The West Kootenay Chapter of the Federation of Canadian Artists (FCA) is celebrating its 10th anniversary with “Decadence” — an exhibit of paintings by 11 of its members at the VISAC Gallery from May 20 to June 21.
The opening reception will be on Friday, May 27, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The show’s title, “Decadence,” was chosen as it contains the word “decade,” to mark the Chapter’s first 10 years. Formed at the VISAC Gallery in May of 2001, the group has attracted talented artists working in such media as acrylic, oil, watercolour, graphite, ink, pastel, and coloured pencil.
“As our members live in a large geographical area, from the West and East Kootenays, we have experienced our growing pains. We are proud of our members’ accomplishments. Most of our members are juried Active FCA members, meaning they can enter juried shows at the chapter level and at the FCA Gallery in Vancouver,” said chapter president Barb Pistak.
“We now have two signature members, who have gone through a rigorous jurying process through the FCA Board of Governors. Through much perseverance, and learning through chapter and FCA workshops, our members work has developed to a fairly high level. Quite a number have had work accepted in juried shows at the FCA Gallery on Granville Island, in Vancouver, and won awards at these shows,” Pistak added.
“We chose to present ‘Decadence’ at the VISAC Gallery in Trail, as this is where we first met, formed the chapter, and had our first exhibit. It has been a wonderful first 10 years and we are looking forward to the next 10!”
Artists exhibiting in “Decadence” are: Elaine Alfoldy – Creston, Lucy Bates – Fruitvale, MaryAnn Bidder – Kimberly, Sandra Donohue AFCA – Robson, Stephanie Gauvin – Rossland, Wilma Hughes – Castlegar, Bruce Martin – Nelson, Elizabeth Michaux – Fruitvale, Barbara Pistak – Rossland, Lis Semenoff AFCA – Trail, and Mirja Vahala – Robson.
The FCA Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards were awarded by FCA jurors to Lis Semenoff AFCA, Barbara Pistak, and Bruce Martin, respectively, with Awards of Excellence won by Elaine Alfoldy, Lucy Bates, and Wilma Hughes.
The VISAC Gallery is located at 1501 Cedar Ave. in Trail, and open Monday to Saturday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, please call the VISAC Gallery at 250-364-1181.
/Submitted by the West Kootenay Chapter of the Federation of Canadian Artists