An annual showcase of local artists’ treasures will be featured at the Farm Studio & Friends Third Annual Summer Art Show & Sale.
Set for Aug. 15th, it will be held on Pat Matheson’s picturesque farm near Sylvan Lake, and this year about 30 artists will be setting up displays of their work for the public to have a closer look at. Complete with live entertainment and refreshments, Matheson said the afternoon promises to be an enjoyable time for folks to drop by and check out what local artists have been up to.
Hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“It’s actually really fun – I used to have to go out and search for artists, and now I find they are calling me asking if they can be a part of it,” he said.
Some of the artists set to attend include Darren and Deborah Petersen of Sparrow Glassworks. According to his web site, Darren has been creating blown glass for over 20 years. He received a BFA in glass from the Alberta College of Art & Design and is a regular Series instructor at Red Deer College.
“He has exhibited work across North America as well as in Germany and South Korea. Darren’s work is well represented in the collection of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts and in private collections worldwide.”
Mary MacArthur and Danny Lineham of the Ponoka-based ‘Those Great Little Books’ will also be showcasing their creations. According to their web site, projects include, “Classic storybooks, sketchbooks, notebooks, diaries, gratitude journals, romantic books for lovers, guest books, photo albums and more. As well, we are always looking for unique one-off projects, either of our own creation or as special commissions.”
Others included in the show and sale are Candice Meyer who creates silver jewelry; Delburne ceramic artist Verna Ellison, Wendy Meeres who does both paintings and lamp work bead jewellery and Red Deer’s own Dave and Elizabeth Plumtree. Dave is a gifted painter and Elizabeth creates a beautiful array of quilts, said Matheson.
Bonnie Laycock, a painter, will also be there, as will the Ponoka Potters Guild and woodworker Wayne Richardson. Trent Thomas Leach and Holly Elliott of the Red Deer-based Rogue Studios will also be at the event – Leach has 15 years of experience as a metal and glass artist and Elliott has more than 20 years experience with photography and 17 years in the adventure film industry.
“They set up between 8 and 10 a.m. and find a spot on my yard,” he said of the yearly routine of setting up the show. “I also open up the pasture for parking. Folks can just come in and wonder around. We’ve also got coffee, lemonade and things like that, too.”
Matheson, a gifted artist in his own right, fires clay in the ‘raku’ technique.
The raku-firing method originated centuries ago in Japan, and features hand-molded pieces that are removed from the kiln while still glowing hot. Matheson then places them in large metal containers filled with bunched-up newspaper, which promptly burst into flame. The containers are then covered and the pieces of clay are smothered in smoke. After a few minutes, they are placed in water and brilliant, shimmering colours and designs are the result.
For more information about this year’s show and sale, call 403-748-2557. Check out www.patmatheson.com. To get there, drive 1.5 km west then 1.5 km north of the Aspelund Rd./Hwy. 20 intersection. It’s also about 10 km north of the Sylvan traffic circle as well. Watch for signs.
editor@reddeerexpress.com
