Artist launched her career with a first-place win
Judith Smith’s work can be seen at local gallery
This is another in a series of articles profiling artists and artisans in the Otonabee Ward.
A new member of the Kawartha Artists’ Gallery and Studio, Judith Smith has loved art for as long as she can remember.
“I enrolled in the art program at my high school in Toronto, where I lived, and was taught painting and drawing in many mediums,” says Smith. “But it wasn't until attending painting classes from local artist Gene Canning, that I developed my preference for painting in acrylics.”
After her career and family sidelined her for a few years, Smith became serious about her art in 2009 when she entered one of her paintings at the Buckhorn Fine Art Festival and was awarded first place in her category.
“I continue to explore different subject matter and techniques, which I look forward to continue doing through KAGS workshops,” she says.
There are many programs being offered at the gallery this fall. “The Kawartha Artists’ Gallery is a very busy place,” says Lorraine Staples, member. “This co-op gallery runs with the help of about 125 members of varying artistic experience with programs to suit many different interests.”
Regular studio times include life drawing on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, portraits on Wednesday afternoon, working on still lifes on Thursday mornings, and outdoor painting on Thursdays (indoors during cooler weather). These studio sessions operate for members on a drop-in basis. In addition, during October, there will be an “Introduction to Lino Printing” class on Tuesday afternoons.
Well-known local artist Lucy Manley will be teaching painting classes on Mondays this fall: on September 17, October 1, 15, 23, November 5 and 19, at a cost of $80 for members and $95 for nonmembers. A few spaces are still available. Other fall weekend workshops are being finalized.
Everyone is invited to view the exhibit Figuratively Speaking: A Show of Figurative Works and Portraits which continues until September 9 at the gallery, located at 420 O’Connell Rd., open Wednesdays to Sundays, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, please call 705-741-2817, visit www.kawarthaartists.org or like them on Facebook.
Journey into Summer
The Journey into Summer show continues in the Heritage Room at The Mount Community Centre, 1545 Monaghan Rd. Works by James Lasenby, Zerfoss (aka Cathy Vanderham), Cynthia Fox, Mike McGillis, and M.E. Gale are on display until Sept. 5 at the gallery, which is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Enter through the main door at the north end of the building.
Mapleridge Recreation Centre
Mapleridge Recreation Centre, 1085 Brealey Dr. is an activity club operated by staff and volunteers whose mission is to provide friendship, programs and opportunities for adults aged 50 and over to enjoy social, recreational, and educational activities. The many activities offered at Mapleridge include line dancing, Tai Chi, yoga, cribbage, euchre, bid euchre, bridge, shuffleboard, darts, billiards and more. Some drop-in programs are taking a break for the summer but most regular and instructional programs continue throughout the summer.
Membership in the centre is $20 per year. A current membership card is required to register for programs. For more information, please call 705-742-1481 or visit www.mapleridgerecreationcentre.com.