That perfect logo, 11=, represents a dynamic group of visual painters, Eleven Equal Artists, who will hold their fourth annual Power of Paint exhibition at the Seaside Centre in Sechelt this Aug. 14 to 16. It’s all new work, six pieces from each artist plus a collaborative piece.
This trend toward artists producing their own show is not unusual, points out Nadina Tandy. Everywhere artists are not relying so much on commercial galleries to sell their work; instead they are promoting their own work through social media and flocking together to support one another.
“When artists create their own show,” said Greta Guzek, “it compacts the energy.”
Marleen Vermeulen points out that a commercial gallery is often focused on what will sell. “When we create as a group it’s such a privilege to share with the community,” she said.
In fact the group emerged out of a gallery, the Westwind, in Gibsons. “Morley (Baker) kind of collected us,” Tandy said. About 15 years ago he began inviting other artists to an informal critique group that still meets today for support and comment on each other’s work.
When some members of the group saw the juried show at the Seaside Centre during the Sechelt Arts Festival they realized that they could rent the hall as easily themselves and promote their own show. It’s a ton of work. Planning started months ago and on the morning of Aug. 14 they will be there early to set up the removable walls, paint them, then hang the work and run home to change their clothes – all before the 5 p.m. reception. If they look a bit frazzled by reception time, that’s why. And all 11 will be on hand all weekend to visit with guests and perhaps do a little painting on site using ink, gesso and feathers.
“It’s a chance for us to connect with one another and chat,” Tandy said. “There’s lots of laughter.” It’s an approachable venue, not as intimidating as a fancy commercial space, and the Eleven Equals often find that visitors to the Festival of the Written Arts, across the street, like to explore the show. “They’re a good audience,” Tandy said. “They stop and look and take their time.”
Birds is the theme of this year’s collaborative piece – but don’t expect that each artist will depict similar images. “Each person’s mind looks at that four letter word in different ways,” Guzek said. Expect the unexpected. The idea behind making these smaller pieces on a bird theme is to raise bursary funds through sales. The money goes to four graduating students from four high schools who are continuing in visual arts.
“It’s a way of giving back to the community,” MacLeod said.
In addition to Tandy, Guzek, MacLeod, Vermeulen and Baker, the other artists are: Josefa Fritz Barham, Todd Clark, Elizabeth Evans, Carol LaFave, Kim LaFave and Cindy Riach.
The opening reception is on Friday, Aug. 14 from 5 to 9 p.m. Calm as a Bomb will provide the music, all are invited, and judging by past receptions, there will be upwards of a few hundred visitors there. If you would like to stop by when it’s quieter, try the afternoons on Saturday and Sunday, especially during author sessions at the Festival.
Over the weekend about 800 plus people will see the work. “Any gallery would drool over those numbers,” Tandy said. If you like something, don’t hesitate to pull out the wallet and put a red sticker on it. The group’s art sells well, and the show will be over by Monday. Hours are Friday, 5 to 9 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. See more on facebook.com/ElevenEqualArtists
