Michiko Splinter is among dozens of local visual artists preparing to exhibit their works in ArtWalk, the self-guided studio and gallery tour organized by VISUALS.
The Squamish Valley Artists Society's (VISUALS) annual ArtWalk, happening Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19 and 20, includes 18 venues this year.
Splinter moved to Squamish in 2005 from her native Osaka, Japan. The oil painter who found this passion at the age of 12 was immediately captivated by her new environment.
"The surrounding beautiful nature here inspired me to paint landscapes - I really enjoyed it," said Splinter, a VISUALS member participating in ArtWalk for the first time.
She is also preparing for an annual exhibition at an Osaka art gallery, which she and her friends have done for the past 25 years. Her latest landscape is titled CN Rail near Boston Bar.
Yet Splinter said she felt compelled to try something different. The striking result is aptly named My Favourite Colours.
"I noticed that I use only mild colors now. I know nothing beats the colours of nature like beautiful green leaves and lovely flowers but I used to use much clearer and more vivid colours on my paintings. So I did an abstract painting for the first time."
Among photographer Greg Wint's latest works is Black-eyed Susan.
"I was walking through the gardens at Royal Roads in Victoria and the beauty of this flower caught my eye. Not only was it beautiful but it had just passed its peak and I wanted to preserve the moment," Wint said.
For Linda Bachman painting meant a welcome respite from hectic months as VISUALS ArtWalk co-ordinator and co-owner of the new UpStares Gallery, a key ArtWalk venue. Among her new works are Rock Bluff and Low Tide, inspired by Brohm Lake and The Spit respectively.
"It is always a great feeling to get back to our natural surroundings and share my visual pleasure," she said.
Long-time Squamish resident and photographer Joanna Schwarz will display works that showcase her love for water.
"Having grown up in Parksville where I spent countless hours at the beach, I'm always drawn to the ocean. The light and moods are always changing, always fascinating," Schwarz said.
Toby Jaxon has been holding on to a bright and hot season with works such as Tiptoe thru Tulips.
"It's a continuation of my warm weather floral inspired blissful paintings. I am not letting go of summer yet," said Jaxon.
Wanda Doyle's inspiration for her recent paintings includes a trip to the Maritimes she took in May.
Metal weaver Fran Solar, oil painter Maureen Brown and potters Liza Bennett and Kay Austen have opened their private studios for the public during ArtWalk.
Access to all ArtWalk venues, which will also display sculpture, jewellery, stained glass, cross stitch embroidery and fibre arts, is free.
Other exhibiting artists include Michael Kanka, Judy McQuinn, Sophie Brunet, Martin Thorne, Zoe Evamy, Susan Carmody, Barb Ellingson, Rory Tucker, Mary Henderson, Jan Phelan, Nancy Ricker, Mike Sherlock, Ellen Crystal, Joan Skeet, Laurel Terlesky and Margreet Dietz.
A free ArtWalk Guide and Map will be delivered with your newspaper and available at www.squamishart.com as well as the UpStares Gallery.
