Octopus, mermaids and jellyfish, oh my!
The art adorning the walls and ceilings of Glow Arts gallery in Metchosin features a decidedly nautical theme. Gallery owner Linda Simrose said the exhibition, Ebb & Flow, is all about the scenic locations around Greater Victoria both as the subject and the host.
“Most of the artists that I deal with are plein air painting (painting outdoors), going out every possible time they can,” she said. “(And) it’s ocean-themed because of where we’re located – look at this coastline that is five minutes away.”
Simrose noted that Glow Arts, nestled behind the old Metchosin school house, is somewhat hidden from the public. She hopes that changes now through July 31 as they host the salty exhibition featuring such West Shore artists as Frank Mitchell, Terri Rodstrom, Linda Gordon and Rob Owen, among others.
“(Visitors) are going to see what I consider some of the best artists around … I am in awe of the artists I have taken on,” Simrose said. “I would be really happy if I could paint like that. I see some of the artists’ work and think wow.”
The show also features an outdoor component, a one-day arts and crafts market, music and food. Simrose, a retired Colwood resident, hopes the show helps fill an arts gap in the rural community. The pieces come from artists in Metchosin, Highlands, Colwood, East Sooke and more. It’s work she hopes inspires visitors.
“As I become more creative, I get more creative ideas. The more I do, the more I get. When you work outside at a job that isn’t artistic or isn’t creative, you don’t get the ideas, but as soon as you start working in art … you get more ideas. It just kind of grows on itself.”
Gallery hours are Thursday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 4495 Happy Valley Rd. The outdoor festival runs on Saturday, June 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
alim@goldstreamgazette.com