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MAC in Parksville unveils new ‘plein-air’ exhibit highlighting work of 9 artists

Works on display until Aug. 28
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Jessy Watson’s work is part of the McMillan Arts Centre’s ‘Artward Bound’ exhibit. (Submitted photo)

A new exhibit has opened at the McMillan Arts Centre (MAC) in Parksville, featuring the work of nine artists.

The Artward Bound exhibition can be found in the centre’s Oceanside Gallery, and includes the work of Ludek Sotola, Melanie Barnes, Dianne Hay, Margaret Shorter, Pat Palmer, Janice Evans, Jessy Watson, Brenda Spence and Peggy Burkosky, according to a release by the MAC (133 McMillan St.).

Barnes founded the “plein-air” art group, Artward Bound, after moving to Parksville from Victoria in 2014. Plein-air painting is the practice of painting landscape scenes outdoors.

The group visits all kinds of nooks and crannies along the seashore, goes inland and into private yards and farms to paint in all kinds of weather.

“We may visit the same place a year down the road and always manage to see a different view,” Barnes said in the release. “It’s a great way to explore our amenities on Vancouver Island.”

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The work is done outside in a two and a half-hour timeframe, with some minor tweaks done in the home studio.

“Art has dominated my life,” said Barnes, who added watercolour is her favourite medium because it is non-toxic, portable and challenges her. She also enjoys portraiture, sculpture, ink and stick painting, collage, calligraphy and sketching.

The exhibition can be viewed at the MAC until Aug. 28.

— NEWS Staff, submitted

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