The Comox Valley Community Arts Council is pleased to present Intrinsic Reward, a unique showing of work by Aline Hoffart and Kerri Preston.
You won't want to miss this pair of diverse artists showing a collection of paintings at the Muir Gallery from Feb. 17 to March 3.
Hoffart's figurative works and Preston's abstract acrylics are something new. They have also co-created a few paintings in the exhibit — working together to produce abstracted figurative works of fine art.
Hoffart is a recent graduate of North Island College's ECUAD degree program.
She enjoys painting the figure and is interested in human relations — to each other, the environment and ourselves. She is a familiar member of the local arts community, has been employed as a caregiver for many years and has tutored students for NIC's Art Diploma Program.
Preston is a lively young woman who has experienced many physical and cognitive challenges.
Kerri's early art experiences included active interest in latch hook rugs, embroidery and painting. Employed as a caregiver, Aline has been painting with Kerri as an activity to promote motor skills and self-expression.
"Kerri's paintings are beautiful abstracts. As her helper, Kerri may prompt me with a colour choice. I load the brush with pigment for her and place it in her hand. She then applies the paint to the canvas, usually in bold, confident strokes.
"Kerri's abstract works and my figurative-based paintings contrast and complement each other. There is also the unifying consideration that Kerri and I worked together to produce her paintings, although hers is the only hand that puts paint on her canvas."
Aline looks forward to this as an opportunity to demonstrate her own explorations in paint while advocating for a novice/disadvantaged painter.
"Showcasing my paintings with Kerri's describes my art practice and interests, while juxtaposing on equal footing two distinct artists in totally different life spectrums. Pivotal to this exhibit is an aim to demystify the public on issues related to mental health and to advance discourse around these issues."
The public is invited to attend the opening night and join in on the conversation about this compelling body of work. Everyone is welcome at the Muir Gallery this Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. The gallery is at 440 Anderton Rd. in Courtenay adjacent to the lower parking level of the Sid Williams Theatre.
— Comox Valley Community Arts Council