Memories of Minter, featuring a collection of pieces in photo art by Sandra McMartin opens April 4 at the Kariton Art Gallery in Abbotsford.
The show, which memorializes the beauty of Minter Gardens – once one of the most beautiful gardens in the world – is presented by the Abbotsford Arts Council.
Since opening its gates in May 1980, Minter Gardens had been a popular destination for gardening enthusiasts of all ages. However, in more recent years, the attraction felt the pressure of declining tourism and a changing climate. Together, these factors significantly impacted the long-term viability of operating an outdoor destination garden, and the Minter family decided to close the 32-acre show garden on October 14, 2013.
In Memories of Minter, Sandra McMartin captures many moments of beauty and diversity at this former landmark destination in the Fraser Valley.
Although she has owned a camera for most of her adult life, McMartin has only been using one as a tool for personal expression for the last few years. McMartin’s photography has won awards in the Canadian Association of Photographic Art (CAPA) Print Competition, the Lions Gate Celebration of Nature Competition and the Northwest Council of Camera Clubs Audio Visual Competition.
Memories of Minter will run from April 4 to 29 at the Kariton Art Gallery, located in Mill Lake Park at 2387 Ware Street. The gallery’s hours are Tuesday to Friday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday to Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sandra McMartin will be present at an opening reception on Sunday, April 6, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Non-perishable food donations for the Abbotsford Food Bank will be accepted at the Kariton Art Gallery throughout the exhibition.
For additional information, contact the Abbotsford Arts Council by phone at (604) 852-9358, by email at abbotsfordartscouncil@gmail.com, or visit abbotsfordartscouncil.org.
