Art show features work from four clubs

During the 17th annual Camrose Artwalk, paintings, photographs and sculptures are featured at the Chuck MacLean Arts Centre until Tuesday, July 31.

"This is an opportunity to bring the various art clubs together for the first time. We have a show here at the arts centre that features work from four different clubs. There are a lot of beautiful pieces," said coordinator Jane Cherry-Lemire with the Camrose Arts Society.

Several clubs are working together to display their work at one location. "I'm hoping that they will mingle and it may lead to the various clubs working together in the future," Jane said. "The Mirror Lake, Bashaw and Bittern Lake art clubs, along with the Camrose Camera Club have displays in the main Kinsmen Hall at the Chuck MacLean Art Centre. Independent artists Diane McLaren, Rita Sherman and Yvonne King also have work on display."

Artists Jeannette McDonald, Donelda Adams and Norma Ruhl were excited to have their work mixed with other clubs. "This show has evolved over time and we are so happy that Jane could put this all together for us," said Jeannette of the Mirror Lake Art Club.

"Some of us have had the opportunity to take art classes through the CMAC and were aware of the artwalk," said Donelda from the Bashaw Art Club. "Yvonne is involved in both art and photography and wanted us to be involved in this show. It is great to have someone like Jane who put so much work into putting on a show like this. One little show is one day for four hours. I don't think some people realize what a gem this is to have so much talent in one place."

Norma said art is the greatest hobby. "If you are interested in arts, you see things and visualize the beauty of the world. It is fantastic to have different groups come together to share in ideas."

The clubs are eager to see what other artists are doing. "You always have traditional things, but you get exposed to different forms of art. To see the different ideas helps you as an artist as well," said Donelda. "This is a good facility to have four clubs share a show."

The artists would like more visitors. "If we could do a show like this every year, we could get more people out to enjoy the art work," said Norma.

"Sometimes it takes a couple of years to catch on and for people to realize just how good a show this is," added Donelda.

The show is open on Saturday and Sunday afternoons as well as Monday to Friday during the day for visitors. For more information on the show, call Jane Cherry-Lemire with the Camrose Arts Society at 780-672-9949. The Chuck MacLean Arts Centre is located below the Wildrose Co-op grocery store.