Community art project: Done!

Colleen and Robyn, the leaders of this mural project, returned to Hunter Field and completed the work during a break in the rain.

Who will get there first to take selfies?
 

The return of fall: moving indoors

We are still waiting for rain on this parched island. We can feel the seasonal change in temperatures, but the sun is still with us for another while...

Above: End of the season, acrylic and pastel on canvas, stitching.

For me, this month signals fewer gardening duties and a return indoors to get going in the studio. My partner in crime, Ellen Bourassa, and I are preparing for a show at the Saturna Café this November. Green is the theme. With a few other colours, of course!

 

2022 Art Tour on Saturna

Artists invite you to their studios and locations, including the Community Hall. It's going to be a very interesting show with a diversity of media and styles. 

Not to be missed on a hot long weekend!

Check out some art!

Saturna artists invite you to have a look at their work online or in person. Some studios are open this summer, usually by appointment. Come and see what we've been doing over the last year of isolation... Keep an eye out for our brochure, which is available at the store and at various studios. Below, an online version.

Spring in Strange Times

photo by JS, Saturna Island 

Even in these unsettled times of the Covid-19  pandemic, signs of spring and art continue on Saturna Island. The requirements of isolation and social distancing seem a bit less harsh here on this island that has always had plenty of room for individuals and different lifestyles. Though the health-related concerns and effects on work, social exchange, travel, and morale affect us all, taking things a day at a time and valuing this day is one approach to a difficult situation.

As a painter, walking to my studio each day and working on art projects continues to be my routine adventure. No one to come see them now, but the work itself is engaging. And I guess the truth that a painter just needs to paint carries its own momentum. Public exhibits in Vancouver, where I often have paintings in a show, have been cancelled. Of course the internet continues as display and interaction substitute venue. But I get rather tired of it and its overload.

So, let me post this affirming picture of spring coming to bloom on Saturna. This wild currant bush greets me on my walk to the studio each morning, as does the buzzing of surrounding bees. I'm reminded there's something to accomplish and that spring happens, whether you choose to notice it or not.

Stay well and good wishes,
Janet  Strayer

Spring ArtSaturna Group show at Saturna Cafe

Here are a few images from our spring 2019 ArtSaturna show at the cafe.  Chef Hubertus Surm made us a wonderful dinner Saturday night to celebrate spring and all new work on display. The show continues to May 29.

Art Saturna Spring Show

ArtSaturna members invite you to come view their Spring Show at the Community Hall this weekend.

ArtSaturna Spring Show

April 1^st and 2^nd, 2018

Community Hall
109 East Point Road
Saturna, BC

On Saturday March 31, the Community Hall will be open for fun activities from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and visitors can preview the show.

On Sunday and Monday, Artists will be present from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Final touches for the ArtSaturna Spring Show 2018

It's a busy long weekend, but do come in and have a look. We will be happy to meet you.

Studio Tour Map

Mark your calendars: August 5 and 6, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., artists welcome you to their studios and other venues on Saturna Island!

Saturna Studio Tour 2017

Planning to be on Saturna Island during the long weekend? While exploring the island, why not check out local studios? Save the dates: Saturday and Sunday, August 5 and 6, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Community Hall group shows

In conjunction with the Tour des Iles, ArtSaturna members had a group show at the newly renovated Saturna Community Hall.  It was such a pleasure to hang our work in the well-lit, newly drywalled and painted lounge area.

We will also hang a group show August 5-6 in conjunction with the 2017 Artists' Studio tour taking place that weekend.  Hours are 11-4 for the Tour and the group show.  Please come by!

The Passage of Time - photos by Andrée Fredette

June 24 to August 2, 2017
At the Saturna Cafe
101 Narvaez Bay Road, Saturna, BC

Everyone is cordially invited to the opening reception of my  exhibition,
June 24, 4 to 6 p.m, which will be followed by a dinner prepared
by chef Hubertus Surm.
(Reservations for dinner: 250-539-5177)

"Narrative is anchored in the passage of time. A story unfolds in the tension between a beginning and an end. Singly and in juxtaposition, these photographs by Andrée Fredette are replete with stories. An image of a seemingly deserted Mayne Queen is paired with a photograph of a ghostly Saturna, producing a tinge of anxiety and uncertainty. Again, an empty path in the forest tells a tale of fear and disquiet. Further, the infinitely small (feathers) and the infinitely vast (the awesome sky) are conjured up. There are no figures in these photographs despite the great variety of subject matter. An irony resides in these works: it is suggested that they evoke the passage of time, yet photography congeals duration. This irony adds a layer of complexity — a dialectical interplay — to our experience of these artworks: we move from duration to time’s suspension and back again. Also, some of these works underline the materiality of the photographic medium, a salutary move in the era of digital media. Meditation portrays an ethereal, almost monochromatic sky — the surface of the photograph is underlined. Also, grains of sand and the grain of the photographic object conjoin in a literal manner. There is a hint of nostalgia in all these works: the backing in aluminum recalls photography’s metallurgic substrate —silver—and the quasi alchemical nature of work in the darkroom, a process which has almost been entirely eclipsed by digital technologies." -- Jean-François Renaud

Tour des Îles 2017

On June 23 - 25, Saturna Islanders will participate in the 2017 edition of Tour des Îles, three days of special events, local music, natural beauty and art displays on the Southern Gulf Islands.
Join the fun and visit the islands. For more info and boat travel details, check Tour des Îles or its Facebook page.

Artists and crafts people are hoping that you will stop by their studios and have a chat.
See you on Saturna during a fun weekend!

Artist En Route by Janet Strayer

I'd like to share the following posting with you, as a contributing member of the Art Saturna community. Currently, I am and will be  writing a series of articles for Art Avenue magazine this year, based upon my travels and life in Europe that began this September. (You can also check for additional photos and related material at my personal blog: janetstayer.blogspot.ca).

Here's what it was like for me just before I left for the grand trip: 

Artist En Route: Anticipation

As a creative person, imagine yourself faced with the reality of leaving your home in Canada for an 8-month adventure in Europe: an art-life exploration.

Bye to my magical Saturna Island studio!  Photo taken just before leaving for grand trip. 

Are you thoroughly delighted with this prospect of nearly a year in Europe? A bit overwhelmed? A little unsure about leaving the familiar context of your studio, workplace, friends, your familiar work routines, even your local sources of inspiration or diversion? What about missing the round of local art shows, including those in which you typically participate, for example? No longer rooted in your usual activities, and leaving your familiar sights to travel and live in different places with few expectations but much anticipation, you become an artist-en-route.  

Our opportunities, choices, and goals may differ, yet we are all en route in our lives, each an artist in his or her own life. The particular artist en route this time is me, and it's a very real journey. In mid September I approached my imminent departure from Canada with a mixture of excitement and anxiety rolled into one overarching feeling of anticipation: keen, eager, hopeful, and a bit worried.

My orienting goal on this journey is to be open and attentive to the incitements of the places and lifestyles encountered. Personally, I know that such life travels broaden, deepen, and break, if needed, current perspectives on what one thinks is known or familiar. Welcoming the less familiar and less known, even the apparently familiar takes new shape. 

My guiding principle is to hold lightly what I currently value so that it doesn't predetermine what I'm ready to see, hear, experience, and share. I believe this to be an essential kernel of the creative process. This column, though idiosyncratically selective by necessity, hopefully will resonate with you, as fellow travelers: each of us, in a sense, willing to see the world a bit anew from the often useful perspective of  'a stranger in a strange land' .

Some of the art materials to pack in airplane suitcases.

I'm pleased to think you might come along with me on some of my European travels and art experiences. I'll be sharing them with you in this column. Not quite sure what we'll encounter. The plan is to have an adventure in creative living -- however and wherever we find it ... and make it!

We'll be living primarily in France and Italy, with excursions south to Sicily and east as far as the Adriatic (maybe even across it).  Here's our general itinerary.

We start with an overnight in London. Then Provence for several months, that beautiful area of southern France, birthplace of Cézanne and nurturing grounds for Picasso, Van Gogh, and so many wonderful artists. Next, a month in Sicily, that sun-baked crossroads of culture, art, and bad repute. Then, for a longer period, we'll live in Umbria, near Piero della Francesca. Nearly every village in Italy has its famous art hero. We'll spend a few weeks near the Adriatic, exploring less tourist-trekked regions, like Le Marche and the art of perhaps less-known masters of the region, like Corelli.

I expect we'll find some new treasures while appreciating the old ones. And we'll meet some living artists too, as we take in contemporary art exhibits and explore our new settings. What's it like for local artists? Do they face similar challenge to those we might face? How much is what you're inspired to paint rooted in the ground you walk, the sights and experiences you have, the cultural climate you breathe? Is your technique or the content of your work changed by your milieu?

Wherever I go, and whatever I find, I'll do my best to convey what might be interesting to fellow travellers on routes of their own making. Keep your anticipation up!

Art and Ice Cream? Current Exhibition at ArtSaturna Gallery

Where else could you mix viewing a selection of  works from local artists and artisans with the pleasure of eating hand-scooped ice-cream? Come see for yourself!

 The current show at the Art Saturna Gallery opened on Father's Day and runs through July 24. It features the interpretive landscape paintings of local artist, Janet Strayer. She invites you to visit her website to see recent works (click here).

As always, each ArtSaturna event  diplays a fine collection of work from local artists, including paintings, prints, fabric art, photography weaving, and woodwork.

visitors to ArtSaturna on Father's Day opening, June 21, 2015

Shows are  held in the ArtSaturna gallery at the Saturna Point Store right near the ferry dock --  which means that an added pleasure for all who enter is the terrific ice cream on sale, too!

These shows change regularly, introducing new featured artists and new artworks from ArtSaturna. Come enjoy this one. And we'll keep you posted on the next one coming for July 26.

Enjoy the summer!

Happy Spring, and the Show is Ongoing!

Spring is in the air, and the current exhibition of works by Saturna artists continues until May. If you are down at the Pub for lunch, or waiting for the ferry, why not come into the store and gallery, and have a look?

Springs hours for the store are Mondays and Fridays, 10 am - 2 pm
Saturdays 9:30 am - 5:30 pm and Sundays, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm

Colourful Opening

Cool and grey outside + warm and colourful inside! That sums it up very nicely yesterday's goings on in the Saturna Point Store gallery... 

The ArtSaturna Spring Show opening was well-attended and gallery goers came to have a good look at the work of featured artist Donna-Fay Digance, and several other artists.

 

 
The exhibit will be on display until the end of April, so those of you who missed it, or would like to have another look at a piece (or two) have a window of opportunity.

Spring Booms and Snow Flakes

Just as Saturna anticipates our upcoming artists' show on March 16 and visions of spring skip up everywhere, I'm looking at some photos I took just recently. Photos of being snowed-in! A reminder of how very surprising life, even a fairly simple life, can be.

path from our place, Saturna Island (Janet Strayer photos)

Spring comes relatively early in this part of Canada. Earlier in February we'd already seen the crocuses and daffodils  up from the earth, the sun smiling upon them for several days with the promise of spring. Then POW!

Large powdery flakes of snow took over the terrain during the last weekend of February. The sky turned white. The sea a pewter grey. No sight of the distant mountains. Few clear edges at all. The temperature dropped dramatically. Still, it was beautiful on our land at Saturna. But it was cold. Very cold.

Janet Strayer studio (before the tree hit it)

We hadn't been at our home for a week, leaving it without heat. On arrival, it takes about an hour to heat up the house by raising the thermostats. This time, we had about half an hour of electricity before the power went totally out!

Many islands were affected, including Saturna. We could hear trees falling nearby as we walked the path you see.

No power at our place for nearly three days. Cold and getting colder. No heat, no electric light. Our one central fireplace was huffing and puffing so much we'd used up most of the stored dry wood and were cutting some wet logs. Smoky. Even with the fireplace going, we wore hats and gloves in the house.

No painting for me -- fingers much too stiff and mind unable to thaw. What a disappointment as I so look forward to my studio time, painting. Life was reduced to basics: shelter, food, and appreciation for what we had.

The power came back after about three days and we decided to try to drive out and take the ferry to Vancouver. We had work to do there, too. One route was blocked by fallen trees, and our wheels couldn't get enough traction through the snow. The other route was steeper but shorter and downhill. We made it.

Stopping at the store beside the ferry terminal to revisit the current Art Saturna show, I had a huge surprise. My painting wasn't there! What?

Terrible? Not at all. It had just been sold. One of my worst weekends and it was topped off by this very welcome news. My thanks and good wishes to the couple who purchased my painting. May it join you in your home with all the warmth and abiding meaning art can convey.

Art Lover, painting by Janet Strayer, www.janetstrayerart.com

Back at Saturna now, two weeks later, there's a fallen tree atop my studio. It seems to have done little damage and can be chopped for firewood. All in all, it's quite an eventful life we lead...or wander our way through.

If you would like to read more about my eclectic take on this eventful life (travels, art, creative tips and adventures), please see my blog at janetstrayer.blogspot.ca. 

Christmas Fair is coming!

Don't miss it! Saturna Artists will be showing and selling their work at the Annual Christmas Market at the Recreation Centre, on Saturna. A treat for the eyes... and a treat for the tummy.

Saturday, November 24, 10 am - 2 pm
Saturna Recreation Centre

Mark your calendar, and don't miss a chance to pick up some gifts (for your dear ones? for yourself?) made locally.

Participating artists: Anne Popperwell, Donna-Fay Digance, Denise Kuzyk, Elisabeth McColl, Karen Muntean, Gaye Oreskovic, Sam Peramaki, Teresa Higgins, Neysa Wiens

And of course, for all the gourmands and gourmets out there, the Christmas Market always offers plenty of locally made treats for the pantry... and for immediate happy tummies. Hard to resist the fresh baked goods and local jams and jellies! A treat for the eyes, and a treat for the tummy.

Photos by Jim Hebert

St. Christopher's Church

St. Christopher's Anglican Church

by Denise Deanovic

St. Christopher's Church is one of Saturna Island's iconic landmarks.  In my family it has been the scene of worship, ceremonies, special family events and volunteerism.  No one can miss seeing the church if you come via the normal route from the ferry landing. 

The reference photo for this mixed media painting was taken one day when the fall leaves and sunlight gave a special embrace to the "ship's hull" shape of the church.

I am planning to have medium and small sized prints of this painting at the 2012 Thanksgiving  ArtSaturna show.  I look forward to being at the Community Hall to visit with visitors and residents while we display our work.

Stone Bird

I moved to Saturna Island many years ago to paint the eroded sandstone formations at East Point. I was, and still am, enchanted by the sense of flowing stone and it's resemblance to the human body. As the stone is worn by the sea, I chose to use watercolour as my medium for this series and experimented until I found a paper with a texture that recalled the fine grained sandstone. 
Recently I've published a giclée print of this painting, "Stone Bird" which I will be exhibiting at our Thanksgiving show.

Anne Popperwell