A spate of downsizing inspired the “most exciting show” this year at Eclectic Gallery, says owner John Taylor.
“These are some of the most well known and prominent artists in the region. The work is all coming from private collections,” he said.
A couple, moving and downsizing, stopped by the Oak Bay gallery to gauge his interest.
“That’s what instigated it. We decided to do a show and the work just came out of the woodwork,” he said. “There’s so many amazing artists.”
The upcoming Modern Visionaries exhibition will feature original paintings, prints and drawings of Victoria’s Limners: Carole Sabiston, Pat Martin Bates, Maxwell Bates, Herbert Siebner, Karl Spreitz and Richard Ciccimara. Included in the exhibit are contemporaries Myfanwy Pavelic, Flemming Jorgensen, Jack Wise, Phyllis Serota, Pablo Picasso and others.
“So many of those artists, they represent a change in attitudes in the arts in Victoria. The Limners in general were very well respected outside the region … and they chose to live here and continue producing these amazing works,” Taylor said.
Renowned ceramic artists Walter Dexter, Wayne Ngan, Arthur Handy are also represented.
“Wayne Ngan, his work is highly in demand. He’s one of the most celebrated West Coast artists,” Taylor said. “You rarely see his work … we’re thrilled to have some of his pieces coming it.”
In addition to the artwork, some brilliant finds, including a pair of Bertoia mid-century Bird Wing chairs and a pair of iconic Charles and Ray Eames first production 1948 LCW chairs, are included in the show.
Modern Visionaries runs through to May 2. Some artists will be present Saturday, April 11 from 3 to 5 p.m. for a public reception. For more information see www.eclecticgallery.ca.
cvanreeuwyk@oakbaynews.com