Mark Rothko, an American artist who described himself as an “abstract painter”, once said that he was not the kind of person interested in the relationship of form, color or similars. He didn’t define himself as an abstractionist, but rather as a person interested only in expressing basic human emotions such as doom, tragedy, ecstasy and so on. This was one person’s vision of art, but what do we mean by art today? Why is defining the concept so difficult?
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TWO Opening Reception dates:

• Friday, May 4 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. 
• and Saturday, May 5 from 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Delta Firehall Arts Centre is located at 11489 84th Avenue, N. Delta.  It is open to the public Sat., 10-3, Mon., Wed., and Fri., 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m. http://deltaartscouncil.ca/gallery/firehall_centre_for_the_arts/

“ABSTRACT ART ON FIRE, SOLO ART EXHIBITION”

Irma Bijdemast, will be exhibiting solo at the “Delta Firehall Arts Centre” at 11489 84^th Avenue, North Delta, from May 4th to May 31^st. Having just retired a few years ago, Irma enthusiastically began painting and has now completed hundreds of canvasses.  Her paintings are held in private collections both locally and internationally.   She attributes much of her creative confidence to her father who was an accomplished painter, sculptor and wood worker. “When I retired and finally had free time, I just knew I could paint,” she says, “because my father and my family were all so creative. It was always a part of our home.”
Working in the moment, Irma drips layers of brilliant acrylic paint onto the canvas allowing the paint to have a life of its own. Often images can be found within these canvasses; a sudden forest in dazzling blues, reds and greens or hooded women along winding pathways, even facial images.  By using unique items as the foundation, it creates an unusually rich texture in conjunction with bright colours thus bringing life to a simple canvas. These canvasses call up memories of ancient symbols, connection to the earth, spirituality and joy.
An abstract artist, Irma’s inspiration comes from deep within. “I’ve been totally self taught.  My inspiration pretty much comes from my love of nature.  I’m very much into colour and unique techniques.  A kaleidoscope of colour is how I envision my art.  I create art that I intend to be uplifting however, the diversity of the works allow for individual interpretation of one’s own thoughts and feelings.  My artist statements are interpreted by my partner Debbie of whom transforms them into poetry which accompanies each painting.  This combination allows the viewer a deeper understanding of the meaning or intent of the origins and end result of the painting”.

Irma has supported her community by donating paintings for fund raisers to the Diverse City Community Resource Non-Profit Society, Semiahmoo House Society, The Canadian Cancer Society and Co-Development Canada, a Partnership Building For Global Justice and other worthwhile charities.  Past solo and group exhibitions have been held in several venues within the lower mainland.

A large selection of Irma’s abstract artworks will be offered for sale including her signature masks on canvas works as well as acrylic drip paintings and melded abstractions of Art.

Call for visual artists & Artisans

Art in the Garden tour

The North Vancouver Community Arts Council is seeking visual artists and artisans to participate
in the 2012 Art in the Garden Tour, taking place on Saturday, May 26th and Sunday, May 27th, from 12-5pm, rain or shine.

This is a great opportunity for visual artists to market their artwork in a unique setting. The Art in the Garden Tour is a two-day event that brings together musicians, gardeners and visual artists for a collaborative feast of the senses. This self-directed tour takes place during the last weekend in May and features up to 16 award winning gardens from the North Shore and over 30 artists from throughout the province. Over 1500 patrons took in the event in 2011.

Accepted artists must set up, take down, and remain in the garden to sell their work from 12-5pm on each day.

http://nvartscouncil.ca/events/art-garden

To apply please include in your submission:

• a completed application form (following on page 2)
• 10 printed photos, or JPEG, or PDF images on a disk of your artwork
• a current CV or bio, and an artist statement
• submissions must also be accompanied by a $15.00 jury fee
• artists who are accepted must be a member of the North Vancouver Community Arts Council
• artists retain 100% of any sales at the event and commissions obtained through the event

The deadline for submission is Saturday, March 31, 2012 at 4:00pm.

For more information please contact:

North Vancouver Community Arts Council

335 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver, BC  V7M 2G3

Tel:  604.988.6844  info@nvartscouncil.ca  www.nvartscouncil.ca

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Call for  crafters and Artisans

On Thursday, March 29th and Friday April 13th 2012 the North Vancouver Community Arts Council
is holding a jury session for the Canada Day Craft Fair (July 1, 2012).

Exhibitors’ art or crafts will be subject to the approval of a jury to ensure they are handmade
by the submitting artist. Only arts and crafts accepted by the jury may be sold or exhibited.
Once accepted, all exhibitors must be members of the North Vancouver Community Arts Council. Individual membership costs $45.00. To participate in the jury process there is a $10 jury fee.

http://nvartscouncil.ca/events/craft-fairs

Please call to book a jury appointment.
Jury spaces are on a first come, first served basis.

Please fill out a crafter application form, available on our website, or at our office.

The jury will take place at:
CityScape Community Art Space

North Vancouver Community Arts Council

335 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver, BC V7M 2G3

604.988.6844 / www.nvartscouncil.ca / Mon-Fri 9am – 5pm

Contact: Claire Halpern, Programme Coordinator  /  programmes@nvartscouncil.ca