I am so excited to participate in my first Christian Visual Art Exhibition. Along with the art exhibition, there will be a play, concert and variety show.
Joys of Solitude – A Celebration of Spiritual Landscapes – Solo Exhibition at Ajax Town Hall
For the third year, I am pleased to display several acrylic paintings that encapsule the joys of solitude in nature with God. If you are in the Ajax area, please drop by and check them out.
Place: Ajax Town Hall, 65 Harwood Street, Ajax, Ontario Directions
McLean Community Centre -Spiritual Landscapes – By Denise Gracias
I was very pleased to showcase several of my favorite spiritual landscapes. These landscapes were inspired by my travels in Spain and in Canada. They are places of solitude where one can connect with oneself as well as with God.
Date: 6/Sep/18 – 11/Oct/18
Place: McLean Community Center, 95 Magill DriveAjax, Ontario L1T 3K7
I learned about the Art Guild of Scarborough at Cedar Ridge Creative Arts Centre . Many artists were members and talked about shows in Scarborough. I was interested but the waiting list was very long. So, I did not bother to inquire. However, one day I thought , “what the heck” and sent an email asking for membership. I was promptly told that my name was added to “the list”. I was pleasantly surprised when not years, but three months later I was given the chance to join. Membership cost $90 per year and included weekly meetings where artists do demonstrations, have work critiqued, etc.
My First Jurying Night
I lugged 4 large heavy paintings to the first jurying evening. Artists rushed around trying to find a spot against the walls of the large room. Hours later, we would return to see the verdict. A painting facing us was accepted and given the honour of an “Arthur” Stamp on the back. This would mean the paintings can be included in the art shows. Paintings facing the wall were rejected. I was nervous. but thrilled when I returned to see that three of my four landscapes were accepted. “Early Start”, given a Special Merit stamp as well. As a self-taught artist, who struggles with confidence, this was an unexpected blessing.
A Supportive Creative Group
You may think that the atmosphere is pretty cut throat, as artists want their paintings to get the best spot and of course to be chosen. However, I found it very warm and supportive. A lovely young woman who came with her mother (both artists), helped me carry my paintings up. My Special Merit award was met with hugs and congratulations. I look forward to growing with this group of local artists. Already, I know so many people and have met so many artists in a variety of genres.
For more information on this painting or others by this artist, check out Spiritual Landscapes
Place: McLean Community Center, 95 Magill DriveAjax, Ontario
“Pink Lemonade” was inspired by a still life display of real yellow lemons, freshly cut, in a glass. I enjoyed painting its quirkiness but warmed up the painting with pink.
For more information on this painting or other similar paintings by this artist go to Other Inspired
Camino Landscapes -Solo Exhibition -Toronto Public Library – Fairview
I was pleased to have the opportunity to display several of my landscape paintings at the Toronto Public Library at Fairview January 2018. I showed acrylic paintings inspired by my “camino”, an ancient 800 km walk from the south of France to north eastern Spain. Despite sore feet, the sweltering heat, the monotony, I gathered several gems of beauty each of the thirty five days. I was very grateful to the Ontario Arts Council for providing Exhibition Assistance that paid for the framing of several paintings. I thank Dionne Simpson, a Dionne Simpson, a mentor and friend for suggesting I apply.