Denman Island may just be the perfect get-a-way destination for explorers and art-lovers this coming weekend.
Sixteen unique venues will be showcasing local talent in the form of exceptional painting, photography, woodwork, jewelry, textiles, ceramics, sculpture, mixed media and more.
Visitors can look forward to beating the heat with a cool ferry ride and the adventure of winding one’s way down shady country roads to picturesque studio locations.
A visit to Studio Angelika will provide a glimpse into the fine art of paper-making.
Specializing in mixed media collage, this artist always aims for a subtle, soft blend of colours and textures in her delicate assemblages.
Feathers, threads, tiny stones and other often over-looked, found treasures find their way into her intimate works.
On the same side of the island, Dennis Forsyth and Marilyn Jensen will be welcoming guests to their gallery at East Road Arts. They, too, find inspiration for creative expression in the exciting biodiversity of the local environment.
Forsyth captures natural wonders through the lens of his camera while Jensen sews, paints and weaves with materials reflective of this couple’s island home. In Leslie Dunsmore’s home and studio, colourful paintings invite the viewer into dramatic landscapes that explore forests, mountains, wetlands, subterranean worlds and more.
Mary Hicks works with metal and enamelling, and current sculptural forms blend strands of copper with brilliantly coloured enamel panels and even woven photographs. Hicks also uses copper to fashion enamelled jewelry.
At the other end of the island, Richard Menard’s studio features sculptural pieces carved in wood and stone or cast in bronze. Serene faces of a Buddha-like moon, some carved from yellow cedar, grace the walls.
The talent and diversity awaiting discovery on the Denman tour is truly outstanding, and the opportunity for an intimate glimpse into the world where artists spend their hours dreaming and creating is an added bonus.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday and is absolutely free.
Tour maps will be available at both the Buckley Bay ferry booth and at the Denman Art Centre.
Just look for the outdoor quilt display, conveniently located right at the top of the ferry hill. Visit denmanartstour2015.blogspot.ca for a colourful sneak preview and link to ferry schedule information.