Putting it into perspective
New Waterford Credit Union’s latest exhibit involves many
When the latest art exhibit opens at the New Waterford Credit Union Main Street Art Gallery today, it will truly be a team effort.
Members of Art Cape Breton, along with their instructor Linda CreweGabriel, are the featured artists this time, taking over from Wendy Johnston who presented “Unchained and Unconventional” during the summer months.
While the gallery usually features solo artists, Crewe-Gabriel leads a group of about a dozen artists who have been getting together since the 1970s simply for the love of painting. Among those involved is Gerd Bruckschwaiger who has become a prominent local artist in his own right.
In fact, the group meets every Tuesday at Bruckschwaiger’s Grand Lake Road business, Gerd’s Art Gallery and Tailor Shop.
“The group started way back in the ’70s and apparently Lloyd Purdie was the first instructor and then he moved to Newfoundland and Thorn Morrow took over. When Thorn passed away they contacted me to be the instructor that’s when I took over. I’ve been there maybe 10, 13 years now,” says Crewe-Gabriel.
While some, like Bruckschwaiger, might not require much instruction, others are in the group to get help with their work.
Cecilia McIntosh has been a member for three years and will be submitting an acrylic and a pastel to the New Waterford exhibit.
“I wanted to go somewhere where there was an instructor that could guide you,” says McIntosh.
“I do pastels and Linda is very good at pastels, too, so it helps. “It’s a nice bunch.” Sandra Anderson has been a member for four years but has painted for most of her life.
“I just went back to something I really enjoyed and it was art. It’s easy on the body,” she says as she puts the finishing touches on a painting featuring a profusion of lilacs.
“This one is going to Ontario to my sister-in-law. I do oils and I like flowers and people.”
“They just need to have a love of art,” says Crewe-Gabriel. “I work individually and at their pace. I try to keep their style of painting and let it shine through.”
Since 2008, Patsy MacKinnon, gallery curator, has organized numerous art shows featuring artwork from local artists, as well as students, at the New Waterford Credit Union Main Street Gallery.