New York artist Lisa Samphire takes centre stage at The Avenue Gallery this month.
Samphire began her glass blowing career in 1985. Since then she has produced a diverse body of work, which includes private and public, sculptural and functional pieces. Lisa has been recognized and applauded for her work, receiving numerous awards scholarships, teaching appointments and commissions. She takes inspiration for her Murrini series from Hundertwasser’s buildings in Vienna and New Zealand. Lisa’s ability to bring a new vitality and approach to her medium year after year is due in part to her ongoing education at The Pilchuk School and The Corning Glass Museum.
The Avenue Gallery showcases Samphire June 23 to 30 and introduces William Liao July 1 to 8.
Annabelle Marquis presents her much-anticipated third solo exhibition in Victoria at West End Gallery. A Montreal based artist, now sought for collections around the world, her paintings are unique and commanding. Using mixed media collage with gold leaf she is equally happy painting purely abstract or figurative work. Striking colours and strong design are at the heart of her pieces and draw each viewer further in to her world.
“Until you spread your wings, you’ll have no idea how far you can fly,” Marquis says. “This is the sentiment that I wish to express via my paintings; each holds it within, whether it be through a symbol displayed in the collage or by the theme of the painting itself. I hope these paintings will take you as far as they’ve taken me, or maybe even further.
Spread Your Wings is on display June 16 to 28 with a reception June 16 with artist in attendance from 1 to 4 p.m. at West End Gallery.
World-renowned celebrity marine wildlife mural artist Robert Wyland hosts a free mural painting demonstration and NatureSketch event outside Steamship Terminal’s Inner Harbour on June 8 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in partnership with the Robert Bateman Centre to support World Oceans Day and a plastic free sea.
Learn how to draw an orca along with Wyland as he demonstrates his techniques on a giant canvas for the crowd. The public has the opportunity to ‘Pledge the Painting’ on the Vancouver Aquarium OceanWise “Plastic Wise Pledge” to learn how to save our oceans and marine life from the hazards of plastic debris by becoming plastic free. The original Wyland canvas will be auctioned off to the highest bidder in an online auction with proceeds to support the Robert Bateman Foundation Nature Sketch program, the Wyland Foundation, and Eagle Wing Tours 1% For the Planet.
Wyland is docking at the Ogden Point Harbour for a few hours on the Norweign Bliss Cruise Ship’s maiden voyage from Seattle to promote his latest mural blessing that he painted on the ship’s hull.
He joins the public at the Robert Bateman Centre dockside at 5:30 p.m. for a live painting demonstration to share his passion of promoting, protecting and preserving the world’s oceans, waterways, and marine life for future generations.
The Wyland Foundation encourages environmental awareness through education programs, public arts projects, and community events such as the World Oceans Day and the “Plastics Wise Pledge” being held in conjuntion with the Robert Bateman Centre. Wyland is best known in Victoria for his 130 ft. long x 7 story high Whaling Wall titled “A-5 Pod” on Wharf Street, created in memory of Robin Morton. VIP speakers and partners for this World Oceans Day celebration will include: Songhees Nation Leaders, ocean plastics expert Professor Calvin Sandborn, The Surfrider Foundation, Eagle Wing Tours, V2V and OceanWise. All Nature Sketch materials will be included during this free family friendly event.
For more information about this event, other programs and memberships at the Robert Bateman Centre visit www.batemancentre.org
A Guthrie Gloag solo exhibition takes centre stage with “Instinct” at Madrona Gallery through June 16.
The show includes 10 new wildlife and figurative sculptures inspired by B.C. coastal wildlife.
“The process of creating these sculptures for my second solo show with Madrona Gallery felt instinctual,” he said. “Through my work in the field of biology and my own explorations, I’ve had the opportunity to see wolves, bears, and other animals in the mountains and coastlines of British Columbia.
These moments, though fleeting at times, deeply impacted my life.
I hope that by creating representations of those encounters, others will see my respect and reverence for nature, and experience an echo of what I felt seeing these animals in the wild.”
Skimming the Water a paddle exhibition opens Saturday at Alcheringa Gallery.
In an artistic context, Northwest Coast paddles have evolved from tradition and function into a method for artists to interpret their style onto a truly unique ‘canvas’. This exhibition pairs emerging artists alongside renowned artists, in an attempt to examine the contemporary art form.
The opening reception is June 9 at 2 p.m.
The exhibit runs June 9 to 30 at Alcheringa, 621 Fort St.
The ArtSea Spring Studio Tour hits the Saanich Peninsula June 9 and 10.
Visit 21 of the Saanich Peninsula’s finest artist in their studios. This is a self guided tour, and runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
Brochure-maps and details are available online at artsea.ca
