The sun sets on a pristine lake. A shelf of ice reflects the noonday sun. A white pine defiantly stands, bent and misshapen from decades of wind-battering. The beauty takes your breath away. Earth, water, fire and air: the elements have inspired Muskoka’s resident and visiting artists for more than a century.
Canadian art is often characterized by the work of the Group of Seven, preeminent artists particularly enthralled with our rugged landscape. Like the ancient granite beneath our feet, the creative inspiration of our region’s natural beauty continues to sparkle. Muskoka is a muse.
It isn’t surprising, then, that the upcoming premiere themed show from Huntsville Art Crowd revolves around nature’s four elements. Earth, water, fire and air will be portrayed in myriad forms by some of the club’s 45 members. They’ve been working hard, since only new material is being considered for inclusion. There will be two sections to Elements in Art: a curated exhibit and individual booths for artists to show and sell their work.
In October 2008 some of the group took part in a field trip, aptly named “Autumn on My Mind,” to the town of Melissa to paint, shoot and otherwise render the fall colour, working en plein air at the riverside. A January outing took them into the cold to explore the quality, texture and light of frozen water. The art of ice.
Huntsville Art Crowd members are visual artists working in a variety of mediums. There are glass workers, photographers, potters and painters. The show will display everything from jewelry to large canvases. For a sneak peak, visit the work on display at the Algonquin Theatre throughout April.
It isn’t easy to sell art in a gasping economy, and the area’s artists have noticed a decline in sales. The show will be an opportunity to support local artists while doing a little Mother’s Day shopping. There will be affordable items for every budget with pieces selling from $10 to over $1,000.
The group also hosts open studio events at Robinson’s Independent Community Room. Check out their blog to see if an upcoming workshop appeals to you.
Visit Huntsville Art Crowd’s Elements in Art Show and Sale on May 1 and 2 at the Huntsville Curling Club, 6 Lansdowne Street E., Huntsville. For more information visit
www.huntsville-artcrowd.blogspot.com or huntsvilleartcrowd.com.
