Art in the Office.

The artwork of Mary Jane Jessen

We are fortunate to be working in the office today, the artwork of Gabriola's own Mary Jane Jessen is going up on our walls (at Coast Realty) and it looks stunning!  The captivating images of spawning salmon are timed perfectly as we are nearing September.  If you'd like to view these images, stop by the office at #1-575 North Road.  To find out more about the artist, visit http://www.maryjanejessen.com/.

Valentines on Gabriola, it's a special treat!

LOVE squared.

Mending the Heart - Tina Lynch

Special Delivery - Tina Lynch













It opens tonight, the perfect place to treat your self on Valentines !  Walk in the door of Sheila Norgate's "Keep Calm" gallery and set your eyes on 76 square feet of local art created by 50 artists.  The studio will be bursting at the seams, holding in this much love in one room isn't for the faint at heart.  All works are 12 x 12 and priced at $225. 

Cards ! we have a few extra

We just received some cards today and we'd be happy to share some with  you.  If you have a little note that you want to send to someone, just swing by the office and pick one up.

FORAGE: Gathering Artistic Ideas on Gabriola

Gabriola is a great place to delight in the artistic endeavours of the local residents. We were royally treated this past week to an influx of talented artists from near and far for a three day event “Forage” at Feedlot Studios. This community of about 50-60 artists was inclusive, open, sharing and supportive and I really had the sense that the participants of Forage wanted to create success for each other. It was a chance to look at the business side of art, something that often seems overlooked and taboo to discuss. Mariko & Bryan McCrae of Feedlot studios organized this enriching event and brought in the talents and generosity of The Surf and MadRona’s who hosted the evening presentations.

Gabriola Recycles

 On Gabriola we are so fortunate to have GIRO, the Gabriola Island Recycling Organization.  As a result the most popular days on the island tend to be Wednesday & Saturday's - when GIRO opens their doors to the public to their "re-store" a place where you can find special treasures of once loved items...

On trip their recently I was on the hunt for a hard case suitcase that I could use as a mobile art case - and with the hint of a friend, I stumbled upon a hardshelled old make up case.  Of course, it had seen better days, but a good washing, and deconstructing the gold lamay interior and a few coats of paint - oh, yeah and a little help from the artist in the family, Tina Lynch, and voila....

I can't wait to sport this - maybe during Gabriola's art week festival at the end of April beginning of May.

See you next time at GIRO...

We Live on an Island...

It's pretty evident that someone likes boating! I know this isn't the best photo, but I just had to take it and share with you. The creativity that went into creating this is freeing and it really has to put a smile on your face when your driving, to see such a creation. On the side of the "vehicle" are tire fenders, there are planters off the porch in the back and of course every ship needs a mermaid.


Just one of the joys of living on an Island! (this was from the big island, Nanaimo)

Published...

Ok, another bragging & proud daughter moment...

I was at the newstand yesterday, when I remember that the newest issue of Cloth * Paper * Scissors was out, I was curious as a year ago they had a contest for designing minature mixed media homes which Randi had entered. I immediately opened up the magazine to find the home sweet home feature section, and noticed that after hundreds of entries they narrowed it down to 95 homes that they featured in a 7 page spread - and sure enough mom's house made the cut (page 79 bottom row 2nd one in).
(No surprise to anyone who knows mom, that even in her crafts her love of real estate is evident - as per the home sweet home.)

Congratulations!

Flocking to the Gabriola Studio Tour

Ok, here we go. A new flock of 20 Junk BIrds just flew into the studio in time for the Gabriola Thanksgiving Studio Tour. Come visit studio #22, 2635 Islands View Drive to find the perfect bird for you. Randi has been busy making encaustic cards, Jennifer has been creating jewellery, funky sculptures and hand sewn gifts, and I've got lots of original paintings on display. Submitted by : Tina Lynch

Gabriola STUDIO TOUR . OCT 8-10

The Gabriola Studio Tour is quickly approaching and will be held over the Thanksgiving weekend, Oct 8, 9, & 10. I love the tour, it's a great time to meet people, check out studios, talk with other artists and there is a great vibe on the Island during the weekend. We've been busy creating pieces all year long and hope that you find the time to pop on by. If you fall in love with the Island while your here, we'd be more than pleased to find you a place to live! Submitted by: Tina Lynch

"STAMP" Art Show opens THURSDAY June 30

Join us this thursday at the Artworks annual object show. Each year Artworks gives out 30 "objects" as a starting off point for artists working in various mediums, every year the pieces are vibrant, stunning and diverse. It's amazing to see the way that 30 people view the same object in such unique ways. The show opens at 7pm @ Artworks (on Gabriola) this Thursdsay June 30. The three Lynch gals have all done a piece for this years show "STAMP" and we hope to see you there! Submitted by : Tina Lynch.

Atworks - Just in time for Valentines

The annual Erotica show opens up this Thursday on Feb 3 at 7pm at Artworks in the Folklife Village on Gabriola. It's always a bit of a risque show with lots of on the edge art and its all about Valentines. You'll see some racy art, lots of skin and may want to partake in the wine tasting going on. It's a good time, they do warn that parental discretion is advised (I"d have to agree). If you get a chance to go, check out my piece "she liked to play dress up", she's the first doll I've made and she's ready for some fun.

Submitted by : Tina Lynch

Gabriola Treasures!

I love going for walks on the beach anytime, in the rain or sun, although sunshine is preferred. A neighbour and I went down with the kids last week and it was beautiful. Not only did we get some fresh air, the kids got to run free and explore the beach, but I also found this beautiful door. I was so excited, as were the kids with the shells and rocks they found. I took it home to enjoy and just love the worn colours and the anchor, now I'm waiting to decide what to create with it although I may just hang it up as it is, the perfect little beach treasure. Posted by Tina Lynch.

Gabriola Winter Art Affair (GWAA)

Mariko McCrae & Sylvie Milman have been working to gather a group of over 30 artists together to open their studios just before Christmas. It's a great opportunity to pick up any items left on your list and of course to buy a few items for yourself to tuck under the tree. This is bound to be a success and we invite you to come to the Island and visit as many of the studios as you can.

Here's a little more info from the event organizers:

2010 Gabriola Winter Art Affair (GWAA)
Saturday, December 18, 11- 5 p.m.

We are pleased to announce the inaugural launch of the 2010 Gabriola Winter Art Affair (GWAA). This year we will be hosting over 30 local artists working in a variety of mediums such as glass, ceramics, jewelry, woodworking, painting, sculpture and textiles. In addition, some of our studios will be featuring accessories such as homemade soaps and apothecaries. Be it an item big or small we assure you that each is made with the utmost care and craftsmanship making each purchase the perfect gift for the ones you love the most.

Located just 20 minutes by ferry from Downtown Nanaimo, you can pick up a Gabriola Art Affair map at Artworks in the Folklife Village Slice of Life Gallery in the Madrona’s Shopping Centre or any participating artist’s studio. All of the artists’ studios are indicated by a an easy-to-spot Igloo poster!

For more information you may contact Sylvie Milman at jupiterranch@shaw.ca or Mariko McCrae at mariko.feedlotstudios@gmail.com

Enjoy a getaway to the “Isle of the Arts” this holiday season… we hope you enjoy!

Gabriola - Thanks for Giving!

Tina and I would like to welcome you to our stuido (#20) during the upcoming Thanksgiving weekend. We've got a fresh array of new works to share with you, something for your walls, your table, your mantle and you! The studio will be open from 10-4 (Oct 9-11).

Stream of Dreams an ECO-EDUCATION PROGRAM reaches Gabriola !

If you went past the school today, you may have noticed a bright new addition to the fence outside the Gabriola Elementary School. This week the students & homeschoolers were lucky to have the opportunity to participate in the stream of dreams. Volunteers worked hard to cut out wooden fish, Stream of Dream instructors presented a talk about watersheds, and then the students got to paint the fish. Today another group of volunteers were busy arranging the fish on the fence helping to create a community art legacy and reminder of environmental responsibility.

The Trades on Gabriola

You’ll find that there are so many great ideas and ways to make things on the Island. Many people that live here, have the “back to the land” philosophy and are open to sharing their ideas with you. Recently I was approached to teach a special art project to some of the homeschoolers on the Island, and in trade, one of the parents from the group is going to show a few friends and myself how to make a pattern from our kid’s drawings and turn them into stuffed animals (this takes two Christmas items off my list).
I also have a trade lined up from one of the jewelers on the Island. This might be one of the easiest years for checking coveted items off my Christmas list. Getting to give gifts that are created locally is a gift to the local economy and creates a fantastic story to go with it.

Keep on trading ! (submitted by: Tina Lynch)

Art : The Local Buzz

Well, if you we're out on the Gallery Tour during this past weekend you will have noticed that a lot of studios had a great energy buzz happening. After a 6 year break from being on the tour (2 children born during this time), I was excited and nervous to go back on. This is what my studio/living room (#14 on the tour) looked like for the weekend. If your looking at coming to the Island to immerse yourself in the arts and develop your own artistic endeavours, then I'd have to say this is the right place to do it. The tour was great, I met a lot of people, had a great time, appreciated the feedback and made some sales. I have a lot to be thankful for and I'll be back on again next year.

My 6 yr old daughter, displayed a few paintings and made 4 sales, proof of the supportive community here.

Childcare Options on the Island

If you’re looking for the perfect place for your tiny tot on Gabriola there are a few options to consider:

Hope Center offers a few options, they have a daycare, preschool and after school programs. You can visit their website at www.gabriolahopecentre.com or phone them at 250.247.8730. They are located in the North End of Gabriola near the Elementary school and Village.

Perry Road Preschool is in the South End of the Island and is open on Monday and Wednesday mornings for 2.5-5yr olds, Christine Watt is ECE trained and can be reached at 250.247.7478.

Gabriola Co-Op Preschool is run out of the Community Hall in the South End of Gabriola and is held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. If you’d like more information leave a message at 250.247.9292.

Private you’ll also find people that will care for your children in your home, if you’re looking for some names let me know, I’d be happy to pass them along.

You’ll find lots of activities posted on the bulletin boards and in the Sounder to keep your little one busy, some are run privately and other are run through the Gabriola Recreation Society (www.gabriolarecreation.org). These include, swimming lessons (summer only), gymnastics, yoga, and art and dance classes.