In June 2003, those interested in forming a public art gallery in Gibsons met to discuss their vision.
"It could become as important to the town as the library," artist Mudito Drope is reported to have said.
Ten years later, her words have proven prophetic.
Seventeen artists were invited by acting curator Bodhi Drope to exhibit at the new Gibsons Public Art Gallery. They launched its first reception on Sept. 26, 2003 at a space on Gower Point Road, courtesy of the building's owners, John de Kleer and Janet Webb.
Included were the following artists: Francine Desjardins, mixed media work; Shawn and Bradley Hunt, carvings; Betty Pehme, digital photography; Axel Stenzel, sculpture; Jim Harding, chainsaw carving; Maurice Spira, acrylic; Donna Balma, mixed media; and Marina Crawford, photography. All these artists will be returning this month for a 10th anniversary celebration exhibition opening this Saturday, Nov. 9, at the current location on Marine Drive, and curated once again by Drope. A few of the original directors of the gallery's non-profit society, established in 2003, are also still actively involved with the show.
The move to a new, larger and more accessible location came about in 2012 following the bequest of Gibsons artist, musician and writer, the late Eve Smart.
This 10th anniversary celebration honours Smart and the blossoming of an art gallery.
"I wanted to make this a celebration of the creative process," said curator Drope. Some of the artists have changed direction over the past decade, so he began his work a year ago, giving them time to produce new pieces.
Many Coast artists will join the nine returning artists, making 51 in all. Because of Drope's wide-ranging theme, this show will be expansive.
Michelle Warawa is a tattoo artist, Harvey Sexsmith, a clock maker. Gerald Rainville is a bonsai plant master, while Kay Paulson is a pine needle weaver and Terry Barker, a poet. Barker will be the eldest of the artists represented, while 13-year-old Sofia Machado, a painter, is the youngest.
Pottery, sculpture, illustration, masks and photography are all represented in this show, as are differing styles of Aboriginal carving. Painters include several internationally respected artists such as Autumn Skye Morrison from Powell River, Greta Guzek of Gibsons and Helen Broadfoot from Pender Harbour, among others. A video screening area will show work by Nicholas Teichrob and other art-related visuals.
The show opens with a display of two-dimensional work, paintings, drawings and photographs. Because the reception is expected to draw a huge turnout as it has done in the past, it will be offered at two times, from noon to 2 p.m. and again from 4 to 6 p.m.
On Sunday, Nov. 10, there will be a special presentation at 2 p.m. by grand master Bodo Sumimoto who will dedicate his performance on the shakuhachi flute to the memory of his friend and the gallery's benefactress, Eve Smart.
After this, the gallery closes for a week and the curator will add three-dimensional pieces: sculpture, wood, pottery, jewelry and glass. The show opens again on Saturday, Nov. 16, with a reception from noon to 2 p.m. or 4 to 6 p.m. with all the artwork included.
Even the curator is awed by the quality of the work.
"I thought it was nature that drew me to live on the Sunshine Coast," he said, "but I see that it was also the talent, the art."
A souvenir program available on site for a small fee tells more about the gallery's history. Details are at www.gibsonspublicartgallery.ca.
