Dutch Settlement: Quartair Contemporary Art Initiatives of The Hague at EBA

Two artists' collectives in former bread factories – one here in Ottawa and the other in The Hague. Both founded in 1992 by recent art graduates from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, and respective from the Ottawa University. What a coincidence – or probably fate? Now, works by Quartair Contemporary Art Initiatives artists are on view at the Enriched Bread Artists (EBA) in an outstanding exhibition.

Invitation from the EBA. For more details, see:
http://www.enrichedbreadartists.com/documents/quartair_dutchsettlement_invitation.pdf

EBA will host that special exhibition, Dutch Settlement, organized by Quartair artists. Some of whom will be present. The participants are inspired by various meanings of the word ‘settlement’, from the oldest villages in the Low Countries to the founding of communities of colonists and labour immigrants in ‘the New World’.

Artists participating in Dutch Settlement are: Marlies Adriaanse, Harold de Bree, Paul Donker Duyvis,Geeske Harting, Rens Krikhaar, Erik-Jan Ligtvoet, Ingrid Mol, Pepijn van den Nieuwendijk, Jessy Theo Rahman, Pietertje van Splunter, Thom Vink.

This exchange will continue in The Hague this August when fifteen EBA artists will create an exhibition in Quartair’s gallery space in The Hague.

Mark your calenders: The opening is this Friday!



Facts:
Dutch Settlement: Quartair Contemporary Art Initiatives of The Hague at EBA
Enriched Bread Artists Studios
951 Gladstone Avenue (west of Preston)

May 31st to June 10th 2013

Vernissage:
Friday, May 31st, 2013, 7 - 9 PM
www.enrichedbreadartists.com/ebaquartairexchange.htm

Kanata Artists Studio Tour

Living in Kanata, a sub-urb of Ottawa, has some pros and cons. On the one hand being close to nature (Greenbelt, Trans Canada Trail etc) and work, on the other hand being far away from museums and art galleries which are mostly located in the down town core. I have to confess, I really miss being out and about and stroll through exhibitions. That's why I was so looking forward to the 22nd Annual Kanata Artists Studio Tour! It took place last weekend.

Every year, Kanata artists open their home studios to the public on the first weekend of May. This year, the artists were:

Violeta Borisonik
Beulah McLellan
David Farrar
Susan Goold
Peggy Hughes
Judi Miller
Elizabeth Potvin
Rosemary Randell
Karl Kischel
Janis Miller Hall

And the participating Guest Artists:
Sue Ukkola
RicharD Murphy
Amie Talbot

Some of Beulah McLellan's abstract acrylic works which were on view at her home during the Kanata Artists Studio Tour 2013. Copyright by Beulah McLellan.

I finally had the chance to see some art close to my place, so I visited Beulah McLellan's studio. I chatted a bit with her about her encaustic technique (she also uses acrylic, but I liked the encaustic works more). It is made of beeswax and pigment, and other materials can be encased into the surface which makes it such an exciting artistic medium. Actually, it's a very old technique, developed in Egypt during the Coptic Period. Further, its texture is great – and that's why it is the medium of choice for Beulah who also integrates everyday objects into her works (like newspaper letters, pictures etc.).

Some of Beulah McLellan's encaustic works at the Kanata Artists Studio Tour 2013. Copyright by Beulah McLellan.

"Sheepish" by Beulah McLellan.

According to her Facebook page (www.facebook.com/BeulahMcLellanArt) she has sold several paintings over the last weekend. I assume that the Kanata Artists Studio Tour was a success for all participating artists, and for me it was a great opportunity to see contemporary, local art in Kanata!

At Beulah McLellan's studio during the Kanata Artists Studio Tour 2013. Copyright by Beulah McLellan.

Facts:
http://www.kanataartists.com/index.html
For information:
(613) 592-0508
StudioTour@KanataArtists.com