Fall in love with art with the Maple Bay Painters as they celebrate their 58th year, and their annual Fall Art Show, which will be held inside St. Peter's Church Hall on Oct. 3 and 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
"It feels great to carry on the tradition of sharing our most recent work with the community," said member Cheryl Wirsz. "It is an honour to exhibit work in the show, however the ability to inspire the appreciation of local art by local artists is the real honour. "
The Maple Bay Painters, which was first conceived in 1967, are a group of more than 40 Cowichan Valley Artists with one main mission; to encourage, support and educate artists. They meet weekly to develop skills, share knowledge, attend educational sessions and art related discussions, but most of all paint. Wirsz said according to its first formal minutes in 1968: “a meeting to organize a group of painting and sketching [artists] was held on Jan. 24 in 1968 at 8 p.m. at the Maple Bay Hall. It was at that time that a small lending library for members was also established, which has carried on to this day."
Members will be showing off the latest works at their annual fall art show this weekend with 80 to 100 original art pieces to be seen, and sold. Wirsz will have six acrylic originals; all Vancouver Island landscapes. It's a chance to mingle with the artists, see demonstrations and works in progress, learn about painting and experience the benefits of artist to artist support and mutual encouragement. For more information follow Maple Bay Painters on Facebook or visit maplebaypainters.ca. New members are welcome.
What makes this annual event even more special is that each year, artists donate small paintings and 100 per cent of the proceeds from the sales of these paintings go toward bursaries for local high school graduates. Wirsz has also donated one of her paintings for the bursary program.
“Our members all feel fortunate to call this beautiful valley home, and to take this opportunity to help and encourage the next generation of painters” said Painters President Erica Sutfin.
"Our hope is that the show might inspire those who see a piece that speaks to them to purchase it for their home, but more importantly, that the show might inspire those who have always thought about painting and creating, that they too can do it," said Wirsz.
