What: Saltspring Island baskets and Canadian landscapes in acrylic
Where; Foyer Gallery, Squamish
When: all month
The Foyer Gallery is named for obvious reasons – it is the beautification of a large wall space in the entry, or shall I say foyer, of the Squamish Public Library.
A monthly rotation of artists, weavers, knitters, quilters and sculptors from high school to high end, show off their works at the popular hanging spot. The show is free, casual, with the artists themselves deciding what’s for sale and what’s not. The prices are very reasonable either way, but there is absolutely no pressure to buy. "Just enjoy" is the Foyer’s motto.
The current show features a superb collection of baskets by three Saltspring islanders – Lorna Cammaert, Donna Cochran and Joan Carrigan.
"They’ve gathered all sorts of beach style bits and pieces to make these unique conversation starters. Sweetgrass, kelp, cedar and arbutus bark, rush, copper and beads – anything that took the artists’ fancy as embellishments," said the Foyer Gallery’s boss Lloyd Solar. (Wife Fran also plays a big part in keeping the gallery in good order.)
"These three ladies all studied with internationally known basket makers and are extensively involved in teaching workshops and exhibiting their work," he said.
A colourful contrast to the Saltspring baskets are some bright acrylic works from Patricia Rust, an artist who grew up on a Saskatchewan farm but has lived in Surrey for the last 30 years. Rust studied art at the Emma Lake Art School and took classes through the Surrey Community Arts Council. She has had her paintings accepted in several juried art exhibitions in the Surrey area. Her favourite subjects are landscapes, old buildings and animals in their natural environment.
The Foyer Gallery is open during library hours every day except Friday and is located at 37907 2nd Avenue, in downtown Squamish. Ph: 604-892-3110.
