Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Festive Frolic at Tay Gallery Kanata


Tay Gallery Kanata is exhibiting a nice mix of small and large paintings this month. Our Holiday show " Festive Frolic" , from November 22 until December 24th features many small and seasonal paintings great for gift giving. A varied mix of artwork is offered where you may find that perfect gem. New artwork is added throughout the month so visit frequently to see additions to the show. Featured artists include Anne Barkley, Heather Assaf, Karen Goetzinger, Stephen Rothwell, Charles Spratt, J Allison Robichaud, Martha Markowsky, Tricia Savoie, Paulette Sauve, Maureen Sheridan, J T Winik, Marianna Mikhaylyan, Elizabeth Elkin,John Stevenson,Gudrun Schutz,Suzanne Moxon, Monika Seidenbusch and Shirley Mancino. Tay Gallery Kanata is located at 471 Hazeldean Rd, corner of Castlefrank and Hazeldean in Kanata and open Monday - Saturday from 10 - 5 p.m. Visit the website at www.taygallerykanata.com for more information.


Visit Tay River Gallery in Perth Saturdays (12 - 5 p.m.) to view new additions to the gallery as well.... both large and small paintings on view.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Rhythm & Hues at Tay Gallery Kanata

This exciting show features the dynamic works of 4 regional artists : Elizabeth Elkin , Marianna Mikhaylyan , Shirley Mancino and Stephen Rothwell. The show runs until November 20th and is on display in Tay Gallery in Kanata at 471 Hazeldean Rd. New to gallery with this show, we are pleased to introduce and welcome Elizabeth Elkin and Marianna Mikhaylyan.

Elizabeth Elkin is a renowned professional artist with an international reputation, who searches for the most expressive and perfect medium and style of painting to create highly individual works of art. Over the span of thirty years, she utilizes her advanced painting skills to create superior quality paintings of still-lifes, cityscapes, landscapes, figurative, portraits and abstract paintings. The true innovation of her work lies in the power of her vibrant colors, her museum quality works of expressionist art and her unique style of cubism in which the painting only reveals its true complexity after careful viewing over time.

Elizabeth’s academic training spans over eight years of study at several post-secondary fine art institutions including university in Europe. She has experimented with various artistic forms, including expressionism, cubism, impressionism, abstract and realism.

Only recently, has Elizabeth returned from her art-study tour of the museums of Paris, France and of Flemish art of Belgium. Following an extensive three-week program, Elizabeth has come away with many fresh impressions and begun a new series of works dedicated to the beauty of old Europe and it’s many treasures.

Elizabeth has exhibited her work internationally for many years. In the last seventeen years, she has participated in numerous galleries and juried group shows with solo exhibitions throughout North America. In 2002, one of her painting was chosen for the poster for the Chamber Music Society and has received personal recognition from Governor General of Canada, Adrienne Clarkson. Her paintings can be found in many private collections in Canada, United States, England, France, Germany, India, Israel, Latvia, and Russia.



Marianna Mikhaylyan is a Canadian artist of Russian-Armenian origin born in Moscow in 1972. At a very young age she was inspired by her parents who were both artists to develop her artistic talents through figure skating and classical ballet. She later followed the footsteps of her mother who worked all of her life as a painter for the Russian theaters and of her father who was a jewelry maker. Marianna chose to study applied visual arts at University and graduated in 1995 with the Diploma of Excellence at the Moscow Academy.

The same year, Marianna became a member of the International Art Fund, dedicated to the promotion of talented Russian artists in Russia. Since then, she has participated in numerous art shows in Russia, USA and Canada. "Dance features prominently in almost all of Mikhaylyan's work. Graceful, feminine figures glide amid swirling colours, with sharp, textured layers of paint lending a sense of movement. They are paintings in which the figures seem to be moving of their own accord, a style which Mikhaylyan has playfully nicknamed ’Movementalism’." said Adam Volk of the Ottawa Xpress to describe her works. Marianna Mikhaylyan’s artworks can now be found in private collections around the world including in Russia, USA, Canada, France, Germany, U.K., Norway, Italy, Israel, Australia and Austria.




Stephen Rothwell, Kanata area artist, has become well known for innovation within the world of watercolour. His loose style, bold colour, ability to capture light and versatility to paint a variety of subjects has created an ever-increasing demand for his paintings and workshops. He enjoys sharing the expertise he has gained over the years with students anxious to emulate his distinctive style and learn the innovative technique he has developed for “watercolour without glass.”

Stephen's winter retreat on historic Jekyll Island Georgia, is a thriving arts community and haven for those who appreciate nature. He teaches and exhibits at the Goodyear Gallery, garnering interest not only from the Jekyll Island community, but nearby St Simon Island, Savannah, Atlanta and Jacksonville. In 2004 and 2007, Stephen was the featured artist during the month of February at the Goodyear Gallery, both very successful shows, and for the sixth consecutive year his work has won 1st place for Advanced Watercolour at the Jekyll Island Arts Festival.



Shirley Mancino is a professional painter living in Westport Ontario whose passion for life and travel can be seen in her colourful and dramatic artworks. Over the last 25 years, Mancino has developed a distinctive and innovative style using mixed media. She brings a fresh and vibrant perspective to landscapes, people-scapes and abstractions. Hardworking elegant women and the elderly are among the themes that capture her artistic imagination. Although excited by abstraction, she often produces quasi-representational works.
She completed four years study at Ontario College of Art where her major influence was Chin Tok Tan. and spent a month at Belles Artes Institute in San Miguel, Mexico studying with Helen Koffee.

Her art is inspired by the Canadian wilderness and by back-packing travels in Asia and North Africa. While travelling, she paints 'en plein air'. Curious onlookers often engulf her, trying to communicate in many different languages. A natural story teller, Shirley has fascinating tales to recount about her art adventures . At home, she works more with larger paintings experimenting with combinations of media, technique and subject matter.

She won the Juror's Choice Award, Toronto Watercolour Society (2000). Best of Show, First Place in Mixed Media and in Watercolour and the People's Choice Award (Rideau Valley Art Festival 1996). With 25 years experience as an adult educator, she delivers clear, succinct and joyful workshops and presentations to art associations and public groups. She has also served as an art juror, a professional art critic and demonstrator.

Monday, October 18, 2010

New Art Show at Tay Gallery Kanata




"Rhythm & Hues" opened today at Tay Gallery Kanata featuring dynamic paintings by 4 talented area artists: Elizabeth Elkin, Shirley Mancino, Marianna Mikhaylyan, and Stephen Rothwell.
4 very different styles, media and subject matter - these paintings don't miss a beat!
Visit the show Monday - Saturday between 10 and 5 p.m. Thursdays until 8 p.m at 471 Hazeldean Rd. in Kanata, corner of Castlefrank Rd.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

New Large Landscapes Available

For the many clients searching for that special painting perfect for a particularly grand space, we currently have a number of new large format landscape paintings and abstract paintings of high quality and dramatic impact.
Contact Lisa Brown at Tay Gallery Kanata , 613-836-4169 to arrange an appointment for a free art consultation and convenient viewing of digital images of paintings at gallery location. Interior Designers are welcome. Viewing of paintings can be arranged through our Ottawa location.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Featured artists this month




Fall Flavours continues in October with the addition of works by Alexa Ponomareff ( abstract triptych) and Twyla Webster ( oil landscape paintings of Lanark area).


Alexa Ponomareff is an abstract painter working in the minimalist tradition. She was born in Toronto and is now living in the Westport area.

After completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology and Aboriginal studies at the University of Toronto, she moved to the Lanark Highlands where the rugged beauty of the natural surroundings rekindled her love of painting. She draws inspiration for her work from her home environment and her travels - both visually and philosophically - her interest in different cultures, people and places has taken her to Europe, Central America, Russia, Japan, Australia and north to the Arctic on Baffin Island. She recently graduated from the Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD) where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.


States Alexa:

"This present body of work has been influenced by time spent in the Arctic on Baffin Island.

It aims to give a visual representation of the “essence” of certain physical forms, allowing them to manifest themselves in the empty white expanses of the gessoed surfaces and bringing them to our awareness.

Personally, I feel that I am best able to express this essence in an abstract manner, with a paring away of detail, thereby allowing the forms to speak for themselves...

My use of organic line and form reflects both seen and unseen worlds. It not only attempts to visually realize the essence of the natural landscape of my surroundings, but also stands in as a metaphor for my own interior landscape or Unconscious."




Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Sharon Fox Cranston, SCA wins award at Pastel Artists Canada Annual Show


Sharon Fox Cranston, SCA was recently awarded the Terry Ludwig, (second prize) for her painting "Windswept" at the Pastel Artists Canada's 19th Annual Open Juried Exhibition, "Purely Pastel".

The exhibition runs from Sept. 27th to October 17th, 2010 at Neilson Park Creative Centre, 56 Neilson Drive, Etobicoke, ON. 42 paintings from Canada's best pastelists are on show Monday to
Saturday, 9am to 4pm, Tuesday evening 7pm - 9pm and Sunday noon to 4pm.

A selection of Sharon's paintings are on exhibit at our Kanata Gallery, Tay Gallery in the current show. See Sharon's featured artist page for images of paintings.

Saturday, October 2, 2010

October at Tay River Gallery

Our "Fall Flavour" group show continues at Tay River Gallery throughout October with autumn colours and scenes as focus. Take a fall drive to enjoy the colours both on the highway, and throughout the gallery!
Additions to the show this month will include our Focal Wall spotlight which features an abstract triptych by Alexa Ponomareff, Westport area artist and also a group of small plein air landscape paintings by Twyla Webster, Wolfe Lake artist.
More about the show and artists in a later update.

A important note for out- of- towners--- Wilson St. Road Construction still continues to hinder accessibility to Wilson St. businesses . The gallery will maintain its reduced hours of Friday 12 - 5 p.m and Saturday 12 - 5 p.m. during October. We will also be available by appointment only on other week days. Works at Tay River Gallery viewed on the website can be also viewed in person by arrangement at our Kanata location, Tay Gallery Kanata at 471 Hazeldean Rd.

Regular business hours at Tay River Gallery will not resume until next Spring 2011.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

New Digital Release "Sound" by Paul Brown, Ottawa area musician

Paul Brown, local master composer and musician, has just released his latest album "Sound". Sound has 10 instrumental tracks of various vibes, unified with a production aesthetic merging live playing and programming. Synthesizer sounds mix with funky bass guitar and soulful electric guitar over organic and analog drum beats. Currently available for sale as digital download. Check it out on the website at www.paulbrownsound.com

Enjoy world class sound from this talented Canadian musician.





Tuesday, September 14, 2010

"Fall Flavour" at Tay River Gallery

Reflections of Autumn by John Alexander Day, OSA,SCA.

Savour the "Fall Flavour" at Tay River Gallery in Perth, beginning this Friday September 17th, and continuing throughout October. The splendour of fall is the highlight with vibrant autumn colours in a selection of paintings from Kathy Haycock, Deborah Czernecky, Gudrun Schutz, John Alexander Day, John Stevenson, John Hiscock, Shirley Mancino, Tricia Savoie and other gallery artists. Gallery is open Friday 12 - 5 p.m and Saturday 12 - 5 p.m.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Conversations in Colour: Fall show at Tay Gallery Kanata

Click on image to enlarge

Tay Gallery Kanata presents Conversations in Colour
featuring paintings by the talented Anne Barkley, Charles Spratt, Martha Markowsky, Tricia Savoie, Allison Robichaud, and John Stevenson from September 8 - October 16th. Tay Gallery Kanata is open Tuesday - Saturday from 10 - 6 p.m.and located at 471 Hazeldean Rd. at the corner of Castlefrank.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Summer Medley at Tay Gallery Kanata


Summer Medley at Tay Gallery in Kanata is an informal group show with exciting additions throughout the summer months. Not your average summer art show! An eclectic mix of figures, abstract, landscapes and interiors are featured with new works added every couple of weeks. The show starts July 6th and runs until August 30th. There will not be an opening reception for this show.

Summer Medley features paintings by Jennifer Campbell, Deborah Czernecky, John Day, Kathy Haycock, J. Allison Robichaud, Maureen Sheridan, Charles Spratt,Monika Seidenbush , J.T. Winik and other guest artists throughout the summer.

The new gallery in Kanata is located at 471 Hazeldean Rd, corner of Castlefrank and open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 to 6 p.m.

Summer Mix at Tay River Gallery



Perth's Tay River Gallery spotlight for July is a selection of riveting 'hot' paintings - abstract landscapes by Paulette Marie Sauve, and new figurative works by Monika Seidenbusch. A warm palette of bright orange, reds and yellows dominate the landscapes and figure works featured in our spotlight.



A selection of new works by gallery artists Tricia Savoie and Martha Markowsky are also on display this month. Five rooms of visual delight at Tay River Gallery. Enjoy! Reduced hours continue at Tay River Gallery during road construction so please call ahead or check the website for business hours or arrange a viewing by appointment.

Tay River Gallery is located at 28 Wilson St. W. in Perth and is open Friday 12 - 5 p.m. and Saturday 12 - 5 p.m. Call 613-264-5448 for more information.


Martha Markowsky Painting "Late Afternoon Trams" (Toronto)

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Gallery Hours and Locations

Just a reminder about gallery hours. Tay River Gallery in Perth is currently open 2 days a week - Friday 12 - 5 and Saturday 12 - 5 p.m.during ongoing major road construction on Wilson St. Sorry for any inconvenience. Please call 613-264-5448 or check the website for gallery hours. If you are interested in visiting the gallery on Monday, please call ahead and make an appointment. Our featured artist in June is Maureen Sheridan with large as life canvases rendered in her unique and appealing realistic style.

For service Tuesday - Saturday visit our second new gallery location - Tay Gallery in Kanata at 471 Hazeldean Rd. on the corner of Castlefrank and Hazeldean Rd. We can be reached at 613-836-4169. The gallery in Kanata is open Tuesday - Saturday from 10 - 6 p.m. See beautiful paintings by extraordinary artists carefully selected for this new gallery space. Creative conservation art framing is also available on site. Lisa Brown, gallery owner, is working at the Tay Gallery Kanata location these days and hopes to keep some regular hours in Perth again once the road construction is completed. Friendly service on Friday and Saturday in the Perth location is provided by Alexa and Dave. Enjoy your visit!

New Carleton Place area Art Festival in July

This announcement about an upcoming NEW art festival may be of interest to area artists interested in exhibiting their works. The art festival will take place at Hayshore Lakeside, just outside Carleton Place on July 10 th and 11th.



Sunday, June 6, 2010

Progress on Wilson St.

The parking lot for Tay River Gallery is accessible again. The massive hole in the street directly outside the gallery has been filled with gravel. Visitors are welcome to park behind the gallery. Things should be somewhat quieter this week with the equipment now moved next door for drilling through the granite bed.
Do stop in on Friday or Saturday 12 - 5 p.m. to see the fine art of talented regional artists. We are also open Mondays by appointment during road construction on Wilson St.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Construction Goes On and the Show Goes On!

The Maureen Sheridan spotlight feature will be held over for the entire month of June. Do drop in on Friday or Saturday from 12 - 5 p.m to see this show. Please park in the municipal parking lot or on a side street as the lot is temporarily unavailable. We continue with reduced hours at the gallery (open only Friday and Saturday) in June.

The road construction on Wilson St. STILL is situated directly in front of the gallery - which means our wonderful parking lot in back is not accessible to any vehicles due to the gaping deep hole in the ground where the driveway meets the street (for the last 3 weeks and who know how much longer?)

Nice to see our Ottawa and Perth area visitors!

Sunday, May 16, 2010

New Gallery Space in Kanata!


We are thrilled to announce the opening of our brand new gallery space in Kanata!

Tay Gallery Kanata is an exciting new contemporary fine art gallery located in the heart of Kanata at 471 Hazeldean Rd (Corner of Castlefrank).

The public is invited to our grand opening party in June on Saturday June 5th from 2 - 5 p.m. Join us for refreshments, fine artists and fabulous art!

The gallery is located in the newly renovated space in Apex Art Framing, established picture framing business serving Kanata since 1996. Note that the signage is not yet installed- virtual signs brought to you via photoshop magic!
Gallery Business hours are Tuesday - Saturday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Website coming soon at www.taygallerykanata.com.

"Opening Act" is the first show of the year with paintings by well known accomplished area artists: Pierrette Dulude-Bohay, John Alexander Day, Martha Markowsky, Michel Pleau, J. Allison Robichaud, Paulette M. Sauve, Tricia Savoie, Maureen Sheridan, Charles Spratt, and John Stevenson.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Artist Spotlight : Paintings by Maureen Sheridan


We are pleased to welcome Maureen Sheridan to Tay River Gallery this month. Maureen Sheridan is a Kingston area artist who paints in a realistic style conveying subjective impressions of a particular, usually very ordinary event or moment in time that has personal meaning for the artist, yet resonates with the viewer. The colour palette in these paintings is sometimes subdued, the handling of light adept, subject matter and composition are arresting and memorable. The paintings are created on large sized canvases that easily envelop the viewer with their intrigue and quiet presence.

Sheridan graduated from Queen's University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and has been exhibiting in solo and group exhibitions since 1989. Her work has won various awards, including a "Best Painting in Show" award at Toronto's Outdoor Art Exhibition. Her works can be found in private and corporate collections in Canada, the U.S.A. and Europe. See the artist page for Maureen on our website for images of her work and biography.
Visit the gallery this month to see recent paintings by Maureen Sheridan, our featured artist in May at Tay River Gallery in Perth. Tay River Gallery is open Friday 12 - 5 and Saturday 12 - 5 p.m during major road construction on Wilson St.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Fluid Acrylics Workshop Extravaganza

When:May 29-30, 2010, 9 – 4 pm

Awaken your creative spirit and playful nature. White paper syndrome is common to artists at all levels. Not here! Learn to use Tri-Arts fluid acrylics and mediums boldly and loosely as a vehicle for self-expression. This exciting workshop helps developing artists break free and explore new directions in acrylics and mixed media. By pouring, dripping, texturizing, layering, you will create stunning abstractions that you can then reincarnate into gorgeous representational works. Composition and design is an integral part of the session. Shirley will demonstrate the making of stamps of real or fabricated ancient motifs and symbols for use within our paintings. You will benefit from helpful personal attention, demonstrations and constructive group discussion. Relax, play, and reconnect with your joyful creative self.

All workshops are suitable for levels from beginner to advanced.
Workshops are limited to 8 participants.
Cost $175.00 for two-day workshop.
All Tri-Art paints and mediums are included during the session.
A take home kit of paints/mediums (retail value $65) is also provided.

How to register:

Workshops fill quickly so register early to avoid disappointment. Your place is reserved once your cheque is received. Make your cheque payable to Shirley Mancino at 68 Rebecca Lane, Westport ON K0G 1X0. If you need to cancel for whatever reason, there is no charge if you notify us a minimum of 18 days in advance of the start date. After that date, there will be no refund.
Contact Info Tel: 613-273-2984 Email: smancino@rideau.net
See www.shirleymancino.com for a suggested materials list.

Instructor Qualifications: Shirley Mancino has 30 years experience delivering workshops, and as a juror and art critic. She has a Master’s Degree in Adult Education and completed four years at the Ontario College of Art. She studied at Haliburton School of Fine Art and Belles Artes Institute in Mexico. A recipient of numerous awards, she participates in juried shows and is represented by 5 galleries. Shirley ‘s style is loose, ethereal and mystical, characterized by bold, vibrant colour.

Workshop Location:
Workshop take place in Shirley’s stunning lakeside studio in Westport. Enjoy the wonderful scenery, shopping, and hiking - a truly breathtaking destination. Great B and Bs are a short walk away. On request, Shirley conducts workshops and demonstrations for art groups at your preferred location.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Artist News - Ottawa Watercolour Society Exhibition


Recently the Ottawa Watercolour Society held it’s 61st juried exhibition and John Hiscock is pleased to announce he won the Wallacks Award for “Best In Show”. The winning painting achieves a fine balance of technical difficulty and creative expression. The subject is the old mill in Balaclava which is a few kilometres off highway 132 west of Renfrew. Congratulations John!

Rural Horizons: Introducing acrylic paintings by Mike Smith


In the front room this month we have a focus wall with new work by Mike Smith of Cobourg Ontario. The featured selection of acrylic paintings by Mike Smith depict familiar elements in the rural landscape where the sky and horizon feature prominently. Architectural pieces, such as the lighthouse featured this month are rendered in high realism with technical precision.

Mike Smith was born in South Africa and has lived in Canada since the late 80’s. He has been involved in art for most of his life - working as an art director and creative director for advertising agencies in Toronto and South Africa until 2003 when he decided to paint full time. Since moving to rural Ontario outside Cobourg, the inspiration for his paintings has been the beautiful countryside of Eastern Ontario. Smith has participated in numerous shows, including The Art Gallery of Northumberland, the Fine Art Festivals in Merrickville and Westport, and Cobourg. In addition he is represented by several Ontario galleries. View more artwork by Mike Smith on his artist page on our website. Welcome to Tay River Gallery Mike!

Friday, April 9, 2010

Parking at Tay River Gallery

Tay River Gallery has a spacious parking lot to the rear of the building where visitors to the gallery are welcome to park. During major road reconstruction on Wilson St West, beginning next week, there will be no on-street parking and traffic on Wilson St. will be reduced to one lane, southbound from Hwy 7. to the downtown core. Northbound traffic will use Drummond St. Please check the website for business hours during the construction period or call the gallery as the gallery will be open on a reduced schedule - varying during spring, summer and fall of 2010. Currently the gallery is open Friday and Saturday from 12 - 5 p.m. and Monday - Thursday by appointment only.

Sorry for any inconvenience to customers arising from road construction, but the gallery will continue to carry new work throughout the year from the important Canadian artists we represent.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Martha Markowsky Retrospective this Month in Lachine Quebec Mar 12 - April 11, 2010


Exhibition by
MARTHA MARKOWSKY
titled
THE RETROSPECTIVE
25-years of Painting
March 12 to April 11th, 2010
VERNISSAGE: SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 2010 from 12 to 5 pm
GUY DESCARY CULTURAL CENTRE, L'ENTREPOT
2501 Boul.St. Joseph, Lachine, Quebec
for additional information, please call 613 294 2402
The exhibition will run every Friday from 5 to 9 pm,
Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 pm

March 12 to April 11th.

Tay River Gallery is Expanding

The buzz is that Tay River Gallery is expanding. The back 14 ft room on the main floor will be reopened in April- as we had this room closed off during winter months. Gallery will be displaying a diverse selection of exciting new work in April.

We will be introducing new work by Mike Smith of Cobourg and Maureen Sheridan of Kingston in April. More about this exciting news in an upcoming post.

Buzz about a second gallery location in the works.... read about this soon as well!
Very very busy these days so many apologies for the brevity of posts.
From a very tired gallery owner. yours truly, LB

Sunday, March 21, 2010

March Focus Wall : East Coast Scenes



As always a picture paints a thousand words... our March highlight on view. Debbie Milling's new oil paintings of seascapes.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

East Coast Scenes: New work by Debbie Milling



Spring is in the air! This mild weather is so inspiring. Usually it is this time of the year, when I have grown sufficiently impatient and annoyed with winter that my thoughts turn to the sea... Dreaming of summer days spent in the Maritimes or Maine by the seaside - the ocean beckons. Our artist spotlight this month or focus wall features five exciting new oil paintings by Debbie Milling - providing you with a journey to the sea with Milling's unique interpretation of the Cabot Trail, and Newfoundland coastal scenes. You can almost smell the salty air!


Debbie Milling's latest paintings capture the east coast region. Milling paints views of remote Canadian landscapes captured in her travels on horseback and by boat. Her studio overlooks the Rideau River near Ottawa. Milling has participated in several group and solo shows in Ontario and her works have been gaining recognition and can be found in public and private collections across Canada.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Gallery News: New Gallery Assistant and March Hours

Important news for upcoming month.

Business hours during March at Tay River Gallery, Perth ON will be on a much reduced schedule while we are busy with reorganization.
Please note that the Gallery will be open Friday and Saturday from 12 - 5 p.m. during March. Monday - Thursday in March is by appointment only.

All framing orders will be processed as usual - as we will be completing orders in our workshop throughout the week. Framing can be dropped off and picked up at the gallery on a Friday or Saturday only in March.


There will be no Artist Calls for Submissions or major feature shows planned this spring due to major road construction commencing April on Wilson St. We will always have fresh work to view at the gallery, focusing mainly on artist spotlights when new work arrives from gallery artists. Major thematic shows will be programmed once road construction in Perth is completed in late Fall 2010.

This month we welcome Alexa Ponomareff, Westport area resident, as part-time gallery assistant at Tay River Gallery. Alexa is a recent graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) from the Ontario College of Art and Design (O.C.A.D.) who will be pleased to help you with all your art and framing needs at the gallery. Great to have you on staff Alexa!

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Statistical Profile of Artists in Canada (Hill Strategies Research)

A Statistical Profile of Artists in Canada : New Report released this month from Hill Strategies Research
Based on the 2006 Census, the 26th report in the Statistical Insights on the Arts series from Hill Strategies Research shows that there are 140,000 artists in Canada who spent more time at their art than at any other occupation in May 2006. Artists include actors, choreographers, craftspeople, composers, conductors, dancers, directors, musicians, producers, singers and visual artists.

The report also notes that the broader cultural sector has about 609,000 workers and comprises 3.3% of the overall labour force in Canada. One in every 30 people in Canada has a cultural occupation.This is about double the level of employment in the forestry sector in Canada (300,000) and more than double the level of employment in Canadian banks (257,000).

The report highlights 10 key facts about artists in Canada:

1. The average earnings of artists are very low.
2. A typical artist in Canada earns less than half the typical earnings of all Canadian workers.
3. Artists' earnings decreased, even before the current recession.
4. There are more female than male artists, yet women artists earn much less than men.
5. Aboriginal and visible minority artists have particularly low earnings.
6. Economic returns to higher education are much lower for artists than for other workers.
7. Many artists are self-employed.
8. There are relatively few opportunities for full-time work in the arts.
9. There has been substantial growth in the number of artists since 1971, but the rate of growth is decreasing.
10. Artists, as a group, are becoming more diverse, older and better educated.

For more information about this report check the website at http://www.hillstrategies.com/resources_details.php?resUID=1000300

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Red is the Colour



"Red is the Colour", of February with Valentine's day - fanciful dreams and romantic gestures...a shock of red provides a lift from slushy whites and greys and drab cloudy days. This month we feature a focal wall of abstract paintings by Anne Barkley with wow factor in that attention getting colour, with its many connotations, in its many intriguing permutations. Eye Candy for your pleasure. A valentine for your sweetheart!

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Alice in Wonderland Limited Edition Chromolithograph


New Low Price Offer!
Coinciding with the upcoming release on March 5th of the new 3D fantasy adventure movie " Alice in Wonderland",from Walt Disney Pictures and director Tim Burton, White Rabbit Press of Amsterdam is pleased to offer their Limited Edition Signed & Numbered Chromolithograph Print of "ALICE & THE CHESHIRE CAT" by Sir John Tenniel at new low prices. Tay River Gallery in Perth Ontario is an authorized art dealer for White Rabbit Press in Canada. Contact the gallery for availability.www.tayrivergallery.com

SPECIFICATIONS:

Retail: $250
Edition size: 500
Dimensions: 30x24"
Artist: Sir John Tenniel
Illustration source: "The Nursery Alice" (1890) by Lewis Carroll and illustrated by Sir John Tenniel
Quotation: "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" (1865) by Lewis Carroll and illustrated by Sir John Tenniel
Signatories: Caroline Luke (great-grandniece of Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, aka "Lewis Carroll"), Mary Jean St. Clair (granddaughter of Alice Hargreaves, née Liddell - the original "Alice"), Walter Tenniel Evans (great-nephew of Sir John Tenniel)...
Paper: Zerkall Büttenkarton ("rag cotton"), 270 gsm²
Printing process: chromolithography (9 colors)
Printed by: Graphische Anstalt J. E. Wolfensberger AG (Zurich, Switzerland)

For full information on "Alice in Wonderland" chromolithographs, authorized galleries, etc., visit their website at www.alice-in-wonderland.biz
White Rabbit Press (Amsterdam)

Saturday, January 30, 2010

New Paintings at Tay River Gallery

Have a peak at wonderful new paintings by landscape painters John Alexander Day and John Stevenson now on display at the gallery listed below. Well worth the drive!


November Shadows by John A. Day, Oil on canvas 24 x 30 framed


Start of the Day by John A. Day 24 x 24 oil on canvas framed


Mountain Stream by John A. Day 30 x 30 Oil on Canvas framed


Still Waters by John Alexander Day 30 x 30 oil on canvas framed.



River, Fall by John Stevenson Oil on canvas 20 x 40 framed


Three Birches by John Stevenson Oil 24 x 30 framed


Fall Bay, Black Lake in Gatineau Park by John Stevenson 24 x 36 oil on canvas


Ottawa River at Luskville by John Stevenson Oil on canvas frame 20 x 40 framed


Rocks in the Mist by John Stevenson, 20 x 40 oil on canvas framed.

See these new gems soon!

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Stephen Snake's Portrait of Norval Morrisseau on Display in Toronto


Portrait of Norval Morrisseau by Stephen Snake
oil on canvas 30 x 40 - 2008


Stephen Snake painted a magnificent portrait of Norval Morrisseau in 2008 which is on view at the Maslak McLeod Gallery in Toronto. The Maslak McLeod Gallery's current show features “ Morrisseau in Context” an exhibition of some of the best of the Woodland school, rarely seen Morrisseau works and some works of his contemporaries December through January 2010. Maslak-McLeod, 118 Scollard, Toronto, M5R 1G2, 416-944-2577, maslakmcleod.com. When: Dec 1-Jan 31
A photo of the painting is also posted on the website of the Norval Morrisseau Family Foundation at www.morrisseaufamilyfoundation.com/
For more information about Stephen Snake,please view the artist page on Tay River Gallery website.
Acrylic works by Stephen Snake painted in the woodland style both on canvas and on paper are currently on exhibit at Tay River Gallery in Perth Ontario.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Artist News : Anne Barkley Travels to Italy on Dream Art Trip




Anne Barkley was a recent participant in the Biennale International Contemporary Art Exhibition in Florence, Italy in December, 2009 and she generously shared her trip notes with us. Says Anne:

My companion, Pam, and I flew to Paris from Montreal, leaving at 7.30 in the evening. I guess some people could get some sleep overnight in this situation. (not me)
We had chosen to have a 24-hour layover in Paris, because we hadn’t been there. We took a bus and the subway to our hotel, then headed to the Louvre, again by subway. We found it surprisingly easy to get around by public transit. Mona is indeed beautiful in person! We asked someone at the hotel to recommend a restaurant for our evening in Paris, and he sent us to a typical French restaurant. It was not as I expected; I thought it would be dark with candles, but it was bright and busy, and the tables were shared. We spoke to a honeymoon couple beside us, and they told us that they thought we were going to love Florence. (they were right)


The next morning we headed back to the Paris airport for our flight to Rome. That is some airport – lots of construction going on, and it’s huge. One goes from one terminal to another by bus, and I think it might be easy to get the wrong bus. We were travelling with carry on luggage, nothing checked through, which makes life easier in busy airports, although it means your carry-on might be a little heavy. Imagine, 18 days with a carry on – that’s good packing, and it worked out well. (The hotels have heated towel racks so you can wash and hang as needed, also hair dryers.)

In Rome we were to stay at the Hotel Lancelot. If I was to do this again, I would have given my arrival time to the hotel and I think they would have picked us up at the airport, but as I hadn’t done that, several people offering us shuttle service approached us. The prices for this varied from 30 to 110 euros, so we did fairly well by comparing rates.
I highly recommend this beautiful family-run hotel to anyone staying in Rome. We opted for the optional meal plan for dinner, and dinner is served at large round communal tables, so we met interesting people from all over the world there. The hotel is only two blocks from the coliseum, and one evening we were invited up to the owner’s apartment on the 7th floor. From her deck, in the moonlight, (full moon) there was the Coliseum!!


















I had no idea Rome is so beautiful. Again, once we were there, we found public transit easy to manage. Given the time of year, there were few crowds and lineups.









Caravaggio Bacon Exhibition at the Borghese Gallery
If I had to choose one exhibition in the world to see, this would be the one I would want, and here it was, in Rome, at the same time as I was there. What are the chances? I am most interested right now in the figure in abstract, figure/background, and juxtaposing the two, integrating the figure, and here are two pioneers in their times with their portrait work. We had a wonderful two hours here, with a side attraction of a guide fighting (quite loudly) with one of the patrons, over a perceived disrespect. Most interesting, I must learn to be more assertive.
I was reading a book from the hotel about the dancer Nureyev (Dancer, Colum McCann). One quotation from the book:
‘at the gathering Bacon asked ‘why dance?’ I retorted, ‘why paint?’ He dragged on his cigarette and said painting was the language he would give his soul if he could teach his soul to speak.

In Rome we also visited the Vatican Museum and the Coliseum, went to several different areas including Trasteverre.
Also in Rome, Danielle from Brockville, who is taking her master’s degree in England this year, joined us. She was with us for the next four days and added much to the fun of our trip.

Pictured below is a small art gallery in Rome.

There was a bus strike in Rome Friday afternoon, so we got on a train for Florence on Friday morning. It was a great trip, of course lots of scenery on our way.
When we arrived in Florence it was raining so we took a cab to our hotel, but from then on the weather was amazing. The first night we found a little bar in our neighbourhood with free appetizers if you bought a drink for 6 euros, so we had a good time there. We were in a very good location, lots to do and see right on our street, close to the train station and the fort where the art show was being held. The food and shopping and prices and wine in Florence were great.


Biennale: BIENNALE INTERNAZIONALE DELL’ARTE CONTEMPORANEA
The biennale was held in the Forta de Basso, a large area with several buildings at the end of our street. The exhibition opened on Saturday morning, with the work of six hundred and fifty artists from all over the world. The opening had lots of pomp and ceremony, bugles, marching, costumes, champagne, cheese, crowds of people – very exciting all in all. The display was well done, and well lit. Each artist had a section of a booth set up almost as small galleries. Below is a photo of the Fort, two of the opening, and one of my work in the booth (closest to the chair).





My art friend Pierrette Dulude Bohay also had work in the show. Her booth was close to mine, so that I could keep an eye on both areas. She had lots of response to her painting, Sir Earl and his Chicks. We also received a catalogue of the Exhibition, which we will treasure.
Pierrette’s work, the painting with a mat behind a group of artists discussing various works:

The opening was topped only by the closing banquet on Saturday evening, with 950 people in attendance, two opera singers, an eight-course meal, and costumes on some of the artists that defied belief! As this is a contemporary exhibition, there was lots of cutting edge work, (as well as some that was a little too far out for me).

As well, there were seminars on different art-related topics throughout the week. One seminar discussed: “Art is born in the eye of the beholder.” Which gave rise to lots of thoughts, why talk if no one listens? Why paint if no one looks? Is the doing enough? Can it be? Does it need the completion of an audience? Is this why our arts communities and groups can be so important to us? Lots of questions, sorry I don’t have any answers for you.

In Florence we also visited the Pitti Palace, another museum, and Pam and I bought watercolour paintings from an artist outside the entrance. (just what I need, more paintings, right?) But what would you rather buy?
We took a bus tour of Tuscany, which we thoroughly enjoyed, visiting Sienna, San Gimignano, Pisa, and lunch at a farm where everything served was from that farm, including four kinds of wine, olive oil, biscotti. What a beautiful spot, high on the side of a mountain looking out over vineyards and olive groves. I could have stayed there for a week. (see photo)


On another day we took the bullet train to Venice and visited the Peggy Guggenheim collection. Some train, we could use those in Canada




We were extremely lucky with timing. (End of November to middle of December). The weather was good while we were away, and since we have returned home Europe has been hit by lots of snow and ice, which they aren’t very well equipped to deal with; also the airplane incident on Christmas day has made air travel much slower. And, because it was the off season, we didn’t have crowds and lineups to deal with, but there was lots of shopping to be had. I think it would be fun to go to Florence for a month or two in the fall or spring, lots of great accommodation at reasonable prices, lots of good food and wine.

Anne Barkley is an accomplished abstract painter, and elected member of the Society of Canadian Artists. She belongs to several other art groups and organizations. Barkley’s award-winning work is held in public and private collections across Canada. Anne has recently exhibited her work in New York City and by invitation at the 7th Biennale Internazionale dell'Arte Contemporanea in Florence Italy. Anne Barkley's work can be found at Tay River Gallery and many other fine art galleries in Ontario and Quebec.