The little art gallery in downtown Comox will offer its first workshops for the membership and general public next month.
These workshops will take place April 2 and 9 in the Lion’s Den, next door to the Pearl Ellis Gallery. They will start at 10 am and finish at 4 p.m.
The April 2 workshop is an Introduction to the World Of Gourd Art by Brenda Chalifoux-Luscombe. The fee is $40 and participation is limited to 15 people.
“Vessels are only the tip of the iceberg in the world of gourds, says Chalifoux-Luscombe. "I have made vessels, sculptures, masks, and functional creations such as clocks and purses, and free-form mixed-media pieces. The only boundaries are within one's own imagination.
"I was introduced to gourds about 10 years ago. Since then I have shown my gourd art at local festivals and galleries (2010 Pearl Ellis Gallery show), I entered the Gourd Festival in Toronto and have participated in the YANA Christmas tree decorations at the Driftwood Mall in Courtenay for the last five years.”
Participants will create a decorative gourd pitcher with handle and spout (four to five inches tall). A cleaned gourd and enough apoxie sculpt (self-hardening modelling compound) to form spout and handle on gourd will be provided.
The April 9 workshop is A Brief Introduction to Drawing from Life by instructor Clive Powsey. The fee is $50 and participation is limited to 20 people.
If you have an interest in drawing from life using a nude model, this six-hour workshop might be useful. A brief slide show presentation will illustrate concepts and exercises that will be studied through drawing in the class.
There will be a brief look at shading; distinguishing the effect of light and shade on form separately from the effect of local colour. Participants will have the option of shading with their crayons or painting with a wash.
Full information on the workshops can be found at www.pearlellisgallery.com and at the Pearl Ellis Gallery anytime during its opening hours of 1 to 4 every day of the week.
You may register for the workshops in person at the gallery or by phoning Sheila Pollock at 250-339-5660. Early registration is necessary.
— Pearl Ellis Gallery