Recent History – 2001
April 5, 2001
DAWSON CREEK — The work from one of the more popular programs is on display at the Dawson Creek Art Gallery.
Exploring Art highlights the paintings, pottery and paper mache that are the result of Time Out for Seniors — a program that has been running for about 15 years.
Under the guidance of Edna McPhail, 18 seniors developed their talents in acrylic painting and Inez Demuynck taught pottery to 10 seniors — the outcome being 121 pieces on display at the art gallery.
Some of McPhail’s students have been with her for as long as eight years. Known as something of a taskmaster, McPhail gives her students an assignment each week.
They tackled themes like harvest, spring, and childhood in their paintings. And for something new, they also made collages and paper mache animals.
Contrary to popular belief, McPhail does not teach a drawing class. “You don’t have to be able to draw to be able to paint,” she said. “Painting is about working with colours. You have to be able to see in colours, not shapes.”
For Demuynck, her class is proof that you’re never too old to try something new, pointing to 92-year-old Rose Berg as a prime example. “She does some great work,” Demuynck said.
It’s a pottery class, but her students do more than just produce pots. Working with clay opens up many creative avenues — sculpting and tilework just a few of them.
“It’s a very tactile medium” she said. “You can do so many things with it.”
The show continues until April 21.