LISSA ALEXANDER
reporter@pqbnews.com
Three remarkable artists are exhibiting their work in pastel, glass and ceramics at the McMillan Arts Centre throughout the month of August and the opening reception is taking place tonight.
Celebrated Canadian pastel artist Joan Larson will exhibit her paintings surrounding her visit to the remote and romantic, Sable Island. The island is located 300 km southeast of mainland Nova Scotia and is home to a number of wild horses. Larson, who lives in Errington, first visited the sand bar island in 2009, after she was granted permission by the Canadian Coast Guard. She returned last summer, and while her trip was only scheduled for four days, heavy fog, wind and rain prolonged her trip by an extra four days.
“This time instead of getting delayed going to the island I got delayed leaving the island, which gee, that was too bad,” she joked.
The extra time allowed her to relax and get into the rhythm of the island, she said.
“When you’re there it’s just so blissfully peaceful,” she said, “because you’re so far away from everything…I was right in my element.”
Access to island has to be granted by the Coast Guard and visitors have to make their own transportation arrangements to and from the island, as well as bring all their own supplies.
At the McMillan Arts Centre Larson will be exhibiting 21 paintings, 10 new and 11 from her previous trip, along with some photographs she took on the Island.
Larson will be at the opening reception on Thursday, July 31 form 7 to 9 p.m. where the public can meet her and the other artists and enjoy hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. Larson will also share her stories during a presentation called Wild Horses of Sable Island Tuesday, Aug. 5 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the MAC where light refreshments will be served.
Robert Held will also be at the reception tonight as he is exhibiting his glasswork, ranging from classic to contemporary pieces. Held ran Canada’s largest hot-glass studio and gallery in Kitsilano for many years before opening his new studio in Parksville. There he is working on one-of-a-kind pieces with local artists, along with his own artistic creations. Held’s piece titled “The Northern Lights” Commemorative Golden Jubilee Bowl was presented to Queen Elizabeth II and remains in her collection.
Anne Marie Veale will also be exhibiting her work at the MAC in August and will be at the reception tonight. The local artist is an established potter who attended Carlise College of Art in the United Kingdom before moving to Canada. Veale creates functional pottery using her creative and whimsical designs known for garnering smiles. Her work is sold in many galleries throughout the province. Veale is also a well-loved pottery teacher for both children and adults.
Work by all three artists will be for sale at the MAC during the exhibition. For more information on the MAC and its exhibitions call 250-248-8185 or visit www.mcmillanartscentre.com.