The St. John’s United Artists chose their name because they occupy the lower floor of St. John’s church in Davis Bay. But it’s not a dark, subterranean place.
“There’s such good light here,” say several of the amateur artists who spend their Thursday afternoons painting in the airy, inspiring space. The painting group has 20 people on their list, and eight to 10 turn out every week to receive some instruction for the first half hour from watercolourist Isobel Gibson, their leader and teacher, before working on their own projects. Beginners are welcome — the sessions include some friendly discussion of each other’s work, as most are eager to receive feedback and learn more.
Member Laurella Hay says that they use mostly acrylics and watercolour, and in her case she experiments with texture and colours, trying out different techniques. Some are trying subdued pastels while Mary Pifer’s piece, Tropical Memories, is rendered in vivid oranges and yellows.
On Thursdays in May the group has been preparing for their annual year-end show. After that, they will take a break for the summer and will welcome new members for the fall session.
The St. John’s United Artists’ show runs Friday, June 5 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, June 6 from 10 to 5 at St. John’s church hall, 5085 Davis Bay Rd. Gibson invites anyone interested to come to the opening reception on Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. to meet the artists. The show will also include a studio sale of gently used art-related things, with proceeds going to the church.
