The Federation of Canadian Artists will host a four-day fine art show in Nanaimo, where visitors will be able to see work from some of the area’s best artists.
Charlotte Mougeot, president of the organization’s Nanaimo chapter, said the show gives locals a reason to be proud of artists in their community.
“One of the attractions on Vancouver Island is the number of wonderful artists on the Island. You go everywhere, there are artists who have studios – there’s potters, there’s sculptors, painters and it’s the one opportunity where people can see so much in one location of all those artists,” she said.
The show will be at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre from Nov. 14-17 and will feature about 50 artists and more than 120 paintings. It is a juried show, meaning artists submitted pieces one to two months in advance for a selection process.
“We have artists mostly from Nanaimo but we have a few artists from Duncan, we have a few artists from Port Alberni, Qualicum Beach. Because there is no place to show art really in Nanaimo, this is it. This is our kick at the can,” Mougeot said.
She added there are several artists in the show of national reputation and there will be a variety of oil, acrylic and watercolour pieces. Artists were encouraged this year to submit some smaller pieces to have more affordable art at the show.
“There is a lot of Island-specific art but there is also a lot of abstract; there is a lot of storytelling,” Mougeot said. “I am always surprised by the quality, the diversity, people who are pushing the edge a little bit – the edge of their skills.”
Mougeot encourages anyone who is interested in art to check out the show, specifically young artists who may be curious about fine art shows.
“It’s free, it’s indoor in November and just to come and escape your world and your reality for an hour and just come and be surprised, be charmed,” she said. “Just look at something beautiful. Something that will start conversations.”
The artist federation's Nanaimo chapter is run by volunteers and this year it is celebrating its 35th anniversary.
“I think it's quite an achievement that one group has survived 35 years and we now have 105 members. So we are more than surviving, we are thriving so that’s something I am very proud of because I have been very active with this group,” Mougeot said.
Seven artists will be on site to engage with visitors at any given time and the show will also feature a 50/50 draw. It will run from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. between Nov. 14-17.
