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Kate Cino previewed arts events for 18 years at Boulevard magazine. She has a History in Art degree and a Public Relations certificate from the University of Victoria. kate-cino@shaw.ca

Mixed-media artist Marnie Miiller exhibits often in Victoria.

Like great paintings and fine art, the photos moved her deeply. 

"It's very interesting to see wild horses in their natural habitat," says Marnie.

Iris Nardini is a sculptor and figurative artist. Diane Rickson enjoys working with children at the gallery. "These large tactile images have inspired me to sculpt horses," says Iris. French Impressionist Edgar Degas (1834-1917) sculpted horses throughout his career, she notes.

Iris Nardini attended the exhibition with friend Diane Rickson.

The two women are docents at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria.

Artist Joe Coffey is a friend of the photographer.

His field research took him to Debra Garside's horse ranch in Alberta.

"Debra's images are emotive and haunting," says Joe, "they are highly sensitive without being sentimental."

Joe Coffey is an accomplished painter of many subjects including horses. 

His next show at Winchester Galleries Oak Bay opens November 7.

Twenty years ago, Helene Cyr was denied access to photograph on Sable Island.

"Horses are very intelligent and terrific to shoot," she says, "their personalities shine through in this impressive series."

Helene Cyr is a professional photographer with many years experience. She grew up with horses and maintains a dream to ride through tall grass on her own mare one day. www.helenecyr.com

Tracy Thomas grew up riding Shetland ponies near a forest on the Oregon Coast.

Margaret Henry's books about wild ponies ignited her childhood imagination.

Viewing the desolate terrain of Sable Island, she marvels that the horses have flourished.

On November 25, Denise Nicholls and GJ Pearson open at Dales Gallery with the correspondence of Rachel Berman. When Rachel moved to Toronto, Denise and GJ inherited her cat Taxicab. Denise presents a series of boxes that showcase Taxicab's fictional travels and letters home to Rachel. Rachel's charming postcards and drawings, sent to friends (and felines) in Victoria will also be on display. GJ exhibits a series of drawings of cartoon-like characters inspired by children's books and Anime (Japanese moving pictures). GJ suggests that spirit runs through both the physical and mechanical worlds and uses surrealism to guide viewers. 

Photographer Debra Garside (left) with Kate Cino.

Born in Victoria, Debra Garside's childhood included wilderness camping on Vancouver Island. She now lives on a horse farm in the foothills of Alberta. www.truenorthfineimages.com   www.sableislandhorses.ca.

GJ Pearson studied Fine Art at UVic and is widely exhibited in Victoria. The artist creates compact, detailed sculptures and graphite drawings with surrealist themes. GJ enjoyed seeing the horses in their natural surroundings. "Their shaggy winter coats and matted manes defy domestication," he says.

Denise Nicholls is fascinated by the images of wild horses. "I find them stunning and exquisite," she says, "beautifully presented and framed."

Her luscious jewellery and lively artworks can be viewed at firehorsedesign.wordpress.com.

Her felted and knitted accessories are sold at Knotty by Nature. www.kbnfibres.ca