A Visit to ArtWorks Studio and Gallery in December 2023
David Whiting, “ArtWorks” (detail), acrylic on canvas, 20x24 in, 2021
Lucky me! Kate from Art Openings is visiting ArtWorks Studio and Gallery in downtown Victoria.
It’s late in December and the studio is abuzz with activity, as clients prepare for the holiday season. Open year round and in operation since 1998, ArtWorks supports creative individuals with diverse abilities. For this Studio Visit webpage, I profiled seven out of 16 clients at the Garth Homer Society program.
ArtWorks provides a professional environment for artists to grow and make connections with each other and the community. Public events kept ArtWorks busy in the fall of 2023. Their exhibition at the Cedar Hill Arts Centre’s Main Gallery was well-attended and many artworks sold. On November 30, their evening Open House allowed staff, visitors and clients to meet and greet. In previous years, ArtWorks have exhibited at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria and the Victoria Arts Council (VAC).
The VAC Community Satellite program chose Erica Mitchell’s artworks for the James Bay Library branch. Mitchell’s exhibition runs Nov 28 - Feb 27, 2024.
It’s late in December and the studio is abuzz with activity, as clients prepare for the holiday season. Open year round and in operation since 1998, ArtWorks supports creative individuals with diverse abilities. For this Studio Visit webpage, I profiled seven out of 16 clients at the Garth Homer Society program.
ArtWorks provides a professional environment for artists to grow and make connections with each other and the community. Public events kept ArtWorks busy in the fall of 2023. Their exhibition at the Cedar Hill Arts Centre’s Main Gallery was well-attended and many artworks sold. On November 30, their evening Open House allowed staff, visitors and clients to meet and greet. In previous years, ArtWorks have exhibited at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria and the Victoria Arts Council (VAC).
The VAC Community Satellite program chose Erica Mitchell’s artworks for the James Bay Library branch. Mitchell’s exhibition runs Nov 28 - Feb 27, 2024.
Jaron Gavilan, “Killer Whale” (detail), coloured pencils on paper, 12x18 in, 2021
Program coordinator Alison Duerden is a professionally-trained artist, who graduated from the Ontario College of Art and Design. In 2024, Duerden enters her fourth year as full-time coordinator at ArtWorks. She leads a talented team of three staff members, all experienced artists and educators. Her vision for ArtWorks includes guest artists to collaborate with clients on innovative media and methods. The goal of hosting workshops is to encourage experimentation in a safe environment.
ArtWorks staff encourage the free flow of creativity and nurture each client’s unique abilities and special talents. Clients respond with enthusiasm and determination, producing an ever-evolving cache of art treasures.These treasures are well-displayed in their studio windows, on the corner of Chatham and Government Street. ArtWorks welcomes visitors. Wave as you walk by, or phone for an appointment.
ArtWorks Studio and Gallery is located at 2-1950 Government St. Victoria.
Phone 250-590-6114 and visit website here.
Phone 250-590-6114 and visit website here.
David Whiting, “ArtWorks”, acrylic on canvas, 20x24 in, 2021
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David Whiting, “I come in peace”, acrylic on canvas, 36x48 in, 2022
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Artist Statement for David Whiting I’ve been painting since I was 16 and hope to keep painting for as long as I can. I love being an artist. It gives me an outlet for my crazy and vivid imagination, and also helps me with my motor skills. It’s also good for my brain because I have to problem-solve issues that come up with each painting. I’m drawn to humorous subject matter and I like satire. I like to base my paintings on food and other ideas that I get from movies, TV shows, magazines and images from pop culture. |
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Artist Statement for Ashley Fraser
Art for me is a self-expression, a positive release. It keeps my hands busy and allows me tell a story. Art is an adventure and a way to show how people with different abilities have a strong voice. I may be different but I am me. I don’t like to see the world black and white but full of colours and individuals. I’m a little bit off leash and think a little bit off leash. What I mean is, I don’t try to control my art too much so it’s not too cookie cutter. I want my art to reflect who I am and my creativity.
Art for me is a self-expression, a positive release. It keeps my hands busy and allows me tell a story. Art is an adventure and a way to show how people with different abilities have a strong voice. I may be different but I am me. I don’t like to see the world black and white but full of colours and individuals. I’m a little bit off leash and think a little bit off leash. What I mean is, I don’t try to control my art too much so it’s not too cookie cutter. I want my art to reflect who I am and my creativity.
Ashley Fraser, “Grant on his Walking Paws”, soft sculpture, 17x22x12 in, 2023
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Ashley Fraser at ArtWorks, December 2023
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Ashley Fraser, “Golden Roses of the Forest”, mixed media on paper, 15x15 in, 2014
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Ashley Fraser, "Once Upon My Desk - A Story", watercolour on paper, 20 x 20 in, 2022
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Artist Statement for Jaron Gavilan
I choose my ideas from looking at magazines and reading books. I use YouTube too by typing in words and finding pictures that I like. Nature inspires me. I see the trees, animals, birds and bird nests. I like drawing totem poles too especially the animal faces. I like to draw using markers on paper and I sometimes paint with acrylics. I also like to work in clay, making sculptures because of how it feels when I squeeze it. It’s soft. I draw with markers because of how the colour comes out on the paper. I like the emotions of colour and the way they feel.
I choose my ideas from looking at magazines and reading books. I use YouTube too by typing in words and finding pictures that I like. Nature inspires me. I see the trees, animals, birds and bird nests. I like drawing totem poles too especially the animal faces. I like to draw using markers on paper and I sometimes paint with acrylics. I also like to work in clay, making sculptures because of how it feels when I squeeze it. It’s soft. I draw with markers because of how the colour comes out on the paper. I like the emotions of colour and the way they feel.
Jaron Gavilan at ArtWorks, December 2023
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Jaron Gavilan, “Killer Whale”, coloured pencils on paper, 12x18 in, 2021
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Jaron Gavilan, “Underwater Fish”, marker on paper,14x16 in, 2019
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Jaron Gavilan, “Animals”, marker on paper, 12x18 in, 2022
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Artist Statement for Russell Marsh
Art is a big part of my life. When I write and make art I am expressing those feelings that are inside of me. I make paintings, drawings, sculptures, models and animation. I use paint, markers, duct tape, papier mache and foam. Life inspires my work such as what I see around me, like houses and nature, family and friends. Music also inspires me. I like to paint because my grandma was a painter and a good artist. She is one of my favourite artists. I love making art, it is my favourite thing in the whole world.
Art is a big part of my life. When I write and make art I am expressing those feelings that are inside of me. I make paintings, drawings, sculptures, models and animation. I use paint, markers, duct tape, papier mache and foam. Life inspires my work such as what I see around me, like houses and nature, family and friends. Music also inspires me. I like to paint because my grandma was a painter and a good artist. She is one of my favourite artists. I love making art, it is my favourite thing in the whole world.
Russell Marsh, “Bluebird Blues”, acrylic and mixed media on wood, 12x12 in, 2022
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Russell Marsh at ArtWorks, December 2023
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Russell Marsh, “Truck#26”, acrylic on canvas, 30x40 in, 2023
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Russell Marsh, “Dog”, embroidery on linen, 8x10 in, 2022
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Artist Statement for Josefina Mena
Making art lets me express my thoughts, feelings and imagination. I take the ideas out of my head and put them on paper. Painting, drawing, sculpture, and textile art are all part of my art practice. My artwork is based on stories of people and animals. Animals have their own kind of personalities and characteristics and I work that into my stories. My ideas for art come from walks, travels, and history. Sometimes ideas pop into my head and I draw or write it down. Emily Carr is one of my favourite artists, for her style and detail. Frida Kahlo is another favourite artist because art was an outlet for her imagination too.
Making art lets me express my thoughts, feelings and imagination. I take the ideas out of my head and put them on paper. Painting, drawing, sculpture, and textile art are all part of my art practice. My artwork is based on stories of people and animals. Animals have their own kind of personalities and characteristics and I work that into my stories. My ideas for art come from walks, travels, and history. Sometimes ideas pop into my head and I draw or write it down. Emily Carr is one of my favourite artists, for her style and detail. Frida Kahlo is another favourite artist because art was an outlet for her imagination too.
Josefina Mena at ArtWorks, December 2023
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Josefina Mena, “Self Portrait Mandala”, marker on paper, 15x15 in, 2019
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Josefina Mena, “Colored Shapes on Yellow”, acrylic on canvas, 36x36 in, 2023
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Josefina Mena, “Rider in the Snow”, textile, 11x27 in, 2023
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Artist Statement for Erica Mitchell
Art is a part of who I am, it’s something that drives me and I feel like I have to get it out. The results make me feel happy and free. What I like most, is when others see my art and it makes them smile. I am inspired by life: experiences, people, and animals. I don’t choose a subject, I feel my way to it. I want to discover all I can about other artists, to learn from them. I love Bob Ross, his quotes are very helpful and I live by them. My favourite one is, “We don’t make mistakes – we just have happy accidents.” Erica’s excellent artworks are on display at the James Bay Library until February 27, 2024.
Art is a part of who I am, it’s something that drives me and I feel like I have to get it out. The results make me feel happy and free. What I like most, is when others see my art and it makes them smile. I am inspired by life: experiences, people, and animals. I don’t choose a subject, I feel my way to it. I want to discover all I can about other artists, to learn from them. I love Bob Ross, his quotes are very helpful and I live by them. My favourite one is, “We don’t make mistakes – we just have happy accidents.” Erica’s excellent artworks are on display at the James Bay Library until February 27, 2024.
Erica Mitchell, at ArtWorks, December 2023
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Erica Mitchell, “Sharing is Caring”, acrylic and mixed media on wood, 8x10 in, 2023
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Erica Mitchell, “Distress Call of Despair”, acrylic and mixed media on canvas, 16x20 in, 2022
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Erica Mitchell, “Despoina Snow Daughter”, acrylic and mixed media on canvas, 36x36 in, 2023
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Artist Statement for Lisa Newell
You choose what you do because you like it. I choose to make art because it makes me feel relaxed. I have been doing art for many years and just began doing it on my own one day. My dad is a painter and has inspired me to do art. I cross stitch, draw, paint and sew. I recently started making sculpture which is very fun. The Spirit Orca sculpture and embroidery shows I am a member of the Spirit Orca swimmers. We train in pools and the open ocean for long distance swimming. I like to observe different subjects like people, nature, fictional characters and make art from what I notice.
You choose what you do because you like it. I choose to make art because it makes me feel relaxed. I have been doing art for many years and just began doing it on my own one day. My dad is a painter and has inspired me to do art. I cross stitch, draw, paint and sew. I recently started making sculpture which is very fun. The Spirit Orca sculpture and embroidery shows I am a member of the Spirit Orca swimmers. We train in pools and the open ocean for long distance swimming. I like to observe different subjects like people, nature, fictional characters and make art from what I notice.
Lisa Newell, at ArtWorks Dec 23
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Lisa Newell, “Frances”, mixed media, 7x7x5 in, 2022
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Lisa Newell, “Spirit Orcas”, embroidery, 8x8 in, 2023
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Lisa Newell, “Hummingbird”, colored pencils, 8x10 in, 2019
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Web Design, Content and Selected Photos: Kate Cino previewed arts events for 18 years at Boulevard magazine. She has a History in Art degree and Public Relations certificate from the University of Victoria. This website and its content is copyright of Art Openings, 2009. All rights reserved. Written permission is required for reproduction of photos or text. [email protected] 250 598-4009 |