When painter Pauline Nadeau Evans moved to Nanoose Bay in 2010 she was eager to meet like minded artists and continue her practice.
That search led her to the Nanoose Bay Studio Tour group, an organization of around 20 artists that for the past 10 years has been opening its studios doors to the public at Thanksgiving and Christmastime.
“Coming from an art group in the Lower Mainland I was anxious to get involved again and [looking for] an opportunity to show my art and be able to sell it and just the camaraderie with fellow artists,” said Nadeau Evans, who now serves as studio tour co-ordinator.
“It’s really helped me to meet more people in the community a lot faster and share art ideas.”
Over the years Nadeau Evans has seen members come and go. This year six new artists have joined the group, including renowned Parksville-based glass artist Robert Held. There are currently 23 artists in the group working in media like paint, pottery, wood, metal and photography.
Those artists will be under one roof on April 28 and 29 when they gather for the annual Studio Showcase exhibition and sale at Nanoose Place. Nadeau Evans said the group has been holding the springtime kickoff event for the past five years.
“They decided that they would have the first event of the year in the spring to be one show in Nanoose Place [where] all the studios had an opportunity to show their art because many of the studios are scattered throughout Nanoose Bay so it was hard sometimes on the studio tour to have everybody go and see everybody’s work,” she explained.
Admission to the showcase is by donation with proceeds benefitting Nanoose Community Services. The latest studio guide will also be available, providing information about this year’s group of artists.
As for Nadeau Evans, she will be attending the showcase armed with acrylic paintings, prints and note cards that depict floral displays and Nanoose Bay scenery.
WHAT’S ON … The 2018 Nanoose Bay Studio Showcase takes place at Nanoose Place on Saturday, April 28 and Sunday, April 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission by donation.
arts@nanaimobulletin.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter