Budding artists and those who appreciate art will be inspired this weekend as the Island Arts Expo welcomes some world renowned artists to exhibit and to teach.
This is the third year for the Island Arts Expo, conceived and sponsored by Susan Schaefer owner of Young at Art Studios and publisher of the Island Arts Magazine. This year’s event is being held Nov. 5 and 6 at the Lighthouse Community Centre in Qualicum Bay and there is an impressive line-up of presenters.
Schaefer said 27 artists will have their work on display and 11 workshops are being offered to the public.
Some of the workshops include Grant Leier and Nixie Barton of Barton Leier Galleries demonstrating stamping, gold leafing, encaustic on wood and more.
Their workshop on Saturday from noon to 1:30 p.m. is called Mixed Media and a brief Introduction to Encaustics, and while the dynamic demonstration will showcase their artistic techniques, the pair said it will also be fun.
Leier and Barton have been educating and entertaining artists of all abilities in workshops at Painters Lodge for 17 years and this will be the first workshop at the Island Arts Expo.
Barton and Leier have two totally different approaches and said people really enjoy their classes and should find this weekend’s workshop very interesting.
Leier will demo the build up of borders and layering of colour with acrylic and gold leaf embellishments and said his students will see how simple gold leaf can be.
Barton will get people excited about working in wax by demonstrating the ancient technique of encaustic on wood. She said it is a 4,000 year- old ancient technique that is becoming more and more popular.
“People really seem to like it. It’s a long process but I will show them how to get started,” said Barton, who added they take turns showing all aspects of their art form.
“I will show them everything I know. We are an open book. We share everything. No trade secrets are withheld,” admitted Barton.
Award winning painter Brian Buckrell will show how he starts his paintings and Grant Fuller will discuss some of the tools used to make money with your art.
Entrance to the expo is by donation to the Bowser Food Bank. Last year the EXPO raised 39 bags of groceries and just under $1,300 for the Bowser Food Bank.
Raffle draws will be held throughout the weekend with $3,500 in prizes donated by local businesses and artists. Grand prizes of original paintings by Brian Buckrell and Grant Leier will be drawn at 3:30 pm Saturday and Sunday respectively.
The Island Arts Expo goes Nov. 5 and 6 at the Lighthouse Community Centre, 240 Lions Way, Qualicum Bay, BC.
Hours of operation are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. For a complete list of exhibitors, sponsors and workshops visit the website at http://islandartsexpo.ca.