the 2015/2016 Travelling Season the Art Gallery of Grande Prairie Presents Three New Exhibitions: Margaret’s Mountain Elisabeth Belliveau

Untitled, Elisabeth Belliveau

Home is Where the Art Is: Art of the Peace Group Exhibition Various Artists

Peace River Corner, Angela Fehr

Margaret Shelton: Block Prints A Collection from the Alberta Foundation for the Arts

Generously Supported By:

encana

Fishing on the Bow, Margaret Shelton Courtesy the AFA Collection ™

natural gas

For a complete list of exhibitions visit aggp.ca

9839 103 Avenue, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 6M7 Located in the Montrose Cultural Centre P: 780-532-8111 | F: 780-539-9522 | E: info@aggp.ca

art of the peace

Antipasto, 12” x 12” Encaustic on wood

Alberta, 12” x 20” Cold wax

artcetera WAXING CREATIVE WITH ENCAUSTIC WRITTEN BY PATRICIA PETERS ARTWORK BY PATRICIA PETERS

The History of Encaustic paintings is ancient. Encaustic art has provided western civilization with some of its oldest examples of paintings from Egypt and Greece. Ship builders were among the first to use wax to seal pottery vessels and the hulls of their ships. It was only a matter of time before natural pigments landed in the wax, more wax was added—and the encaustic art form was born. There are two types of wax: beeswax and cold wax medium. Each offers its own challenges, advantages, and beauty. Working with beeswax requires a solvent to make it workable. Encaustic paint consists of coloured pigments, beeswax, and dammar resin. It is heated from 160o to 200o on a hot plate or with various heat tools into one cohesive piece. There is also a cold treatment that combines beeswax, pigments or oil paint, and odorless mineral spirits, referred to as cold wax with no heat required. This wax medium has been used by oil painters to produce a thicker, more opaque paint application. The fluid movement of encaustic has delicious organic surface textures that can be layered, buffed to a high shine, carved into, collaged, and endlessly manipulated to change shape. Brushwork or applications need to be heat fused. Encaustic layers set up immediately, so there is a very short wait time to

art of the peace

Orca in the Breach, 10” x 10” Encaustic and plaster

add another layer. There is also that wonderful scent of beeswax and honey that you are familiar with. The aroma is much like natural beeswax candles. Cold wax medium is beeswax and odorless mineral spirits (OMS), which combine to make a thick paste. This cold wax medium is added to oil paint at about a 1:2 ratio. This can be increased up to 75% medium if one is seeking a glaze effect. Cold wax has more control and is less fluid, though it still will slide.

Red Sky in the Morning, 20” x 30” Cold wax

but requires patience waiting for it to dry. Both hot and cold wax require a firm surface so that the wax does not crack and fall off, and so it will take the abuse of inscribing/distressing. Good substrates for encaustic include wood panels, ceramic, and some applied papers, gessoed canvas on board, mixed media panels, terra skin (stone), and Arches Oil paper. Papers and fibres fuse beautifully with the encaustic wax and thus can be used in a sculptural manner.

ENCAUSTIC PAINTING OFFERS MANY OPPORTUNITIES FOR AN ARTIST TO TAKE RISKS AND REAP SURPRISING AND BEAUTIFUL RESULTS.

My encaustic method often uses layers to build images or sections eliminated to reveal its history or design. Textures can be also be organic, matt, opaque, and rough, or clear as transparent glass, if one uses transparent oil paint. I use silicon blades, wedges, oil-sticks, and various wood tools, (but no brushes) to create my images. There is no pleasant honey scent in cold wax application, and there is an extended drying time depending on the thickness of the paint application. This longer drying time has advantages and disadvantages: the ‘open time’ enables adjustments and refinements,

I have also found that the two different wax methods can be combined to add contrast, particularly if one does not want to apply heat. For example, some encaustic monoprints are too delicate to reheat, so the cold wax can be employed on the final layer.

Be prepared to protect your skin, clothes, and workspace with both wax methods. Working with wax as a medium can be challenging and rewarding all at the same time. Encaustic painting offers many opportunities for an artist to take risks and reap surprising and beautiful results.

art of the peace

THREE REGIONAL ARTISTS WRITTEN BY JOANNA MOEN

Helena Hulligan. Photo by Debbie Courvoisier

Best of Three Studios

HELENA MULLIGAN While Helena Mulligan’s humanesque sculptures on the lawns at Grande Prairie Regional college are larger-than-life, she herself may be described as a humble and rather self-effacing artist. Though her art has epic proportions, she diligently prefers to work quietly and unobtrusively in her home studios. Helena works between two studios; one is dedicated to fiber art and the other to paint, clay, concrete, and pastels. At times she is torn between the two. In one she can get her hands dirty. In the other she must be fastidious. She describes her work in the paint and sculptural studio as “harder but more rewarding.” Projects in this studio rarely evolve into Helena’s original inner vision. “I guess God takes over at some point,” she muses. Working with styrofoam, clay, rebar, chicken wire, and more, Helena fulfills commissions from all over Alberta. A current focus is on creating clay figures in groups. These figures seem to have wordless conversations between each other.

“THIS IS THE PLACE OF CREATIVE INCUBATION. AT FIRST, YOU MAY FIND NOTHING HAPPENS THERE. BUT, IF YOU HAVE A SACRED PLACE AND USE IT, TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT, SOMETHING WILL HAPPEN.” – JOSEPH CAMPBELL

art of the peace

In her fiber studio, Helena renders patchwork quilts, woven mats, and textile art pieces. Helena “draws” with the colours and patterns contained in well-chosen fabrics. Her tidy fastidious self finds an expressive home in fibers; as her grittier, fiercer self is released in her paint and sculpture studio. Dynamic in her unassuming way, Helena Mulligan alternates between the two studios—as her inner voice dictates. For Helena Mulligan who does not remember a time when she did not do art, to create is to be. As a sign on her clay studio reads, “The impulse to draw is as natural as the impulse to breathe.”

Dan Arberry is a mark making man. On any given Saturday or Sunday morning, you may find him sauntering, coffee mug in hand, into his home studio. He will begin by contemplating the two or three pieces he is currently working on. He may ask of his pieces “What is working or not?” “What marks do I like? Where can I repeat these marks for effect?” “What new marks is this piece asking for?” And Dan—along with so many artists—will inevitably ask the arduous question, “How will I know that this piece is finished?” Dan began his “grinding of pencil on paper” as a boy. When not drawing in the margins of his notebooks, friends were asking him to do drawings for them. Later he was schooled at Alberta College of Art and Design. There, he focused upon drawing and a monochromatic approach to colour. These days Dan is deeply exploring colour relationships in his mixed media still life pieces applied to birch board plywood. Dan’s personal mixture of media includes the layering of graphite conte sticks, pencils and pastels which are blended and moved within the piece as he sprays on a treasured “super-secret” cocktail of fixative plus mystery liquids of his choice. He uses the spray bottle as a mark making tool of its own, along with brushes, spatulas, blades, and/or knives. When valued artist friends arrive at his door, Dan extends his studio to the front room. Ensconced in comfy sofas with recent works in plain view, conversation, comment, critique and suggestions are exhanged. Such camaraderie along with the work itself, assist Dan in arranging his thoughts and emotions. This balance can be felt in the calmness of his studio spacewhere Dan Arberry continues to make his mark.

Shauna Hoffos. Photo by Brooks Hoffos

DAN ARBERRY

SHAUNA HOFFOS Sure, Shauna Hoffos likes to put her feet up. In spite of being a successful painter and mixed media artist, she’s also human. But don’t let the pose fool you. This artist is a hard worker. Shauna’s diligence is a result she believes, of being raised as an Alberta farm girl. Coupled with her natural urge to create, her palettes include but are not limited to canvas, wood, stone, house design, her garden, yard, and even the food she prepares. For Shauna Hoffos, her life is art. Her studio extends beyond four walls and spills inquisitively into the world she moves through. She can’t describe a typical day in her studio because there isn’t one. In her earlier years as an artist she dedicated herself to eclectic experimentation. As she sought to discover her truest inner voice, she wandered through nature and there she discovered found objects on her fourth generation farm—and, she travelled to foreign lands. In time, a common thread began to emerge. This authentic theme (which she continues to pursue) spoke to her of her passion for the written word—scripts in different languages and fonts which she observed in her travels to Europe and Northern Africa.

Dan Arberry. Photo by Melanie Fincaryk

In her work she began to marry script with elements of Nature and found objects. Rusted and “ruined in the glory of their former function but still holding the character of their original purpose, and of the people in whose hands they had been wrought,” these articles of former use on her farm and home find their way into her pieces. Now, when she finds an item or idea which arouses her passion, she confidently weaves these into her work.

art of the peace

Art of the Peace OPPORTUNITIES Become a Member Members of Art of the Peace will receive a magazine mailed directly to them, notifications on ongoing activities, news, and opportunities, and special member rates to the Art of the Peace Symposiums. Register online at artofthepeace.ca or call 780-532-2573 for details. www.artofthepeace.ca

Beaverlodge, AB BEAVERLODGE CULTURAL CENTRE EXHIBITS & EVENTS MAIN GALLERY Janice Lutsenko May 3rd – 28th BRHS Art Students Show May 31st – June 18th Penny Boden June 28th – July 23rd Janice and Jim Fisher July 26th – Aug 20th Christina Cedar and Melanie Hellum August 23rd – September 24th

MCNAUGHT HOMESTEAD EXHIBITS & EVENTS Annual McNaught Festival & I.O.D.E. Strawberry Tea July 26th Ghost Walk October 24th OPPORTUNITIES The Schoolhouse Studio is available for retreats, classroom, gallery or meetings. For info call 780-512-6316 or visit McNaughtHomestead-Heritage.com

Dawson Creek, BC DAWSON CREEK ART GALLERY EXHIBITS & EVENTS School District #59 mixed media April 28th – May 15th 34th Annual Art Auction Gala May 8th, opening 6 pm At the Fixx Urban Grill For more information call 250-782-2601 DC Potter’s Guild and Guests: eARTh May 19th – June 12th

Exhibitions+ Opportunities CHECK OUT WWW.ARTOFTHEPEACE.CA FOR MORE DETAILS, LOCATIONS AND HOURS MINI GALLERY April Smith May 3rd – 28th

Summertime Membership Show June 16th – July 30th

Chris Deheus May 31st – June 25th

TREX Exhibitions: The Printmakers and Joane Cardinal-Schubert August 1st – August 25th

Cindy Nychka July 26th – Aug 20th Sam Kitt August 23rd – September 24th PROGRAMS A variety of courses are offered on an ongoing basis. Please call 780-354-3660 or visit BeaverlodgeGallery.com for information and registration. OPPORTUNITIES Beaverlodge Craft Club Pottery and Weaving Guilds Basement of the Cultural Centre $70/year membership; supplies are additional. For information, call Lynne Brown 780-354-2371 (Weaving) or April Smith 780-354-8477 (Pottery) Gallery exhibition and gift shop sales opportunities are available. Call 780-354-3600 for info.

art of the peace

Surface Tension: views on water August 28th – September 5th Society for Community Living and Guests: Abilities October 6th – October 16th OPPORTUNITIES Exploring Art Opportunity for all adults. Participants learn from each other and are inspired and challenged by working within a supportive group of interested individuals. Optional workshops with instructors. To sign-up call 250-782-2601. For information on opportunities for exhibition, visit online at DCArtGallery.ca

Fairview, AB

Grande Cache, AB

FAIRVIEW FINE ARTS CENTRE

GRANDE CACHE TOURISM & INTERPRETIVE CENTRE

EXHIBITS & EVENTS Artists at School and Creations, Inc. Show May

EXHIBITS & EVENTS Robert Guest: Winter on the Wapiti June 24th – August 26th

Christina Wallwork June Hines Creek Artists Show July Members’ Annual Summer Show & Sale August PROGRAMS Call the Centre for details on programs, courses, and events at 780-835-2697, email finearts@telus.net, or visit fairviewfinearts.com

Fort St. John, BC PEACE GALLERY NORTH EXHIBITS & EVENTS Mary Parslow: Deep Impressions May 15th – 30th Tara Brulé and Alan White: Graffiti June 12th – 27th Miep Burgerjon and Lorna Penner July 10th – 25th

Palette Pals Art Show and Sale September 2nd – 7th

PROGRAMS Palette Pals Art Club Workshop: Portraits— Animals/Humans Date: June 5th – 7th, 9am – 5pm Cost: $150 Visit GrandeCache.ca or Grande Cache Palette Pals Art Club on Facebook.

Grande Prairie, AB CENTRE FOR CREATIVE ARTS EXHIBITS & EVENTS 2015 Wearable Arts Show September 26th 5 Alarm Photography Exhibition September 25th – October 4th CENTRE GALLERY The Peace River Federation of Canadian Artists May Art Squared CFCA Fundraiser June

Mary Mottishaw and Kit Fast August 7th – 22nd

Stephan Ferris July

Printmakers of the Peace Region: Karta II September 11th – 26th

CFCA Group Show: Gnomes and Gardens August

OPPORTUNITIES For information call 250-787-0993, visit npcc.bc.ca or email gallery@npcc.bc.ca

COMMUNITY ART COUNCIL EXHIBITS & EVENTS Take a Flight Street Banners Downtown May – September

Peace Watercolour Society September WALL GALLERY Cindy Nychka May Senior Class Watercolours June Jamie Guay July

Mother’s Day Herbal Pots At NE NEWS April 12th – May 8th

Abelone Edwards August

Artwalk June 19th – July 18th

Lynn LeCorre-Dallaire September

OPPORTUNITIES The Fort St. John Arts Council is open to everyone and meets every third Wednesday of each month at 12 pm at Artspost. For more information, call 250-787-2781 or email info@fsjarts.com

PROGRAMS The Centre has classes for everyone: beginner, intermediate or advanced oil painting, sewing, photography, pottery, and clay. Check out CreativeCentre.ca or call 780-814-6080.

GRANDE PRAIRIE MUSEUM EXHIBITS & EVENTS The Story of Benson’s Point Permanent display The Business Exhibit Permanent display Senior Tea Dance June 2nd Canada Day Celebration July 1st Heritage Day August 3rd

PROGRAMS Village Interpretation Heritage Tour July 14th, 16th, 1:30 – 3:30 pm Memory Lane Guided Walking Tour (Downtown) July 13th, 15th Tours and school programming available. Phone 780-532-5482.

GRANDE PRAIRIE REGIONAL COLLEGE EXHIBITS & EVENTS Exhibits throughout the year in the Glass Gallery. PROGRAMS The Fine Arts Department at GPRC offers courses in music, art and drama with a focus on student learning and success. We offer a range of programs in both traditional and new medias. Call Tanya at 780-539-2443 for more information.

ART GALLERY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE EXHIBITS & EVENTS An Te Liu: In Absentia May 7th – August 2nd Ken HouseGo: Beacon May 7th – August 2nd Phillip Woolf & Graham French: A Joint Exploration of Lands, Oceans and Skies May 7th – August 2nd

Sue Cloake-Millar July

Upcoming and current exhibitions can be found on aggp.ca

Joanne MacQuarrie August

QEII HOSPITAL, THE COURTYARD GALLERY EXHIBITS & EVENTS COURTYARD GALLERY Jim Stokes May – June Kiren Nikki Sangra: Star Gazer AGGP Travelling Exhibit July – August OPPORTUNITIES Looking for talented artists to display their 3D or 2D works in the Hospital Cubes or Courtyard Gallery. Please call Fiona Munroe 780-830-4855.

High Prairie, AB HIGH PRAIRIE & DISTRICT MUSEUM EXHIBITS & EVENTS Alberta Culture Day September 25th – 27th OPPORTUNITIES If you are interested in showing your work at the High Prairie & District Museum please call Darlene Adams at 780-523-2601.

Alberta & BC EDMONTON, AB EXHIBITS & EVENTS The Works Art and Design Festival June 19th – July 1st

RED DEER, AB OPPORTUNITIES Series Summer Arts School July 6th – 31st Red Deer College For more information contact 403-356-4900 or visit rdc.ab.ca/series

KELOWNA, BC OPPORTUNITIES The Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art The Alternator accepts exhibition proposals from artists and curators. Visit alternatorcentre.com for details on how to submit.

OPPORTUNITIES The Salt Spring National Art Prize (SSNAP) Call for submissions for twodimensional and three-dimensional work. Deadline is May 31st. For more information, visit: saltspringartprize.ca

TUMBLER RIDGE COMMUNITY ARTS COUNCIL EXHIBITS & EVENTS Spring 2015 Peace-Liard Regional Art Council Juried Art Show May 1st – 30th

GENERAL OPPORTUNITIES artrubicon For opportunities, exhibitions, events, visit artrubicon.com Alberta Federation of Artists For information about grants and other resources available from the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, visit www.affta.ab.ca Society of Canadian Artists Open call for submissions for the 47th Open National Juried Show. Deadline is May 22nd. For more information, visit societyofcanadianartists.com.

Peace River, AB PEACE RIVER MUNICIPAL LIBRARY AND CULTURAL CENTRE EXHIBITS & EVENTS Sue Cloake-Millar and Miles McSween May Peace of Art Club Summer Zentangling April 16th – May Free. Registration Required. OPPORTUNITIES If you are interested in showing your work at the Peace River Municipal Library and Cultural Centre please call 780-624-4076. For exhibition opportunities, contact Raylene Snider at communications@prmlibrary.ab.ca

PEACE RIVER MUSEUM EXHIBITS & EVENTS Toy Stories Until September 19th

Peter von Tiesenhausen: Ether and Procession May 21st – November 1st

When a Tree Falls in the Forest October – April, 2016

Elisabeth Belliveau: Margaret’s Mountain August 13rd – November 1st

MONTHLY ART WALL Grimshaw High School Art Students May

Bibi Clement August 13th – November 1st

Verne MacRoberts September

SALT SPRING ISLAND, BC

Beyond the Heart Club June

Open Call for Submissions Due: May 22nd, 2015

Welcoming applications from all professional artists – from the traditional to those who work in new and digital media

SCA 47th Open National Juried Show Gainsbrough Galleries, Calgary July 25th - Aug 8th, 2015

com

Looking for instructors to teach a variety of classes. School programming available. Exhibition opportunities are available!

Wilf Perreault August 13th – November 1st

societyo fcanadia nartists.

OPPORTUNITIES Gallery Exhibition Are you a Peace Country artist looking for an opportunity to show your latest collection of work? The Centre’s Wall Gallery has several openings in the 2015 lineup. Please contact the Centre for information.

Check out the 2015 Open National Juried Online Exhibition April 1st - July 15th

art of the peace

I have always sensed a deep, spiritual connection to the land and have inherently resonated with painters of a similar passion. Like many Canadian artists, my early heroes were Emily Carr, Tom Thomson and Robert Genn. Their imagery via direct contact with nature has resonated strongly within me. Genn’s solid patterns and dynamic counterpoint has helped me shape a looser style; and through his online letters “The Painter’s Keys,” poignant ideas and practices have been discovered, examined, and shared. Upon relocating to Grande Prairie, I recognized that I had to change my palette in order to capture the area’s intense magenta skies or the contrasting deep yellow light that flashes through the dark silhouettes of spruce trees. In learning to do so, I was taught the colours of the prairie sunsets, the nuances of the Northern Lights, and the shimmering reflection of a kayak skimming across a mountain lake.

Winter Aspens, Patricia Peters

Patricia Peters “EVERY ARTIST DIPS HIS BRUSH IN HIS OWN SOUL, AND PAINTS HIS OWN CHARACTER INTO HIS PICTURES.” – HENRY WARD BEECHER

art of the peace

When painting a landscape, I am not attempting to reproduce the “view,” but rather am having a conversation with the imagery being presented. My integration of colour, shape, and pattern is of primary concern. I ask questions, respond to what is happening, work my way through technical passages, and feel my way through life’s changes, grief, and joy. That is the business of the soul—to help us pay attention, to delve deeply into ourselves, and seek answers beyond our current level of consciousness. Accordingly, I relish discovery and experience, as I endeavor to transfer the feeling to canvas. I have found that when the context of realism is put aside, abstraction within a variety of media applications, more quickly addresses those feelings and possibilities; it allows greater exploration of colour, or asserts textures begging to be touched. The response from the viewer is considerably more visceral…a connection is made. Within the adventure, life has infused me with an intense sense of curiosity, awe, and gratitude. My hope is that through whatever talents I’ve developed, my paintings may reflect my deep sense of wonder.

gprc.me/finearts

A RT GALLERY OF GRA N DE PRA IRIE We hope you will be inspired to visit the Art Gallery of Grande Prairie and continue our journey of exploration, inspiration and preservation of the human spirit through art. Since 1975, the community has created an engine for creativity; one that will never cease to expose the minds of this community to the newest, the most innovative and the most beautiful creations of our society and it is our honour to continue protecting, nurturing and enhancing that legacy. The future of the Art Gallery is just as surprising, enlightening, rewarding, exciting and mysterious as is the experience of art itself.

Photos by: Teeple Architects

Sunday: 1 pm – 5 pm | Holidays: Closed

A G G P. CA