www.markpenneygallery.com

PRESS RELEASE

Fish, Ships, & Lost Treasures
Art Exhibition
March 6 – 16th, 2010

From Saturday, March 6th to Tuesday, March 16th, the Mark Penney Gallery in Ucluelet welcomes the whales with the Art Exhibition Fish, Ships, & Lost Art Treasures.
The gallery, located in Whiskey Landing, is “a place you discover by accident,” says owner, Mark Penney. “The gallery, like Ucluelet, is a real hidden gem.”
A gem of an art exhibition it will be with world renowned artists such as Canadian icon and National Gallery artist, Ken Kirkby, who was the first artist to have an unveiling in the House of Commons, Physicist and painter Rob Elphinstone, Charles Churchill Villiers and well known local artist, Marla Thirsk, are just a few of the acclaimed artists releasing new work.
Many know Marla’s work from her local mural work on the West Coast and as the creator of the ‘Art in the Gardens’ festival held each September at the Tofino Botanical Gardens, not to mention being a driving force behind ‘Artists-in-Action’ during the Whale Festival.
“I was really honored to be asked to showcase my new series at the Mark Penney Gallery,” says Thirsk. “This series, was inspired by old photographs from the 1930’s to 1960’s that my mother had. As my mum passed away 25 years ago, it will be quite a poignant moment for me.”
Modern artist Charles Churhill Villiers, son of famed inventor Amherst Villiers and relation to Lady Veronica Milner, regrets not being able to personally be at the show as he is beginning a gallery tour in England, “but my heart will be there.”
“The series that I will be showcasing at the gallery has not been seen before. I did the work, Mark printed it. I had the series framed, crated up and sent to England for an exhibition there, but it got lost in transit and traveled the high seas for awhile, before finally being returned to Vancouver Island, where they remained unopened and un-exhibited,” adds Villiers.
The irony of the exhibition’s name, Fish, Ships, & Lost Art Treasures, was not lost on Villiers.
“It seems appropriate,” says Charles. “I love Ucluelet and the West Coast…what a wonderful place to release my own lost treasure.”
Other artists include such famous names as Joan Larson, Peggy Burkosky, Bruce Muir, and more.
The Mark Penny Gallery will be open, 7 days per week, 10 am to 5 pm.
Free Admission. For more information, visit www.markpenneygallery.com for a full list/biography of artists, and a preview of some of the art.

Kunamokst, a collaborative mural project with paintings contributed by some 200 artists was unveiled recently. (recent post)

Rob Elphinstone is one of the participating artists. There are many talented artists from this region, what an interesting way to show them. Best, I felt is the meet the Artists page, a brilliant way of getting introduced to a few artists I wasn’t familiar with an reacquainted with some I hadn’t seen in some time.

The Arrival by Bruce Muir
24″x30″ Oils on Canvas
$2900

A Humpback Whale during it’s annual migration past Vancouver Island. There’s a lot we can glean from this portrait; we know the whale’s species, we can see it’s heading westward, and the proximity to shore. The weather and fog is well known to this part of the island. What strikes me is this; You can often see exactly this upper portion of the painting, but here, Bruce Muir shows you the part you can only imagine from the glimpses you catch from above the water’s surface.

Kunamokst – Coastal Inspirations Mural Mosaic Unveiling

Coast and Trees 12″x12″ Oils, plate 81 of Coastal Inspirations Mural Mosaic by Rob Elphinstone

For the last year and a half over 200 of some of Canada’s finest artists from along the west coast have collaborated to create a stunning 12 foot x 21 foot mural. The mural has been invited to be officially unveiled as part of the 2010 Winter Games. It is comprised of 231, 12 inch x 12 inch original paintings that when all the images are combined together a united image comes to life. There are no digital effects and the artists did not know each other or know what the united final image would be. It is a mural about unity through diversity – a great symbol of the Olympic ideals through art.

Kunamokst – Coastal Inspirations Mural Mosaic combines artists as young as 16 years old to artists as old as 91. Nanaimo artist, Rob Elphinstone, has contributed a piece entitled “Coast and Trees”. There are first nations artists, world renowned artists, French Canadian artists and artists from various regions along the coast. World renowned first nations artists like Roy Henry Vickers and April White contributed to the mural. As did Iconic Canadian artist Robert Bateman. Many other of the 200 artists, have been featured on the world stage as well. Special guests artists include California world renowned whale muralist WYLAND and California muralist Judy Baca.

Mural Links-
www.muralmosaic.com/kunamokst.html

Winter Games web page
westvancouver.ca coverage of the mural

Kunamokst – Coastal Inspirations Mural Mosaic

Mural Unveiling Saturday, February 13th, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
West Vancouver Spirit Square – an official 2010 Celebration Site
West Vancouver Community Centre (Art Studio), 2121 Marine Drive, West Vancouver.
On Display from February 13th – February 28, 2010
10 AM – 5PM Daily, until 9PM Friday and Saturday.

Congratulations to all Island Artists who participated, among them: Rob Elphinstone, Elissa Anthony, Roy Henry Vickers, Gordon Henschel, Mark Hobson, Rohanna Laing, Peter Lawson, Martin Machacek, Christina Munck. What a great project

For 10 days during Whale Festival, March 6th – 16th, we’ll be exhibiting a group show consisting of 6 artists with special ties to Mark Penney Gallery.

Welcome the Whales, as they migrate past Ucluelet and join us for an Art Exhibition at Whiskey Landing featuring some of the area’s finest artists…

Inspired by history and the Art of Vancouver Island, this exhibit showcases Fish, Ships and Lost Art Treasures; the fish of Nile Creek – realist paintings by Ken Kirkby, a lost print series by Charles Churchill Villiers, the actualist paintings of Rob Elphinstone, a preview of Joan Larson’s Musical Ride Series, an exciting portrait series by Ucluelet’s Marla Thirsk. Whales, fish, and scenery by Bruce Muir, and more…

Three Fishers, Hoping by Ken Kirkby
40″x60″ Oils on canvas, c1980
$8000

Two Fishers, One Fish by Ken Kirkby
40″x60″ Oils on canvas. c1980
$8000

Dusk at Amphitrite Point by Teresa Knight
16.75″x15.75″ Acrylic on board, framed.
$400

The view from the Lighthouse at Amphitrite Point, Ucluelet looking south-west. The lighthouse loop af the Wild Pacific Trail, is one of the most remarkable spots on the entire west coast of Vancouver Island. Aside from the immediate beauty of the Peninsula itself; George Fraser and Crow Island, Jenny Reef. The views peek into the Broken Group Islands in Barkley Sound. On clear days you can see the mountain peaks of the Olympic Mountain Range, but one of the best parts is as pictured here… the stark contrast of the Open Pacific.

the Wild Pacific Trail by Teresa Knight
16.5″ x 23″ Acrylic on board, framed.
$600

Sunset on the trail is one of the highlights of a trip to Ucluelet. The pacific has a tendency to flatten out at dusk and even then, when the water is glossy smooth the odd set rolls in and breaks much bigger than the rest.

Sandy Tidal Pool by Bruce Muir
16″x20″ oils on canvas, framed.
$1800

A stunning portrait of Vancouver Island, there are thousands of tranquil little spots along the coastline, just like this. Star fish of many colors and varieties abound in the calm inshore waters of Barkley Sound. Masterfully painted, with many layers of glazing to build up the misty atmosphere depicted so well in this painting.

Harvest of Herring by Bruce Muir
20″x30″ oils on canvas, framed.
$2900

Hard at work in the herring skiff, these fishermen are a stark contrast to the rainy coastline. While the highlight of color draws our attention to life aboard the fishing vessel, we’re made conscious of the bounty of life shining as it comes aboard the skiff. The seine boat is beautifully rendered and I’m stunned by how beautiful the scene is.

Born in Vancouver, Bruce paints realistic portrayals of West Coast wildlife. Shown across Canada and around the world, his originals can be found in numerous public and private collections. Bruce has been named the B.C. Wildlife Federation Artist of the Year; twice. Muir salmon paintings are recognized in this area because his chinook salmon images have been used on Canada’s Sport Fishing License Stamp, several times.

Bruce Muir has become a premier Canadian landscape painter. Evolving from marine seascapes and wildlife, Bruce has been forging new territory, bringing a different viewpoint to British Columbian Landscapes.

Subjects rendered in an immersible perspective are the particular focus of Muir’s work. Choosing viewpoints that are ‘in’ the scene rather than ‘of’ the scene is his calling card. The light-play of sun on water reflecting and refracting on the aluminum bulwark of a commercial fishing vessel might not be a subject commonly held as ‘beautiful’ but Bruce recognizes it as such. Purposefully emotive over and under the surface of water depictions and bird’s eye views of intimate locations of coastal British Columbia have emerged in his recent works.

Bruce has pursued artistic endeavors since childhood with the support of his parents and teachers . At age 15, he became acquainted with Ken Kirkby, who was to become a major influence in his life and his artwork. By 1981 Bruce had devoted himself to painting full time. From that time until present Bruce Muir has participated in many showings of his work, produced 40 or more limited edition prints, won numerous competitions, and been the recipient of several awards including BC Wildlife Federation Artist of the Year and Trout Unlimited Canada’s Artist of the Year.

Posts tagged Bruce Muir

Transforming the World Mind by Jeff Edwards
Marble Sculpture
13″ x 10″ x 8″
sold (private collection)

This wonderful sculpture depicts a female africanized head and salamander … and these are some of the oldest symbols known to mankind.

Perhaps the most profound meanings of the salamander stem from observation in nature. The symbolism often deals with transformation, intuition and motion. Salamanders are symbolic of spirituality, emotion, shadows, secrets, dreams, intuition, camouflage and even psychic abilities.

The salamander comes to those who are in need of change in their lives. The salamander is an evolutionary feat to observe, and as such, it asks us to evolve in our own lives.

Jeff quarried the stone himself, as he frequently does from favored local marble deposits. Several pieces of sculpture came from this same piece of stone, although there is a remarkable color difference between the three I’ve seen.

Teresa Knight’s recent work is full of atmosphere – she imbues what she sees with the emotions the scenes evoke within her. The softness of her style and the subtlety with which she uses colour help create this almost mystical experience. The viewer enters a new and special place outside of normal time where words are not necessary, but where experience is shared.

Teresa has been an artist for many years, and had a love for animals for as long. She got started in art when she and her sisters would pass rainy days at the cottage by drawing and painting, and Teresa continued in art.

She obtained her B.A. in Studio Arts and Bachelor of Education in Art from the University of British Columbia and now paints and teaches painting out of her Union Bay studio.

Teresa exhibits her work at local and West Coast venues. She hopes, eventually, to use her paintings to raise money to improve the lives of overlooked animals

Exhibitions

Teresa’s paintings are available at:

• Cedar Corner Art Gallery in Tofino BC www.cedarcornerartgallery.com
• Leaving Impressions Gallery in Qualicum Beach BC
• Mark Penney Gallery in Ucluelet BC www.markpenneygallery.com

Selected pieces are also available through Art Sales and Rentals at the Vancouver Art Gallery. www.vanartgallery.bc.ca/about_services2.cfm and some of Teresa’s work is available as limited edition prints from Casa Collection info@casacollection.ca

Teresa’s website is featured at the Agora Gallery website in New York www.agora-gallery.com

• 2009 – Winner, Honorable Mention, NAVS 20th International Art for Animals Classic.
• 2008, 2009 – Participating Artist, Local Colours, Courtenay BC
• 2008, 2009 – Originals Only, Comox BC.
• 2008 – Exhibiting Artist, Nautical Days, Comox BC.
• 2008 – Member Artist, Woodland Gardens Juried Show.
• 2008 – “Art that Barks” – group show, Heaventree Galllery, Vancouver BC.
• 2007 – “Here and There” solo exhibition at the Pearl Ellis Gallery, Comox BC
• 2007- “Animals in the Human Landscape”, with Anne Birthistle, at Heaventree Gallery, Vancouver BC.
• 2005 – Winner Best in Show, “Arts in Context: History and Sense of Place” juried exhibition, Muir Gallery, Courtenay BC.
• 2002 – Columbia Street Studio, Vancouver – solo art show “Cats in Heaven”.
• 1999 – Community Arts Council of Vancouver Group Show UnderEXPOSED Photo-based art works.
• 1996-98 – Deborah Worsfold Gallery – gallery artist.
• 1997, 1998 – A Walk Is…, Vancouver “Artists Make Home Good” group show.
• 1984 – Agnes Jamieson Gallery, Haliburton, Ontario – solo show “Portraits”.
• 1983 – Knight Gallery, Toronto, “Portraits”.

Posts tagged Teresa Knight

Raven, Cayote’s World by Terry Jackson
Slip-Cast Porcelain Vessel 7.5″x4.75.5″x7.5″
$130

Raven and Coyote are both important characters in many Indian stories, as they symbolize the creative intelligence bestowed on us by the Creator.
I watch them almost every day and see them use their minds and instincts to not only survive but to create their own games just for fun.One of the attributes of this trickster mentality, however, is the propensity to sometimes be a little too smart for their own good.

-Terry Jackson

They’re collectible, and highly regarded as gift items. Each piece comes in it’s own form fitted, satin lined box.Raven

Congratulations Bobby and Jill, who got themselves married on New Years Eve.

There’s  a photo contest on at www.ucluelet.travel

I’d like to say I had some good shots to enter but the fact is ~ it’s been flat calm since the contest started. Not to worry, I’m sure we’ll get a few good days in before the Feb 15th deadline.

I’ll bet there’s going to be some people out on the beaches enjoying some storm watching …  I’m looking forward to seeing the photos caught by some of this area’s talented and well equipped photographers.

Play Rock-Paper-Scissors for !0% off. Anything in the gallery.
(It was a popular promotion last year so we’re running the same deal this fall.)

It’s a fun night for locals to stop by for a little wine and cheese. Take in some great art. Most businesses in town have some special sale or promotion on for the evening.

www.righttoknow.ca
Right to Know Week proclaimed by the British Columbia government

Victoria—David Loukidelis, the Information and Privacy Commissioner for British Columbia, expressed support for the BC government’s proclamation of September 28 to October 2 as “Right to Know Week” in BC. The proclamation recognizes that the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act grants British Columbians a right of access to information in the custody or control of public bodies and so ensures that citizens have an opportunity to participate meaningfully in the democratic process.

Still Waters by Teresa Knight

42″ x 42″ acrylic on wood panel

$1400

Teresa has been using, to great effect, wood paneling’s grain as an integral part of her paintings. She’s using washes of acrylic and embellishing it occasionally with oil based glazes. The results of her efforts are gorgeous paintings filled with subtleties.