UpStares Gallery in the news

Whistler's Pique newsmagazine ran a story on the UpStares gallery:
A new home for the arts
Local artists team up to create Up Stares Gallery in downtown Squamish

By Holly Fraughton

The 1,000 square foot unit just upstairs from H&R Block on 37991 Cleveland Avenue has been used as an office, a private home, and now the space is being reincarnated as a new artistic hub for the community.

"Actually, it's one of our heritage buildings. It's old - it's been in the flood, razed," said Judy McQuinn, one of the proprietors of the new business. "That's what makes it so interesting, because it's almost like a maze - it's got seven rooms! So that gives us lots of wall space." Photos of Linda Bachman (top left), Michael and Monika Kanka (top right)

To read the whole story, click here.

Opening Reception: Transforming Natural Capital

Call for Artists: UpStares Gallery

37991 A Cleveland Street, Squamish, BC

The UpStares Gallery space will be open to the public on July 1/09.

We have established a fair sales commission in the Gallery at 25% for our local artisans only. In addition, a fee of $25/ per month for 6 sq ft tabletop or wall space which includes a reception and the marketting for your work. Artists from outside the Sea to Sky Corridor will have a 35% sales commission charge applied.

All work must be original by the artist in all mediums with 2D and 3D works. Please send in your visuals with full descriptions, sizes, the net price expected and your artist biography before our inaugural opening DEADLINE JUNE 25/09.

Let us know what you need to make this studio space work for you.

Judy McQuinn (mcquinnmanor@shaw.ca)
Michael Kanka (michael@kds-photo.com)
Linda Bachman (backtobachman@yahoo.ca)

Garden Tour Showcase

Garden "tourists" and Linda Bachman (right)
at the Visuals showcase.

VISUALS displayed the work of its members on Sunday, June 14, alongside the annual Squamish Garden Tour.

VISUALS members had a Garden Tour Showcase themed, naturally, around garden plants and foliage at the Quest University Cafeteria at 3200 University Boulevard in Squamish, BC. Sunday June 14, 2009: 9am - 4 pm

“The Garden Tour is one of the highlights for Squamish Gardeners, a group dedicated to lush gardens and colourful flowers. Ten gardens participated in this year’s tour, all different in design and floral elements. Visitors could stroll through the gardens at their own pace led by a map on the ticket with a short introduction to each of the gardens. The tour ended at Quest University with a BBQ and a raffle. All the proceeds are going to the Friends of the Library. The Quest cafeteria also hosted a display of art selections from local artists provided by VISUALS. For more information about the Squamish Gardener’s visit www.squamishgardeners.com.” - SNAP Sea to Sky Newspaper

Visuals member photographer, Michael Kanka, took beautiful photos of the Garden Tour. To view photos, click here.

Sell your work in Britannia

Carol Simonovic of Earthly Crystals & Gifts Inc. has opened her store of unique gift items and crystals in Britannia. She also has room for paintings and photographs if you would like to contact her about showing your work in her gallery space.

There is also a room with a separate entrance which individual artists may book for one or more days. This is a great opportunity to display your art while working on new pieces, as well as interacting with the public. The store currently gets around 500 visitors PER DAY and is open 7 days a week, 8:30 - 5:30. You would be required to man the space. There is no fee, however, commission on sales is 35%.

If interested, please contact Carol at 604 896-1999.

VISUALS Linda Wagner, AFCA, launches new website

Check out Linda Wagner's new website www.lindawagner.ca

PRESENTATION by Zoë Evamy: Work behind the award-winning art direction of “Zeke’s Pad”

Zoë talking about Zeke "an incredible (14 yr old) artist who lives smack dab in the middle of one weird and wacky family" (top left). The developmental process: from character conception and illustrations to 3d animation (bottom left). Photos taken on the June 2nd meeting at the Squamish Arts Council building.

Look for "Zeke's Pad" on YTV in 2010. To view trailer, click here.

Documentary produced by Visuals' Erica Pelletier

Visuals member, Erica Pelletier, co-produced a short documentary "The Eco Logical Pad: An Answer to Stuff" at the Gulf Islands Film and Television School (GIFTS) during the 2 week Producers' Intensive Program in May 2009.

"The Eco Pad is a solution to the current linear system paradigm. It introduces the design of a self sustaining eco-friendly structure anyone can build that can help us relearn to live in comfort and in harmony with our environment."

VISUALS board member Zoë Evamy in the news

Liz Scully, creator of the animated TV series Zeke’s Pad, and Zoë Evamy, senior art director of the show, celebrate their respective ELAN awards at ceremonies in Vancouver April 13.

Written by Margreet Dietz Special to The Chief, posted 05.29.2009

Vancouver April 13 – Zoë Evamy, a local art director earned international recognition April 13 during Vancouver’s ELAN awards – formally known as Canadian Awards for the Electronic and Animated Arts.

To read the full story, click here.

VISUALS stand at BC Conference

The VISUALS stand with, from left to right, a Margreet Dietz painting, a postcard of a Linda Bachman painting and a lantern by Judy McQuinn

Margreet Dietz with one of her paintings

Joanna Schwarz with one of her photographs on canvas

VISUALS was invited to the annual Recreation Facilities Association of B.C. Conference, held in May, in Squamish.

VISUALS members and artists Linda Bachman, Joanna Schwarz, Sheila Alonzo and Margreet Dietz set up a stand to help promote our annual events such as Art at the Market and ArtWalk as well as our special exhibitions like this weekend's Garden Tour Showcase and the Silk Purse Gallery show planned for December.

VISUALS member Kay Austen in the news

Potter Kay Austen in her studio (above)

and some of her finished work (left).

To highlight a VISUALS fundraiser organized by potter Kay Austen, newspapers The Chief, Pique and SNAP Sea to Sky News published an article submitted to them.

Original article
(Written by Margreet Dietz)

Kay Austen's explorations in clay during the past 40 years have allowed her to discover a lot more than a way to create her beautiful and functional pottery. As Kay shares her vast knowledge and unbridled enthusiasm for her art, the retired elementary school teacher's approach to the creation of her pieces shows wisdom and self-awareness that applies to much more than decomposed feldspathic rock.

Here is a link to the article as published by SNAP Sea to Sky.