The theme for the Nanaimo Art Council’s online winter exhibition allowed for a kaleidoscope of interpretations.
‘All Things Patterned and Sparkling,’ which shows 13 various pieces of artwork by 10 different artists, can be viewed online at www.nanaimoartscouncil.ca in the Sun Star Gallery until Jan. 31.
Amber Morrison, art council president, said the group wanted to keep the theme broad and open to the community.
“It’s kind of referential to many winter holidays, but at the same time, it’s also it’s own thing,” she said.
While some artists took a more traditional approach, such as with Dana Smiley’s Winter on SSI (Salt Spring Island), the art council president said others took the route of abstraction and focused on a patterned or textured element.
“The variety was definitely the motivator in choosing an ‘outside of the box’ theme. And it looks like a lot of people picked up on that,” she said.
In recent exhibitions, Morrison noted that the art council has seen more digital work with online shows, such as with Micki Findlay’s Pittoresco Villaggio.
“It’s an interesting combination – it’s not just regular photography. A lot of these folks are working from a photographic basis. So, it’s kind of like a playful version of photography, one that almost incorporates collage.”
As with all online shows, artists are given the opportunity to sell their work in the exhibit.
To offer better accessibility to the community at large, membership to the Nanaimo Art Council is now offered on a sliding scale from $0-$25 annually. Members are welcome to make submissions for online shows, which Morrison said the council plans on holding every few months in 2023. She also said the council plans to launch calls for submissions for both online and in-person shows early in the year.
READ MORE: More than 40 artists to participate in Nanaimo Art Walk this weekend
mandy.moraes@nanaimobulletin.com
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