The Old School House Arts Centre (TOSH) is hosting the first ever showing in Qualicum Beach of Signature Status artists from the Federation of Canadian Artists (FCA). The FCA is a community of artists and art lovers, founded in 1941 by a influential artists including the Group of Seven’s Lawren Harris.
It continues as a non-profit organization with chapters throughout Canada dedicated to raising standards and pushing artists to greater achievements.
Supporting Memberships are available to everyone who loves art and would like to learn more about artists, their work and planned events and courses. To participate in juried shows artists can apply for Active Membership and established artists can apply for Signature Status.
The Oceanside area is home to many of these artists, including Don Farrell who was elected as a full member of the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colour in 1984 and to the Royal Society of British Artists in 1986 when he also became an FCA senior member. He has exhibited at the Royal Academy in London as well as art fairs in London and New York.
Another local FCA Signature Status member is Donna Baspaly. Her art career spans more than thirty years and is in five art galleries in B.C. She has exhibited in Japan, Australia and the U.S.
Also from the Oceanside area is Sherry Mitchell, who has been a botanical watercolour photorealist and illustrator for 40 years and has received awards for her work regionally, nationally and internationally over the past 25 years.
Brent Lynch, a powerful landscape and figurative painter, has enjoyed an influential and award-winning career in the arts and is also among these artists.
Also included from our area are Therese Johnston, Bonnie Luchtmeijer and Marilyn Coons.
The exhibition is open now until September 10. TOSH will also host an exhibition of the local chapter (Arrowsmith Chapter) of the FCA from October 11 to November 4.
— Submitted by The Old School House Arts Centre
