Susan Schaefer is excited to announce the upcoming exhibition of her Canadiana collection.
The exhibition will be held at the Bayside Oceanfront Resort (240 Dogwood St.) in Parksville from Jan. 3 to March 31, 2024, according to a news release.
It will showcase 21 breathtaking paintings that represent Canada’s diverse geography and natural beauty.
Facilitated by the Oceanside Arts Council, this will be the first solo exhibition at the Bayside Gallery, making it a highly anticipated event for art enthusiasts and collectors.
Schaefer’s Canadiana collection is the result of 18 months of dedicated work, covering a distance of 18,000 kilometres and includes all 10 provinces and three territories.
Each painting in the collection captures the essence and uniqueness of its respective region, offering viewers a visual journey from coast to coast.
Schaefer’s passion for painting landscapes is evident in the emotional connection she establishes with her subjects.
The Canadiana collection represents a personal and fascinating journey for the artist.
“Each new painting made me feel a stronger connection to my country,” Schaefer explained. “This is by far the most ambitious collection of work I’ve created to date.”
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In addition to being an accomplished artist, Schaefer is also the publisher of Island Arts Magazine and an accomplished art instructor. She has been an active supporter of the arts community on Vancouver Island for many years.
Schaefer was raised on a farm in central Saskatchewan. Her passion for colour and art began at a young age.
After graduating from high school, she moved to the west and continued her artistic journey. She attended various classes in painting and design at the University of Alberta while working full-time with the Alberta government.
In the early 1980s, she enrolled in a summer class at the Emily Carr College of Art & Design in Vancouver, which was a pivotal moment in her artistic career.
She later settled in Toronto, where she focused on graphic design and learned everything she could about the printing process. She attended night classes while starting her own design and publishing company.
After spending several years in Toronto, Schaefer returned to Saskatchewan in 1999 and purchased a home on an acreage in the historic Qu’Appelle Valley.
She quickly became involved with the artists’ guilds and organized art retreats and workshops.
Schaefer moved to Vancouver Island in 2007 and established her magazine, which showcases West Coast artists.
Her love for Canada and its people is reflected in the collection.
“From coast to coast, each province is unique on its own but tied together with a sense of quiet dignity and kindness,” she explained. “Which is truly the Canadian way.”
The Canadiana collection made its debut on June 28 at the Weyburn Arts Gallery in Saskatchewan, where it garnered critical acclaim and captivated audiences with its stunning portrayals of Canadian landscapes.
Now, art enthusiasts in Parksville and surrounding areas will have the opportunity to experience this remarkable collection first-hand.
— NEWS Staff