The first Cowichan Valley Arts Council show of 2022 is going to the dogs! And the cats, and donkeys and giraffes…Wild or domestic, mythological or real, mammals or insects, large or small, animals play the starring role in this art show.
More than 35 images and sculptures range from realistic to impressionistic and together provide a celebration of humans’ best friends.
Animalia runs January 6 to 26, in The Gallery at Cowichan Valley Arts Council, 2687 James Street, Duncan.
Opening the same day, and running in The Annex, at the same location, is NOURISH: A Food Photography Celebration.
With photographs by local commercial food photographer, stylist and owner of Polaris Creative, Jules Sherred, NOURISH is a celebration of local food and beverage producers, farmers and vineyards, as well as the restaurants who kept us fed during the COVID-19 pandemic in the face of impossible circumstances.
Printed on canvas, the majority of the images will feature Cowichan and Gulf Islands growers, producers and restaurants, with one image paying tribute to crops lost due to wildfire. Polaris Creative is part of the Island Good brand, and proudly sources ingredients from Cowichan Valley farmers, for both commercial work and fine art work.
Part of the show is TALK: The Stories Behind the Photos: Disability, Food and Culture, which takes place January 15 at 2 pm.
As part of the show, Sherred will give a talk to discuss his own journey with food, culture and disability. Sherred will delve into the inspiration for the NOURISH exhibit, explaining why he chooses photography as a storytelling medium and how he approaches his subjects, and discussing his personal story about food and culture, and how this story influences all aspects of his work, including his upcoming cookbook Crip up the Kitchen: Realistic Tips, Tricks, and Recipes for the Disabled Kitchen, set for release in spring 2023 by TouchWood Editions. The talk will be both in-person and streamed.
To watch online get the link on the CVAC website under What’s On. For more details on Jules Sherred, visit polariscreative.ca
The gallery is open Monday to Friday, 11 am to 4 pm, and Saturdays, noon to 4 pm.
