'A Visual Conversation' opening well attended

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

Karen Tamminga-Paton is
crazy about art
C. Davis photo

The show 'A Visual Conversation' was aptly named, as the Lebel Mansion rang with voices during the opening on the evening of July 12.  Crowds came to look at the art work and talk to the many artists that were on hand.  Topics were as varied as the people who attended, and there was a large crowd that milled throughout the rooms and out onto the balcony and rose garden.   Even the warm temperatures inside the building did not deter the crowds from checking out the display.

The mix of media and styles of twenty two individual artists gave a wonderful sense of drama to the exhibit, and the contrasts between pieces were commented on by many of those that were going through enjoying the evening.

Bob Costa
T. Lucas image

Artist Bob Costa and Myrna Elliott set up the show the day before the opening.  "It was pretty overwhelming for me," said Costa.  "Myrna felt confident right from the get-go.  It was a lot of art to work with in a very small space.  I think we spent around five hours on it.  The end result was we walked out last night very happy about the display.  Its wonderful to see such a great range of work, we have 22 artists represented."

The Allied Arts Council  requested that each artist submit two pieces.

Jim Palmer and his painting "Sky"
T. Lucas image

Artist Linda Anderson Stewart
T. Lucas image

Some of the artists that had displays up were on-site and had the chance to discuss their pieces first hand with the throngs of people who came to view them.  Viewers had the opportunity to meet the artists, enjoy the evening, and ask questions, express admiration, and discuss the art directly to the artists that attended.  It also gave a reason for those that are artistic to be together and be inspired by one another.

David Green with his
"Watercolour Landscapes 1 and 2"
T. Lucas image

Jim Palmer and Rebecca Holand
discuss one of her works
T. Lucas image

"It was a bit of an honour to be asked, really.  I think it's exciting," said artist Janet Barkwith, who talked about how much she enjoys the creative process in creating her jewellery, painting, and throughout her life.

Jean Sheppard added that "I think it's quite exciting to have so many different media, styles, subject matters showing.  I don't think we've ever been brought together like this before.  It's really a nice show."

"It shows the caliber of the local talent around here.  This is the quality of work you would see in Banff, Calgary, anywhere.  I'm very fortunate to be a part of it," said Mike Judd.

Mike Judd with his artwork
T. Lucas image

"I am delighted to be here.  I show elsewhere, but I really want to show I'm involved in what goes on here," said Jim Palmer, who admitted that when he grew up in Pincher Creek area, he did not have anyone to relate to who also was an artist in the area.  "It was a lonely feeling."

"A lot of us work in quiet obscurity.  It's nice to be dragged out into the open, occasionally,"  pointed out Linda Anderson Stewart.

Jean Sheppard with her piece "As the Dawn Breaks"
seen upper right
T. Lucas image

David Green said that "the show was a really nice way to participate locally and see what other artists are doing."

"It's great to have all these Pincher Creek artists together, for a change.  I think it's lovely, and it's a great excuse to have a party in the middle of summer," said Linda Anderson Stewart.

Lindy Farley and Myrna Elliott with Jim Palmer
C. Davis photo

The show will be running in the Allied Arts Council Gallery from 10 am to 5 pm Tuesday to Saturday until Friday, August 31.

Allied Arts website: www.pinchercreekarts.com

The Lebel Mansion is located at 696 Kettles Street, Pincher Creek