Jo Lechay’s PushMePullYou is an example of the type of work that Lechay will have on display at the Art Gallery starting next week.

Jo Lechay’s PushMePullYou is an example of the type of work that Lechay will have on display at the Art Gallery starting next week.

Two new art exhibitions open at Campbell River Art Gallery next week

The public is invited to the opening of two new exhibitions at the Campbell River Art Gallery Thursday, January 31 at 5:30 p.m.

The public is invited to the opening of two new exhibitions at the Campbell River Art Gallery Thursday, January 31 at 5:30 p.m.

The exhibition ‘Two Eyes, Five Legs, Right Hand Left Hand’ will take place in the Main Gallery and will feature the work of Hornby Island artist, Jo Lechay. Lechay injects the vigor and drama of her former career in con­temporary dance and theatre into her bold canvases. Her work has the dynamism and energy of both disciplines.

“I draw and paint best when improvising with my entire body,” says Lechay. “Using my left or right hand, and sometimes both at once.”

The pieces selected for the CRAG exhibition are a mix of large scale canvases and smaller works on Asian paper. Her subjects are often figu­rative and draw from a range of influences such as Expressionism, Inuit sculpture, and imaginary animals. Lechay’s show opens Thursday, Jan 31 at 5:30 p.m., with refreshments and an il­lustrated talk by the artist.

Also opening Thursday, January 31 will be artist Linda Walton’s exhibition ‘Cool Connections’ in the Discovery Gallery.

A graduate of Berkshire Col­lege of Art in England, Wal­ton is an avid photographer who has taught art and exhibited her work in a multitude of solo and group exhibitions. Her current exploration in photography focuses on the abstract in the naturalistic. Walton explores colours, shapes, and the element of surprise in the frozen landscapes of British Columbia. Photograph­ing and enlarging minute details, her nature-based photographs resemble abstractions more than realism. Walton will be giving two short ‘Walk and Talk’ tours of her work at the opening to discuss technique, inspiration, and answer questions.

Staff and volunteers at the Campbell River Art Gallery look forward to welcoming the public to meet the artists at the opening reception.

The Campbell River Art Gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, contact the Gallery at 250-287-2261 or by e-mail at contact@crartgallery.ca

Campbell River Mirror