Well, so much for seasonal moderated resistance. This year the stores were filled with holiday “plastic” earlier than ever.
But, if you want to get your hands on some locally hand-crafted art and décor then have no fear.
The Squamish Valley Artists Society, VISUALS, has been busy getting ready to present Feel the Vibe, an artistic response to our changing times and growing, vibrant community.
This art show brings together the multidiscipline group that has been busy creating art that encompasses two and three dimensions.
Come to the artists’ opening reception on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 1 p.m.
Abstract to semi-representational painter Jane Keyes takes much of her inspiration from her travels by boat around B.C. and, more recently, the Caribbean. Working mainly in acrylic (to keep her work spontaneous and uncontrived), Jane enjoys twisting common scenes and themes into whimsical, stylized representations that are both highly textured and intensely colourful.
Keyes admits “painting on a boat is inspiring but can also be logistically challenging, so I often work on smaller canvases and I definitely pick my painting days carefully. Waking up to calm seas makes for a happy day.”
Fran Solar, a metal artist, presents her latest sculptures. “Rumpled came about because I wanted to design/weave a long piece of cloth with the same colours and textures as my Pleated Vessels – and hang it on a wall. But when I hung the flat panels, I didn’t like them at all, so after a decent interval I attacked them. It was hard work to bend, twist and shape the folds. I think the result is a more lively, vibrant surface,” she says.
Local oil painter Angela Muellers’ inspiration for her large and detailed “Grassy Point’” painting came from observing a girl exploring nature on Hornby Island, which evoked memories of her own childhood.
“This work combined several techniques using many layers to build up areas, which included glazing and the application of thicker paint layers in the grasses on top of an underpainting,” Muellers says about her process.
Artisan holiday celebration
Along with a stunning array of fine art, the display cases offer a sampling of more than a dozen artists and artisan wares showcasing what’s to come in the Foyer Gallery Artisan Holiday Celebration.
This year the artisans’ group show is highlighted, as well as examples of the art work from many of the vendor participants in this third annual Christmas festivity. This variety of wares will be on display for the month of December, but don’t miss the exciting sale and celebration which takes place on Dec. 2, 3 and 4 in the library.
At this free event, there will be live music, art demos, an art basket raffle donated by Up With Art and baking, plus everything else that our warm, inviting library has to offer.
Patrons are invited to shop for local hand-made pottery, jewellery, gifts, paintings and photographs, art cards, felted hats and more. Stop by for a treat, get out of the rain and join in on the fun.
Meet local artists at the annual celebration all weekend long featuring the Squamish Quilters Guild, Maureen Brown, Zoë Evamy, Toby Jaxon, Judy McQuinn, Susan Remnant, Sonia Richardson, Oriana Rollo, Michiko Splinter, Barbara Stover, Sarah Symes, Linda Wagner, Kathleen Wheeler, Elena Whitman and Katie Yaremkewich with art demonstrations by Angela Muellers and Zoë Evamy.
Get into the spirit of the holidays with musical performances by The Trio (Rita Kyle, Jane Gillie & Andy Drinnan), Carolyn Grass & Friends and Sofie Hill’s fun fiddling combining Celtic tunes with traditional Christmas songs.
And new this year, bring the kids down for Sunday photos with Santa by the fireplace with Double Shutter Images.
For a schedule of events visit the Foyer Gallery in the Squamish Public Library Facebook page. Hours for this exciting downtown three-day artisan festival are Friday, Dec. 2 from 1 to 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4pm and Sunday, Dec. 4 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Toby Jaxon is the curator for the Foyer Gallery.
