Illustrated talk about illustrations

Pair of artists give free talk at Surrey Art Gallery Oct. 11.

Cover of Butterfly Dreams, by Trudy Davies.

Cover of Butterfly Dreams, by Trudy Davies.

Imagine stories through the eyes of a child.

Surrey Art Gallery Association is presenting an illustrated talk and hands-on activity by Surrey-based author and illustrator Trudy Davies titled Surprise Yourself on Thursday, Oct. 11 at 7:30 p.m.

Davies will be joined by Carmen Bright, a graduate of Emily Carr University of Art and Design. Bright and Davies will show some of their illustrations, and guide those in attendance through the experience of creating their own illustration inspired by one of Davies’ poems. Admission is free.

Self-taught, Trudy Davies has painted as a hobby for almost 35 years. The illustrations in her book Butterfly Dreams: Milo’s Adventure have been described as beautiful, innocent, childlike, vibrant, colourful, spontaneous, and joyful. Enthusiastic feedback from hundreds of school children motivated Davies to find a way for her book to be available as soon as possible, leading her to pursue a non-traditional approach to publishing.

Other artistic ventures that Davies has pursued include selling art cards and her poems to raise funds for local charities, and submitting her poetry and artwork for an international interfaith symposium on theology and ecology that was held in Surrey this June.

Carmen Bright has delighted in art since childhood, and has a keen desire to illustrate children’s books. She draws multiple images again and again until one in particular appeals to her most then allows her intuition to guide her. She has been involved in community art projects such as Lest We Forget mural (beside the Surrey Museum), Surrey School Board Centennial Mural, and Bell Centre for Performing Arts mural.

There will be time for questions and conversation during and following the talk. The event concludes by 9 p.m. Refreshments are provided. This event is presented by the Surrey Art Gallery Association in partnership with the Surrey Art Gallery, and with support from the Arts Council of Surrey.

Surrey Art Gallery Association (SAGA) is a non-profit society that offers its members the opportunity to participate in and respond to contemporary art, and be part of a community that actively supports the Surrey Art Gallery.

Surrey Art Gallery is located at 13750 88 Ave. Phone 604-501-5566 or check www.surrey.ca/arts.

Surrey Now Leader