special plein air workshop

In the Orchard

The vibrant spring colours are here for a very short time-let’s get outdoors and paint them! We will work on location Monet style-‘en plein air’- among  orchards, lush fields and big open sky. For those preferring  to paint structures, there are barns, fences and wonderful fallen down sheds for inspiration This afternoon workshop is enjoyable for those with minimal art-making experience as well as more seasoned artists. In inclement weather, painting will progress in the studio with fresh spring cuttings as inspiration. Sessions are in oil or acrylic. Participants are responsible for their own supplies, paints etc. and a suggested colour pallet and list will be provided upon registration. Some outdoor easels are available.

Saturday, May 10 1:30-4:30PM *this workshop will make a lovely Mother’s Day Gift! REGISTRATION:     Grimsby Public Art Gallery 18 Carnegie Lane, Grimsby,    Ontario, L3M 1Y1 phone: 905-945-3246 e-mail: gpag@town.grimsby.on.ca webpage: www.town.grimsby.on.ca/ArtGallery/Main/

for the love of dog

There was no other wanderer on that road, yet I was not alone, for his tracks went with me, each paw-print as familiar as the print of my own hand. I followed them, I knew each thing he had done, each move he had made, each thought that had been his; for so it is with two who live one life together.

Farley Mowat, The Dog Who Wouldn’t Be, 1957

Rags for those loved: the Dog Tree Dogs inspire artists.  Emily Carr They also bolster our communities, help us heal, improve our fitness and teach us about love and compassion. They enhance our spirit. In 2012 I installed ‘Rags for those Loved, intentions from Ireland’. Local residents were given the opportunity to engage in an ancient Celtic custom in recognition of loved ones who were ill or have passed. I am excited to announce the continuation of  this ritual of leaving offerings that represent a wish or aspiration, however this time; the dedication will be to our Dogs. ( or any loved companion, great or small, that has enhanced your life..) The community is invited to embellish a symbolic tree with collars, toys, rags, poems, or any item that connects them with their beloved pet. These adornments are meaningful – symbolizing grief for a loved companion that has passed as well as a desire or dream for a new family member or adopted friend. Visitors are encouraged to stop by with their pets to tell a story, and to write their dog’s name on a piece of fabric, tie it to a branch and make a wish.

ARTS WALK Saturday, September 14 1-3:30PM Reception at the Grimsby Public Art Gallery 4-5pm Site specific community project: The public and their dogs are invited to participate. Location: Outdoor grounds of the Grimsby Public Art Gallery, Grimsby, ON, Canada   18 Carnegie Ln., Grimsby, ON., L3M 1Y1  905-945-3246  http://www.grimsby.ca/residents/cultural-facilities/art-gallery_____________________________

Rags for Those Loved

below is an invitation for those who live near or are visiting the Niagara region:

photo courtesy of Carol O'brien

I  will be presenting a public installation on September 22 in conjunction with Niagara  Night (& Day) of Art. The project is intended bring to attention the importance of hospital and hospice in our community and the public is invited to participate.

During my Ireland residency while travelling around the countryside, from time to time I came across a tree completely covered in rags or scraps of clothing.

I learned the rags are placed there by people who believe that if a piece of clothing from someone who is ill, or has a problem of any kind, is hung from the tree the problem or illness will disappear as the rag rots away.

Tying rags as an offering to a sacred tree is an ancient Celtic tradition still alive in Ireland. The fabric is meaningful - it symbolizes a desire or dream.

Some leave offerings to saints, others to ancient gods or nature spirits. Sometimes the rag represents a wish or aspiration.The fabric used in rag trees is symbolic so the types of rags tied to branches vary widely, from lovely, shining silken ribbons to simple scraps.

 

The public is invited to adorn a tree with rags, ribbons, clothing, trinkets or any object they find to be meaningful. They can come, make a wish or say a prayer for loved ones who are ill or have passed, bringing  to attention the importance of hospital and hospice in our community. The artist will be present during the day between 12PM and 4PM. 

In my research I have  been corresponding with Irish photographer Carol O'brien:

'this is exactly what the custom of the Rag Tree is - an offering in exchange for an intention (or wish), whether that be for those still with us, or for the memory of those who have passed. One of the lovely things about the tree is seeing the colours of the new items against the faded and discoloured items which have been on the tree for years and seem to have blended themselves into the bark. Also the variety of items on it - from actually rags torn from clothing, to rosary beads, to lengths of ribbon, to hair ties, to belts, even socks! But mostly you find yourself looking at an item and wondering who had left it, or when, and what intention was so important to have granted that they would leave behind some part of themselves, and most importantly - was their intention granted! Every item holds a secret and a storey and I think it is this that makes the tree so full of mystery and symbolism!'