The McMillan Arts Centre (MAC) in Parksville will host three different exhibitions next month.
The work of Tony Pawlett and Donna Hales can be viewed from March 2 to April 1. Gwen Spinks’s work will be available from March 5 until March 29.
Pawlett’s exhibit LIGHT and SHADOW. The workings of an old artist includes painted scenery from several islands, including Pender, Hornby, and Vancouver Island. Pawlett has spent more than 20 years sailing the Salish Sea and the Gulf Islands, which brought depth and clarity to his work. His fascination with colour, light and shadows has been a constant with his painting.
He is a self-taught artist now, living in Parksville. He has taken courses at Emily Carr for acrylics, and with Kiff Holand and Ann Forman at Capilano University. He has also attended seminars and lessons from Brian Johnson and Harry Heine. After 47 years in a career in the metals industry, Pawlett now paints full-time in his studio in Craig Bay.
READ MORE: Art therapy sessions to be virtually offered by McMillan Arts Centre in Parksville
Enchanted Island by Donna Hales will showcase many pastels pieces featuring B.C. provincial parks.
Hales, at 94 years old, is the oldest artist to exhibit at the MAC. The MAC is pleased to welcome such an experienced and wonderful pastel artist. She has has been a member of the DeCosmos Fine Arts Group and the MAC for over a decade.
An avid pastel artist, Hales chose this medium because it was the easiest way for her to create art while camping outside. She has camped throughout the province and Vancouver Island for 30 years in her Volkswagon Westfalia.
Gwen Spinks and Squared! the Art Show has been an annual event on Gabriola Island for six years and is the brainchild of popular artist, dancer and community leader, Gwen Spinks.
This year the exhibit has more than 90 artists, including 10 under the age of 16; and 110 canvases.
“Children have been involved from the very first show,” said Spinks. “I wanted them to have a place to be seen and to learn about the business of being an artist.”
A long with the Squared Art Show, Spinks will be showing a collection of new works at the MAC.
— NEWS Staff