Valley artist Joe Smith is holding a solo show of his work at Filberg Lodge in Comox this Saturday and Sunday.
Painted in a realistic style, Smith’s work covers a broad spectrum of subjects. From well-known local landmarks to views along the beaches, he has captured many of the reasons why the Valley and the West Coast have become known around the world as a great place to live, work and play.
Smith who is active on both the art and business scenes says that sometimes the hardest part of being an artist working on the west coast is to decide on what to paint.
“Everywhere you turn there is a scene that beckons to be turned into a painting. The challenge is so great that I often have three or four on the go at any one time.”
While Smith has a studio and gallery in Union Bay, he says that he likes to be able to showcase his work in different venues.
He also says that with the lodge being a home, visitors get a better sense of what painting looks like when they are in a more natural setting. With Smith’s subject matter being primarily west coast and the Lodge having a west coast flare it is a perfect location to showcase his work.
He will be on hand Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park is located at 61 Filberg Rd. in Comox.
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Smith has been appointed to the BC Arts Council board.
In making the announcement, chair Stan Hamilton said, “Council’s support for artists and key arts organizations throughout B.C. makes good things happen in the cultural life of communities large and small in every region of the province. I’m looking forward to the energy and ideas Joe will bring to the board and to the service of arts and culture in British Columbia.”
Established by the B.C. government in 1995, the BC Arts Council is an independent agency funded by the provincial government. Council enlists the input of British Columbia’s arts community to evaluate funding applications through an independent peer review process.
“To be invited to participate in supporting the arts at a provincial level is humbling and at the same time exciting,” said Smith.
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On Sunday, the Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park Association holds its annual plant sale on the grounds from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
— Joe Smith