Three generations of artists join for new show
Stretch Marks, a show and sale by three generations, Lakefield artist Donna Bolam, her daughter-in-law Dawn Bolam and her granddaughter Emma Bolam, will have its opening reception at the Kawartha Artists’ Gallery and Studio on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., with refreshments and artists present.
Donna Bolam came up with the idea for the show about a year ago, when she decided to forgo having a solo art show in favour of an exhibition that would challenge and stretch the
creative potential of three generations in her family.
“Creativity is ageless, with an intuitive wiring that is woven into the fibres of our being,” says Donna. “My personal 35-year struggle to express my own creativity was the motivation for investigating an unrealized potential within my family, while they were still responsive to their “childlike intuitive” promptings.”
Donna says that Dawn had never painted before, and Emma, now 12 yrs. old was only 3 1/2 years old when she participated in her first art show.
“Emma has received encouragement and support from her family since the age of two,” says Donna. “Through various avenues of art instruction Emma now started to explore her art digitally. The enthusiasm from her grade 6 teacher last year was also pivotal in stretching and taking Emma to new levels of expression.”
Emma draws and paints in a realistic style that encompasses her friends and her love for animals.
“Realism starts and finishes from a place of knowing, but abstract expressionism starts from a place of not knowing and mysteriously arrives at ‘a knowing ’,” says Donna. “Exploring the unknown with its hurdles of fear and uncertainty through a series of mark-making with lines, shapes and colour engages the artist and the viewer in a wordless and intriguing dialogue with the painting.”
Until a year ago, Dawn’s art experience was associated with the art of painting the interior walls
of her clients’ homes. She is kept busy with three children and recently has teamed up as a painter with her husband, a general contractor.
When asked why she accepted this show challenge, Dawn says, “I have always welcomed the the uncertainties of life as creative opportunities to stretch myself. I don’t have the skills or patience for realism, so that made abstract expressionism with acrylics the most natural direction for me to pursue.”
Dawn says that she was surprised how quickly she became immersed in the exploratory process of intuitive painting. Her curious nature has enabled her to create a colourful and spirited selection of abstract artworks.
As a visual, abstract, mixed media artist Donna brings a retrospective of past works of realism and her current works of abstract expressionism.
Ten percent of proceeds from the show will be donated to Hospice Peterborough.
The show will continue until November 26 at the gallery, which is located at 420 O’Connell Rd. The gallery is open daily from Wednesday to Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., closed Monday and Tuesday. For more information, please call 705-741-2817 or visit www. kawarthaartists.org.
St. James United Church
The annual Christmas Café and Bazaar will be held at St. James United Church, 221 Romaine St., on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free.
There will be many vendors with items for sale, a bake table, as well as their famous meat pies. A cafestyle lunch will be available in the tea room. A bowl of soup, half a sandwich and cookies will be $5; a bowl of soup, a whole sandwich and cookies will be $7 or tea/coffee and cookies for $2. St. James is wheel chair accessible with an elevator.
Grace United Church
Annual Christmas Bake Sale is being held on Saturday, November 25 from 9 a.m. till 12 p.m. at Grace United Church, 581 Howden St. All proceeds go to the church. There will be the famous “Cookie Walk”, squares, loaves, pies, tarts, bread, candy, meat pies, Christmas cake, and other sweet and savoury treats. For more information, please call 705-742-5846.