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Colorful scenery abundant in Chemainus spring equinox art exhibit

St. Joseph’s Artist Studio Gallery the site for bright landscape paintings
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It’s almost hard to tell which is the window and which is the art in Skye Skagfeld’s great landscape artwork. (Photo by Don Bodger)

You call tell there’s a change in seasons coming because Skye Skagfeld is hosting an art show.

The member of the St. Joseph’s Artist Studio in Chemainus has made it a tradition for her art shows to occur just as winter is switching over to spring, spring into summer, summer into fall, fall into winter – you get the idea.

“It’s every equinox and solstice,” said Skagfeld, 35. “Before I came here, I did them in my yard.”

Skagfeld’s coast spring equinox art exhibit takes place Friday, March 19 through Sunday, March 21 and again Friday, March 26 through Sunday, March 28 from 3-7 p.m. on each date at the St. Joseph’s Artist Studio Gallery, 9735 Elm St., Chemainus.

Skagfeld’s going solo this time. She was joined by Dennis Brown for the last show that ran during the winter solstice.

Abstract landscapes were the common thread last time.

Related story: All the elements on display inside and out for winter solstice art exhibit

“This time’s more scenery,” Skagfeld said.

She has a boat and heads into Ladysmith Harbour to paint what she sees.

“Sometimes I paint things I like and I paint things people like so there’s that balance,” Skagfeld noted.

Some of the colours are quite dramatic, even some bright pink in the sky that she captured during the short time it remained visible.

About 20 pieces of her work in colourful frames will be on display and for sale. Some are on linen, some on canvas and “it’s all acrylic paint,” said Skagfeld.

All the paintings have been done recently. “Got to keep it fresh,” said Skagfeld.

She’s also been doing some pre-spring cleaning along with her dad Paul ahead of the show to spruce up the gallery space. The old carpets came out, they painted the walls and ceiling and patched up and painted the plywood underneath the floor for a fresher look.

But the actual paintings on the wall will be more the focus and Paul is incorporating some sculptures into the show.

Skagfeld will also have some water colour cards that she’s making for the show.

There is no admission charge. COVID protocols will be in place, with hand sanitizer for those attending.

The location is very close to town, just up the hill on Elm Street and adjacent to the Chemainus Ball Park diamonds. It’s not miles away to the site that sometimes seems like the consensus and a lot easier to find than during the winter show when darkness fell early.

“This time it’s going to be light,” said Skagfeld. “When it’s too dark people don’t want to leave their houses.”

Access to the show is not at the main entrance to the building, but right from the parking lot and around to the side door. There will be a sign to point everyone in the right direction.

Related story: Exhibit showcases one side of artist’s wide-ranging personality

Skagfeld can be contacted for more information by email at SkyeSkagfeld@hotmail.com or by calling 250-668-6880.

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She’s been framed! Skye Skagfeld displays art for her spring equinox exhibit Vanna White style. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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Vibrant colours are used by Skye Skagfeld in her art – typical of what she sees from her boat in Ladysmith Harbour. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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If you’re looking to view some great landscape art and maybe to purchase some, you’ve come to the right place for Skye Skagfeld’s show. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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Landscapes at night are even part of Skye Skagfeld’s portfolio. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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Skye Skagfeld heads out in her boat to see what other landscapes she can paint around Ladysmith Harbour. (Photo submitted)


Don Bodger

About the Author: Don Bodger

I've been a part of the newspaper industry since 1980 when I began on a part-time basis covering sports for the Ladysmith-Chemainus Chronicle.
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