Claudia Cojocar
Contributor
“Something Fantastical” opens at the Hope Arts Gallery this Saturday.
The work of Hope artist Verda McAffer will be featured in the back room until Nov. 28. Her paintings are inspired by nature, based in realism, and emphasize colour and light. She works in watercolour, acrylic, oil and pastel. McAffer has loved painting and drawing all of her life. She has participated in workshops in Canada, the U.S. and New Zealand. When asked if her work makes a social statement, she said she wants to encourage people to “be aware of our fragile environment and to be responsible in preserving this beautiful earth and it’s inhabitants”.
In looking at McAffer’s work one is struck by the use of colour, sometimes vibrant, sometimes calm and serene, sometimes warm, sometimes cool but always drawing people into the emotion of her painting.
“I am a lover of growing things, and awed by the diversity of nature,” she said.
Showing along with McAffer’s paintings will be a variety of handcrafted “Art Dolls” and sculptures created by local artists. Crafted out of paper, wool, clay, cloth recycled items and more, these works are a display of the artists’ imagination.
There will be an opening reception on Nov. 1 from 2-4 p.m. at the Hope Arts Gallery, 349 Fort St.
For more information, contact the Hope & District Arts Council at hopearts@telus.net or 604-869-3400, or the Hope Arts Gallery at 604-869-2408.
