Self-taught artist began making mark at early age
This is another in a series of articles profiling artists and artisans in the Otonabee Ward.
A member of the Kawartha Artists’ Gallery and Studio, Sue Sidney says that she started creating art as soon as she could hold a crayon or anything that would make a mark in the dirt, on the wall or on paper.
“I am primarily a self-taught artist, although in my late twenties I started taking workshops with a number of Canadian, American and European artists,” says Sidney. “I firmly believe that you can never stop learning.”
Sidney was born and raised in Toronto and has spent the last 40 years living just north of Peterborough on a farm where she enjoys her horses, dogs, cats and fish as well as viewing the many wild animals and birds that share the land she owns. Inspired in part by her surroundings, she creates landscape paintings, underwater ship wrecks and animal portraits.
“I use transparent watercolour for the most part, which allows me to use a wide range of styles from pale and delicate washes for a misty effect, through to bold and brilliant colours for things such as the light coming through a stained-glass window,” she continues.
“One can have very tight detail for animal portraits through to soft underwater paintings. Transparent watercolour seems to have a life of its own that I cannot find in any other media.”
Sidney has volunteered for eight years at the Kawartha Artists’ Gallery and Studio as the treasurer, as well as a co-convening many shows.
“This fall I will be working with two other artists, Cindy Allan and Norma MacEachern, for the exhibits “150 Years Of Canada’s History Featuring Peterborough County” and “Rural Outlook”, the KAGS Outdoor Painters’ Show. As usual there will be a silent auction of paintings to raise money for the Best of High School Art Show we hold each May. I am also helping to organize a “Small Treasures” fundraiser to benefit high school art in the new year.”
Sidney creates art because she says it is a way for her to share with the viewer the many things she has seen, enjoyed or found appealing, whether it is an underwater wreck, the fish swimming by when she dives, the beauty in an animal or flower or the wonderful changes of the landscape through the various seasons.
Her advice to budding artists is to “never stop creating. Don’t be afraid to try different styles and media to create something that is your own: a one-of-a-kind original.”
The Faces and Figures show is on now at the Kawartha Artists’ Gallery and Studio, 420 O’Connell Rd. until September 10, open from Wednesday to Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., closed Monday and Tuesday. For more information, please call 705-741-2817 or visit www.kawarthaartists.org.
Fleming ’s 50th anniversary
Fleming College is inviting students, employees and alumni and the community to celebrate its 50th anniversary at a series of upcoming events.
Founded in 1967 during Canada’s centennial year, Fleming started with fewer than 200 students, and has now grown to almost 6,000 fulltime students. Over the last 50 years, 74,000 alumni have graduated from the college.
“This fall, Fleming will co-host a series of fun events,” said Drew Van Parys, Executive Director of Advancement and Marketing. “It’s a way for us to not only celebrate this significant milestone but also give our thanks to the community for its unwavering support. All community members are welcome to join in the celebrations.”
The celebrations kicked-off last Saturday night at Peterborough Musicfest, and continue on Thursday, September 21 at the Peterborough Petes’ home opener where Fleming representatives will drop the puck as well as take part in other activities during the game.
Festivities culminate with a party at the Sutherland Campus on Friday, September 22, from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., with live entertainment, special guests, soccer games (Fleming versus St. Lawrence College), and more. Those who would like to attend can RSVP on Eventbrite.
To learn more about these and other upcoming events, please visit their Facebook page: facebook.com/flemingcollege or visit them on Twitter and Instagram @ FlemingCollege.
Splash pads
The City of Peterborough’s Recreation Division invites families to enjoy the many splash pad water parks found around town, with special features such as water jellies, spray tunnels and more. Splash pads are operating from now until September, weather permitting, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. There is one at the Kinsmen Park at 775 Sherbrooke Street at Clonsilla in the Otonabee Ward. Children need to be supervised by adults as there are no lifeguards.