It’s a busy few weeks in the local art scene with several new shows opening along with a series of special events.
Stop by Winchester Galleries from 2 to 4 p.m. this Saturday, Nov. 14, for an exhibition of works by Molly Lamb Bobak and Bruno Bobak, paired with the launch of a brand new book by Anny Scoones, Last Dance in Shediac: Memories of Mum, Molly Lamb Bobak.
A “collection of the author’s personal memories of her mother, celebrated Canadian artist Molly Lamb Bobak, and a tender mediation on life and death,” Scoones expands on the artist’s public profile with memories both funny and touching.
The exhibition continues to Nov. 21.
The Avenue Gallery opens an exhibit of new work by Kimberly Kiel, showing Nov. 14 to 21. “Energetic, outgoing and charming, just like the paintings she creates, (Kiel’s) full-of-life attitude perfectly depicts her creations.”
Also at the gallery Nov. 18 to 25 is an exhibition of new work by glazier Naoko Takenouchi, whose hand-blown glass vessels with ethereal colours and intricate engraved designs often depict a visual metaphor or allegory.
Looking ahead to December, Avenue welcomes All That Glitters, the gallery’s annual exhibition of wearable art from some of Canada’s finest jewellers. The show opens Dec. 3 and continues through Dec. 24.
Oak Bay’s Eclectic Gallery is featuring its holiday exhibit, small works BIG IMPACT, continuing through Jan. 9 (see related story below), featuring the art of more than 20 artists whose works are all priced at less than $500.
The show directly supports local jewellers, potters, wood crafters, silversmiths and visual artists.
Avenue, Eclectic and Winchester galleries are among a host of Oak Bay galleries throwing their doors open late Thursday, Dec. 3 for the 12th annual Oak Bay Gallery Walk, a glittering display of lights, carollers, and seasonal treats from 6 to 8 p.m.
In nearby Rockland, the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria’s free workshop “Performing Femininity” on Nov. 21 ties into the current exhibit, The Artist Herself: Self-Portraits by Canadian Historical Women Artists, showing through Jan. 3.
The ground-breaking exhibition includes works from both settler and Indigenous perspectives – the work of 41 artists, working in a range of media, including paintings, textiles, photographs and film, and other forms of self-representation. The workshop runs from 1 to 3:30 p.m. and pre-registration is required – see aggv.ca for information.
Also continuing at the art gallery are Case Studies, featuring decorative art from the collection, and Anna Banana, 45 Years of Fooling Around with A. Banana. Treasures of the Chinese Scholar’s Studio closes this Sunday, Nov. 15, while Circumference, an installation from Toronto-based artist Gwen MacGregor, closes next Sunday, Nov. 22. Ongoing is Emily Carr and the Young Generation.
Downtown, West End Gallery opens the premiere Victoria exhibit of work by Michael Rozenvain and Sabina Premiere this Saturday, Nov. 14.
Originally from Kiev, Ukraine, Rozenvain and Sabina both completed their studies there before emigrating to Canada.
Rozenvains’ paintings are based on memories from his time in Europe. “Reluctant to let this period of his life disappear he fills the canvases with his favourite things and places. These vibrant paintings feature cobbled streets, busy café scenes and lively musicians; the recurring sight of the Eiffel Tower, being the only distinctly identifiable place, allows the viewer to interpret the other locales as they wish.”
Captivated by the Canadian scenery, Sabina paints the landscapes of her adopted country.
“Capturing drifting canoes, woodland trails and floral fields her paintings are a feast for the eye.”
Join West End for an opening reception this Saturday, Nov. 14 from 1 to 4 p.m. The exhibition continues to Nov. 26.