Artist Heather Roy. /Sarah Hyatt/MBC
Northumberland can ‘branch out’ with feature artist Heather Roy at the Colborne Art Gallery (CAG) through a new exhibition running into July.
A practising artist of over 20 years, the Port Hope resident is a figurative painter and mixed media artist whose latest Colborne show incorporates an array of elements – driftwood from the beach, beeswax as paint, clay – and the ancient encaustic technique, explained Roy.
The Colborne Art Gallery’s “Branching Out” exhibition opened May 9, with a spotlight on member artist Roy’s “Coagulatio” show. The title of the show is Latin for coagulate and connects to the study of medieval alchemy, said Roy.
The opening reception was hosted over the weekend on Saturday.
But not to fret if you missed it, the exhibition runs until July 7, with the gallery open Thursday to Sunday noon to 4 p.m. And admission is free.
CAG is described as an artist-run/volunteer co-operative – its artist members handle all operations, from creating to cleaning, explained Roy, who called the gallery housed in the historic 1860s’ building at 51 King St. E., Colborne a true gem and beautiful space to explore the arts in.
The gallery features paintings, printmaking, photography, jewelry, sculptures, and more – with these works also showcased in “Branching Out.”
The goal is to support and advance the careers of local artists, while contributing to the cultural life of Northumberland County, the gallery states online.
For Roy, this is her first big sculptural mixed-media show, with an emphasis on incorporating driftwood from the beach – a lifetime love of Roy’s.
“Driftwood to me has so much story, and so much richness to it,” added Roy.
In addition to the driftwood, clay and wax, there are a” few other elements” Roy’s incorporated into her works for this show.
Roy is also hosting workshops on Saturday, May 18 in the morning and afternoon at the gallery, helping others to explore the possibilities with encaustic mixed media. From wood to dried flowers and fabrics to go along with the wax, participants can create their own unique creations. No experience is necessary, noted Roy.
Interested participants can email roygang@cogeco.ca.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
