Combat Canvas at Good Day Sunshine Cafe!

My "Finished" (cough,cough) work!

Had a blast on Saturday at the first Combat Canvas event at the High Street Block Party in South Surrey. We had 45 minutes to create something on a 16x20 canvas.

 Since my typical work is highly abstract and consists of layers upon layers, I chose to do something totally frivolous and fun  for this event. I used paint markers and all sorts of mixed media materials and went with a 1960s  Judy Jetson (lol) / Beatles theme.  Come see it in person at the Good Day Sunshine Cafe.  100% of my silent auction bids go to the Semiahmoo Arts Council.

Combat Canvas!

Tomorrow, Saturday August 23, I'm taking part in a fast and furious 1 hour painting event at the Shops at High Street in South Surrey.  It's the second annual High Street block party and there'll be lots of fun things to do.
 I'll  just be playing and since we have just 60 minutes won't be painting in my usual style. I'll  be the one finger painting and doodling. It's going to be so much fun!
 Remember to visit the Good Day Sunshine Cafe. They make the best coffee in town! Come out between 11-noon. See you there!

Thanks to Mike Meyer's mum for the quote above.

 My journal front and back covers

And thanks to Rob Reiner's mom for this famous quote ;)

Celebrating Surrey's Student Artists!

Celebrating Surrey's Student Artists 

On Monday I checked out  the Surrey School District's student art exhibit on now at Central City Shopping Centre. I was so impressed by the calibre of talent shown.  The students and teachers can be very proud of the work they're doing.  Arts funding is taking a beating. We need to pay attention to art and recognize it when we see it. Everything is designed. What device are you reading this on? Well, take a look at it. It was designed by an  artist!

A few images of the exhibit, on now til May 20th. 

Near Future Shop  and Winners .

 Black and White collage

Disregard the reflection!

Love the Colour!

Artist's Statement

Lots of different styles and techniques in play.

Later in the day, was treated to a performance by the Semiahmoo Secondary Jazz band. They performed at my mother's care home in South Surrey.  My 25 year old  son,  a jazz pianist & former student of Surrey's Jazz Festival founder Bob LaBonte's music  program at Sullivan Heights, accompanied me and was impressed by the skills of these fine young men.  My 90 year old mother sat in the front row and thoroughly enjoyed the show! 

There's a famous quote attributed  to Winston Churchill (although there's debate about when and even if he really said it)  Still, it bears mentioning. 

When Winston Churchill was asked to cut arts funding in favour of the was effort, he replied, "Then what are we fighting for"

  For some students art, music, dance, drama are what gets them through high school in one piece. Arts programs are as essential as learning to read  and write.  Our Surrey students and  their dedicated teachers talent and hard work need and deserve your support. 

Attend a concert, performance or exhibit at your neighbourhood school.  You won't be disappointed!

Pop-up art show on The George?

 Isn't this a great way to make art affordable and accessible to everyone?
Would you like to see a pop-up art gallery in your area? I sure would.
A great way to foster community, pick up some fab (and cheap!) art plus it looks like a ton of fun.