The Lake Ontario Waterkeeper Gala took place Thursday April 21 at the CBC Building in Toronto. This amazing event involves a live and silent auction of incredible artwork donated by artists to raise funds for this significant and worthy cause. My donation “Our Island” sold for nearly double its listed value!! I had a terrific evening, met lots of incredible people who are striving to protect the Great Lakes, and feel honoured to have contributed to such an important initiative. Please visit the Waterkeeper site to learn more.
Some small paintings from early April
Maynooth
In February I moved from my long time home in Toronto, and to a perfect little house in the lovely little town of Maynooth, north of Bancroft, near Algonquin Park. The house was formerly the busy and successful pottery studio and gallery of potter Karen Gray. I will be operating in much the same way as Karen, with the main floor of the house devoted to my new business Black Spruce Art Works. My work, as well as work by a select few Ontario landscape artists will be on display in the gallery and available for purchase. Visitors are welcome into my studio to view work in progress and to gain a bit of insight into the creative process. Eventually I will offer workshops and classes.
Maynooth is a vibrant and creative community, home to many artists and artisans, and home as well to several galleries, antique, vintage and up-cycling shops. I couldn’t be happier in my new place. I am now living in the environment that so inspires the work that I do. And the town is brimming with many kind, supportive and enormously creative folks. I love it.
This is a very exciting and busy phase for me! My studio is arranged nicely — I’m now in full production mode for upcoming shows — and the gallery is starting to take shape. My sign designs are getting finalized, and I expect to open the gallery within the next month — aiming for a grand opening on the Victoria Day Weekend, May 21 to 23.
The address is 32945 Hwy 62 Maynooth K0L 2S0. If you are ever in the area — even if my signs aren’t up yet — please stop in and say hi! I will be keeping regular gallery hours throughout the summer. Maynooth is a terrific destination town, with a great café, amazing butter tart shop, cool old-school hotel and B & B in town, and is nearby to Algonquin and Lake St Peter Provincial Parks with spectacular camping.
I’ll be posting regular updates on my progress, and a couple exterior pics once the snow is gone and my signage is installed!
I’m looking forward to a terrific and busy summer in my amazing new space.
New work from Kingsway-Lambton show and sale
I had a great time at the Kingsway-Lambton United Church Art Show & Sale yesterday, Saturday April 9. Turnout was terrific, and all the folks are so kind and supportive. Here are images of some of my larger pieces from the show, smaller ones to follow soon.