Kathryn Amisson Spotlight with Mini Retrospective Show

Our beloved artist, Kathryn Amisson, is celebrating an extraordinary 48-year artistic career this June! We warmly invite you to join us for this special occasion as we honor Kathryn’s remarkable legacy and creative achievements. The event will also feature a mini retrospective exhibition highlighting key moments and works from Kathryn’s inspiring artistic journey. Kathryn will be in the gallery on Saturday June 6 from 1pm to 3pm.

"When I began this journey I worked in soft pastel focusing on animal portraits as a way to fund my emerging career. Building my reputation I managed to cover the cost of living along with the help of a part time job somewhat in the field of art.

Ten years in I began using the pastel to produce images of our beautiful west coast scenery. A difficult economy in the mid to late nineties had me shifting my creative energy toward revitalizing our home using a paintbrush of a different width. Within this time period and into the 2000s I did paintings in oils letting go of my use of pastel to avoid works that required glass.

My work continued to be quite representational even though I had a strong desire to steer in the direction of a more abstract expression. So next I began working in acrylic which opened the door to an exciting new phase.

By 2010 I found my way painting ocean and prairie scenes with this new medium. Introducing texture it really began to be fun. This lasted 10 years until I felt the need to simplify the imagery. Wanting there to be less detail and more expression. So began my Islet Series. White space, reflections with texture and palette knife work.

Five years in I seem to be desiring a new direction once again. The shift now to a saturation of colour. One extreme to another. Loving the prospect of where my art will take me next."

--- Kathryn Amisson

Victoria Heryet Spotlight Show

Victoria Heryet is one of the busiest artists in the local arts community. She was recently involved in the installation of the 73rd Annual SPAC (Saanich Peninsula Arts & Crafts) Exhibition, a role she has also taken on for the past three years. She won a juror’s choice award in the show for her piece “Terminal City”. She designed the display windows at the Mary Winspear Centre, regularly collaborates with fellow artists at ArtSea in Tulista Park, and has been juried into the Sooke Fine Arts Show every year, winning an award in 2023. This summer, she will also serve as the resident artist at the Union Club of British Columbia.

Before all of this, Victoria ran her own successful creative chalkboard business, bringing artistry and character to businesses and public spaces throughout the region.

We welcomed Victoria to our gallery two years ago because we were deeply drawn to the unique quality of her work, pieces that encourage a slower, more contemplative way of looking. The transparency of watercolour allows layers to emerge softly and organically, while ink introduces structure, contrast, and clarity. Together, these mediums create a dialogue between control and chance, delicacy and strength, revealing the beauty found in impermanence. Through her art, familiar subjects become quietly transformative.

Victoria will be in the gallery on Saturday, May 16, for a special meet-and-greet, from noon to 3pm. Alongside her larger works, she will also have a selection of small, handcrafted creations available.

Please drop in to meet this remarkable artist. We would love to see you!