The public is invited to the opening of a major new exhibition featuring nine B.C. artists at the Campbell River Art Gallery Friday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m.
Gallery Curator Liz Larsen Stoneberger put out a call for works early this year from local artists who wanted to tackle the subject of Devastating Beauty. Larsen Stoneberger’s concept is that although we are surrounded by immense natural beauty on Vancouver Island, environmental and societal ills can devastate our surroundings.
The artists whose works were chosen for the new show are from Campbell River, Quadra Island, Cortes Island, the Sunshine Coast and other parts of B.C., so they know our stunning landscapes intimately, as well as our potential to negatively impact our environment.
“The premise of ‘Devastating Beauty’ is the revelation of these unseen and sometimes purposefully overlooked harsh realities,” Larsen Stoneberger said. “Working in a variety of mediums and styles, the artists selected for this exhibition have created pieces that speak directly to the theme, dealing with unsettling issues like homelessness, environmental abuse and urban sprawl.”
Artists featured in the exhibition include Leanne Longeway, Bob McLeod and Carol Seeley of Campbell River, Richard Calver and John Schevers of Quadra Island, Kristen Scholfield-Sweet of Cortes Island, Meghan Hildebrand of Powell River, Annerose Georgeson of Vanderhoof and Cat Fink of Alexis Creek and Victoria. Larsen Stoneberger said she is elated at the wide variety of styles and visions presented by each artist.
“The exhibition showcases regional talent, allowing for wonderful juxtapositions of artists who perhaps would not normally have the opportunity to exhibit together,” she said.
The Curator’s Invitational will be at the Campbell River Art Gallery, in both the Main and Discovery Galleries, from Sept. 23 to Oct. 28. The work in the exhibition will be offered for rent and/or for sale, as part of the Gallery’s Art Rental program. The exhibition is sponsored by the Friends of the Campbell River Art Gallery.
Staff and volunteers look forward to welcoming the public to see the exhibition and meet many of the artists at the opening reception for ‘Devastating Beauty’ Friday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. For more information, call the Campbell River Art Gallery at 250-287-2261, email contact@crartgallery.ca or visit www.crartgallery.ca