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Squamish's spirit on display

This month at the Foyer Gallery

What is Squamish Spirit? Strength and determination, heart and soul, feeling and attitude? Perhaps it's all of the above.

VISUALS - The Squamish Valley Artists Society presents a 2010 montage of strong visual images and objects in an eclectic mixture of photography, paintings, pottery, sculpture and jewellery.

From illustrations of Cleveland Avenue to ocean scenes, from interpretations of snow-covered passageways to photos of surrounding peaks, from bike parts to jewels, from raku to functional pottery, this exhibit characterizes Squamish chi. Passionate artists portray their vision of local spirit while this groups' growing membership reaches throughout the Sea to Sky Corridor.

Joanna Schwarz, long time local resident and outstanding volunteer, has captured the essence of warmth in her Chief and Golden Grass photograph on archival canvas.

"The Chief and Estuary in all its moods is a fascinating subject," said Schwarz. "After a hot dry summer, the marsh grasses, instead of drooping to a soggy brown, were bright and golden. A real delight!"

A stunning and substantial rendition of a snow-covered brook, Bea Gonzalez has entitled her acrylic canvas Madeley Creek in Winter. This painting is of a view in the Whistler Olympic Park, home of the Nordic events for the 2010 Winter Games.

"It was a beautiful sunny day and I was cross-country skiing," said Gonsalez. "I came across this scene in which Madeley Creek was partially frozen producing lovely patterns of turquoise and greens."

Oil painter Michiko Splinter depicts a lively downtown Squamish filled with colourful flowers, banners and cars.

"I've been lived in Squamish for five years," said Splinter. "Downtown has been changing and keeps on changing. I'd like to preserve old downtown with the surrounding beautiful nature in one of my paintings."

Metal artist Fran Solar embraced the theme of the exhibit by combining her woven metal wall hangings with spirals, grommets and sprockets coining clever names such as "Fest of Metal." Solar has also created organic woven sculptural 3D vessels - minus the bike parts.

Zo毛 Evamy's free-flowing watercolour strokes parallel her attitude and positive outlook. She reflects on her motivation for the wonderfully light and bright scene with snow capped Mount Garibaldi peaking through from the background.

"2010 Gateway symbolizes the resilience of nature and the human spirit to rebound from hardships with renewed energy and a passion for life," said Evamy. "2009 was a tough year for everyone, but our mountain and ocean views are a constant reassurance that life goes on and renews itself regardless of economic pressures."

VISUALS contributing artists are young and old, spirited and creative. The purpose of the local Artists Society is to provide a forum that supports the development, education and promotion of local visual artists.

The guild creates mentoring and networking opportunities for all artisans to share their knowledge and expertise. VISUALS - the Squamish Valley Artists Society promotes raising community awareness and appreciation for the economic, social and cultural value of local artisans.

These artists are making a notable contribution to the community by raising money for other non-profit groups and promoting the artistic strength of our Squamish Valley by coordinating events such as ArtWalk and Art at the Market that encourage broad regional support and participation.

For more information or if you want to join go to: www.squamishart.com.

Meet the artists and catch the Squamish spirit at the Opening Reception Saturday (Feb. 6) from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

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