Three artists from the former Simply Warehouse group are staging a show of new works in an unusual space on Friday, June 29 (5 to 9 p.m.), Saturday, June 30 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and Sunday, July 1 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Lore Schmidts, Charly Mithrush, and Donna Stewart are teaming up to present MIX at DeLuxe Landscaping (5534 Sechelt Inlet Crescent). They are enthusiastic about how this more intimate space will allow them to showcase a wide variety of work that they anticipate will appeal to diverse collectors.
Schmidts (loreschmidts.com) will show a new collection of rainy Vancouver streetscapes in oil – created during a recent sojourn in sunny Mexico. This surprising process works for the artist, who prefers to work more from memory than photos. Schmidts says he’d rather capture “the feel, the energy of a place” than its detailed reality. He notes that these new works have an ethereal feel that he’s pleased with.
There’s nothing ethereal about Stewart’s works, however (donnastewart-art.com). The effects of time and manipulation on the solid medium of concrete intrigue this artist. Through her experiments, Stewart has become well acquainted with “the concrete guys” who use the medium in more typical ways. She says they are always interested in what she’s discovered about the effect of stains, rust, acid etching and more on her chosen surface. While the resulting abstract works are hung on the wall like paintings, they offer a textural, almost sculptural effect that has to be seen – or touched – to really appreciate.
Mithrush’s (charlymithrushart.com) work is in constant evolution. Her lively artist’s brain is fascinated by “the story” behind things, and she’s always inventing new ways to express the plots that throng her mind. “Once it gets going, it just keeps flowing!” she declares. Her latest venture down the “rabbit hole of research” has her playing with words, letters, messages – these might appear as embedded plastic letters or other recycled materials in her newest mixed media works.
The three artists cite the incredibly supportive artistic community of the Sunshine Coast for its role in sustaining their creative output. They maintain close ties to a number of other artists, trading help with each other’s shows as well as participating eagerly in each year’s Art Crawl. In fact, it was at an Art Crawl after-party that they first met and recognized the spark of kindred spirits. That natural fit has grown into a close friendship that nurtures each of the artists. They exhibit their work together at least twice per year, including shows on the Sunshine Coast and in other locations such as Squamish and Whistler.
The MIX show, happening in the midst of lush blooming plants, will provide a close-up look at the variety offered by these three artists. They want to express their gratitude to DeLuxe Landscaping for the use of the charming indoor/outdoor exhibition space, as well as to Patrick Hobbs of RE/MAX Oceanview Realty for sponsoring the Friday evening opening reception (June 29, 5 to 9 p.m.).
Come by to enjoy fresh, accessible art and the warm welcome of these artist friends.
