Friday, December 28, 2007

List of 2008 Youth Achievement Award winners

Gold (8)
Michelle Alonso
Makini Calliste-Woolard
Gurleen Dulai
Priya Mistry
Marie Carolyn Caissie-Parsons
Vicki Olszewski
Alex Rodway
Victoria Seo
Silver (13)
Katherine Caspersz
Aleksandra Ciurzynska
Navjit Dulai
Ranmeet Dulai
Harveen Dulai
Gunreet Gill
Kavya Kaluarachchi
Hassan Niazi
Keshav Ramola
Natalie Stembo
Mary Jane Seo
Liana Valdez
Jessica Vammus
Bronze (15)
Navkiran Bajwa
Anita Campanelli
Celeste Courtemanche
Madhaven Devasenapathi
Connor Frid
Tristan Hill
Emily Ing
Shivani Jivan
Sidra Kahloan
Sammy Lauer
Victoria Martin
Anisha Mistry
Vick Pokhan
Alexander Simpson
Tyler Singh
Honourable mentions (0)
There were no honourable mention or certificate of completion winners this year, for the first time ever.
The photos are still coming, they're on the system at home.

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Award ceremony info

The 2007 Visual Arts Brampton Youth Achievement Awards will be held at the studio on Saturday, December 22, 2007 from 11 am to 1 pm. This is the ceremony for all classes, no matter the normal class time.

Keith will start handing out the awards no later than 11:20 am, so make sure you arrive by then. Generally the awards take 30-40 minutes to hand out. We ask students stay at least until the end of the ceremony, so we can get group pictures of each level: gold, silver, bronze, and honourable mention.

After the photos are taken (likely no later than 12:10 pm), students and parents can grab a slice of pizza and some other goodies, and chat with each other.

Parking may be tricky — with snow mountains filling up spaces at the Bartley Square Mall. Your best bet is to park on the edges of the Canadian Tire parking lot at Shoppers World, and walk over at the stoplight and crosswalk (the Zellers parking lot has a Christmas tree seller taking up a bunch of spaces). Second best would be to try the W. G. Davis school parking lot or the 10 & Steeles Mall lots. See the map for their locations.

View Google map with these locations marked



On another note, you might want to bring your cheque books. We admit students based on the order that we receive payment. The following is how many people are enrolled already (December 17) for next year.
6-8 years old 9:30 to 11:00 am 4 enrolled
6-8 years old 11:30 am to 1:00 pm 1 enrolled

8-12 years old 9:30 to 11:30 am 13 enrolled
8-12 years old 3:15 to 5:15 pm 13 enrolled

12-18 years old 1:00 to 3:00 pm 13 enrolled
By the way, the studio is also open Thursday and Friday, 10 am to 2 pm, and Thursday 7 to 9 pm, so you can enroll then as well.

Out and about 1: Mississauga

Every so often, we'll try and bring you non-VAB art-related content, from around the province, or further. Here's our first report, based on a visit just down Hurontario, to the Living Arts Centre and Art Gallery of Mississauga.

At the Living Arts Centre's Laidlaw Gallery right now is an exhibit of works (mostly watercolours and acrylics) by the Springbank Group, a Mississauga collective. Among their works is a painting of Femi, who posed multiple time a few years ago, for the portrait bunch. He was posing at Neilsen Park Creative Centre in the picture.

Across the road at the Art Gallery of Mississauga is Visual Arts Misssissauga's 30th Annual Juried Exhibition of Fine Arts. The exhibit is entered into by hundreds of artists across the province. Among the works in the show are pieces by member Lynne Schumacher, former members Kim Lee Kho and Kal Honey both won prizes.

An interesting concept at the gallery is their Gallery On Call. If you have a cell phone, you can dial a number shown in the entrance way, and hear a five minute curator's talk or artist notes, depending on the exhibit. The service apparently can also be found at the Blackwood Gallery, and either is or will be available in multiple languages.

AGM gallery hours are weekdays 9 am to 5 pm, and weekends 12 pm to 4 pm. Both galleries are free, by the way.

Pud to appear at Shoppers on April 12

Please note that this event is now on the 19th.

We've just tentatively confirmed that Pud, who appears in the Brampton Guardian's PUD comic strip, will be appearing on April 12, 2008 at Shoppers World Brampton mall. Pud will be greeting visitors to Artway, along with a colouring table.

This appearance, courtesy of City Parent magazine, will be in conjunction with the annual Laughlines exhibit. Annually since its creation in 1998, Laughlines has featured the editorial cartoons and PUD comic strips by Steve Nease.

(Also at the mall that day is the 21st Annual Brampton Regional Spelling Bee, in cooperation with the Spelling Bee of Canada.)

Monday, December 17, 2007

Vancouver 2010 looks for medals

Medal designers wanted:
On Thursday December 13, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) announced that it is accepting official proposals from artists and companies interested in designing the Olympic and Paralympic medals. From now until January 30, 2008, artists, designers and creative teams from around the world will have the opportunity to submit their response to the Request for Proposal (RFP), demonstrating their credentials, talent and motivation for developing the medals that represent the pinnacle of athletic achievement.

Monday, November 26, 2007

Bridget's plaque finally placed

A tree in a nearby park now stands in tribute of long-time member Bridget Doughty.

Visual Arts Brampton coordinated fundraising for the cause, after her January passing. Though partially covered in snow, the plaque has been planted in Joyce Archdekin Park. Start at the Brampton Mall (Main and Nanwood), and head under the bridge to the park. Head along the path, until you reach a bridge—the plaque is at the base of a tree just south of the bridge.

We'll try and get pictures as soon as possible.

Mary Noble happy with sales at Art Fair

The Brampton Art Fair, held last Saturday, was a moderate success. VAB member Mary Noble reported making multiple sales at the Rose Theatre-located event.

The event was stung publicity-wise, after hundreds of signs promoting the event were taken down off utility poles around the city; the organizers had not sought permission, and were violating by-laws in promoting the event, ironically at a city-owned facility.

6:20 pm is the youth awards deadline

All entries towards the youth achievement awards must be in by 6:20 pm today, at the studio, no later. The Visual Arts Brampton Board of Directors will be judging at 6:30 pm.

Youth classes continue as normal every Saturday until Saturday, December 22nd, on which day there is an award ceremony at 11:00 am for all entrants of all classes. We're fairly sure as of current that the ceremony will be at the studio; there are so far 32 entrants.

Friday, November 23, 2007

New bookings for Fridge Front

November 30th to December 14th, 2007
Northwood Public School
Northwood's grade 3 class will display their project "What I like about urban and what I like about rural".

December 14th, 2007 to January 11, 2008
William Grenville Davis Senior Public School
The grade 7 class at W. G. Davis is studying colour, and will displaying their colour wheels and original pop can designs.

March 22nd to April 5th, 2008
Mayfield School of the Arts

Roughly April 6th to 19th, 2008
Roberta Bondar Public School

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Beginner's watercolour workshop at VAB Studio

As published on TheBramptonNews.com


Beginner's watercolour workshop at VAB Studio

Professional artist Mary Noble will be teaching a beginner's watercolour workshop at the Visual Arts Brampton Creative Studios early next year. The class will run every Thursday for eight weeks, from January 17 to February 21, from 12:30 to 3:00 pm.

Weekly, students will discover how to paint still lifes and landscapes. They will find a greater awareness and understanding of colour and colour theory, while they learn valuable painting techniques like washes.

Whether students have taken art workshops in the past, or this is their first time, they'll benefit for Mary's expertise and enthusiasm.

The class will be capped at seven people, guaranteeing that you'll have plenty of personal attention with Mary. Students should book early to avoid disappointment.

Mary Noble has a Bachelor of the Arts in Art History from University of Toronto, and studied Illustration at Sheridan College. Along with being one of Visual Arts Brampton's most requested instructors, Mary has taught for the Peel Board of Education's evening courses, Brampton Parks and Recreation, and privately.

The eight-week workshop costs $80.

For more information on Visual Arts Brampton, visit www.visualartsbrampton.com, or phone 905-453-9142.

Meet Millie the Artbug at Sunday indoor parade

This press release was on NorthPeel.com (the Brampton Guardian website)


Meet Millie the Artbug at Sunday indoor parade


November 16 - This weekend, kids of all ages can come to the Christmas Parade at Shoppers World Brampton, to meet Millie the Artbug, Visual Arts Brampton's mascot.

The event heralds the arrival of Santa Claus, who will be appearing regularly in the mall until Christmas.

Millie, along with hundreds of other marchers, will be parading around Shoppers World mall on Sunday, November 18, starting at 11:00 am. During the parade, Millie's helpers will be handing out free Santa door hangers and Cinnabon coupons, courtesy of the mall.

Millie will be hanging around the Winners Court near customer service before the event, waving around during the parade, and meeting children around the mall after the circuit. Millie was originally the City of Brampton millennium mascot in 2000; she has glowing fibre-optic hair.

Angelina Ballerina will also be meeting children, who will be visiting the mall in the Staples Court, near the Habitat for Humanity Dream Playhouses.

For more information on Visual Arts Brampton, visit http://www.visualartsbrampton.com, or phone 905-453-9142.

Visual Arts Brampton is the community's longest serving non-profit art group, founded in 1986. The group offers programming for adults, six days a week, and youth on Saturdays at its 2000 square foot studio, various workshops, and three art exhibition areas in Shoppers World mall.

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

Banner competition won by three VAB members

Shoppers World Looking Up to the Arts event featured a banner competition this year. Entered by many members of the group, it turned out that the three winners were all members, two youth, one adult.
  • Jude Hakim, first place
  • Samantha Croteau, second place
  • Debra Ali, third place
Their work is now being displayed at the Rose Theatre for a few weeks.

VAB members that also entered included Maria Dlubak, Marguerite Finlayson, Katie Medjidova, Keith Moreau, Nicholas Moreau, Mary Noble, Marian Simpson, and the youth class as two multi-person banners. Keith's wife Janice also created a banner.

In total, 45 banners were entered by professional and amateur artists throughout the community.

VAB participates in Shoppers World Looking Up to the Arts

Visual Arts Brampton was one of many participating in Shoppers World's second Looking Up to the Arts event, which featured arts groups, artists, musicians, and authors all around the mall. Visual Arts Brampton's booth featured the portrait bunch on Friday, drawing from a model dressed in Victorian era clothing.

On Saturday afternoon, Joud (Jude) Hakim, Alex Rodway, and Kurt Refling all drew in pencil at the group's booth.

Studio improvements

More improvements to the Visual Arts Brampton Creative Studios...
  • About a month ago, Keith repainted the stairs to the studio, in two muted shades of green cement paint.
  • Student volunteers have been repainting the trim work and ramp railing in the same shade of green. They will soon be painting the bottom half of the stairway wall the same colour.
  • Also about a month ago, VAB acquired four three-shelf tall bookshelves. We've begun to transfer books from the still life storage room, onto these newer shelves, for easier access to our large arts instruction collection.

Mary Noble @ Brampton Art Fair, Nov. 24

Visual Arts Brampton members Mary Noble and Aditi Swaminathan are to sell their works at the first ever Brampton Art Fair.

The fair is to happen Saturday, November 24th, from 9 am to 3 pm, at the Rose Theatre in the downtown. The event showcases artists, artisans, musicians, performers, and crafters.

Saturday, July 14, 2007

Peter Emslie launches blog

VAB member Peter Emslie has launched a blog recently. Called The Cartoon Cave, the site features Peter's art, experiences, and opinions on various topics. Pictured below is Peter with Sarah Connell and Michael Therriault, two cast members of Toronto's production of The Producers, receiving caricatures Peter did from TV footage of them. Both, incidentally, are Sheridan grads; Peter teaches for Sheridan's animation program.

Two of the Producers cast with Peter.Peter also recently posted his caricature of Ed and David Mirvish, in remembrance of Honest Ed, who passed this week.
Ed & David MirvishWhile we're on the topic of cartoonists with blogs, check out the Toon Club, a site where various young illustrators (added by invitation-only) are challenged to come up with a cartoon based on the week's topic or theme. For starters, check out the Tortoise and the Hare, or Santa Claus.

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Canadian art @ Carabram

For the first time in over a decade Carabram had a Canadian Pavilion! Among the highlights of the space was an art display by local creative talents. Among those on display were Visual Arts Brampton members Conrad Mieschke, Keith Moreau, and Mary Noble. Leah-Anne Goyeau, who was a VAB member last year, also presented her art, as did Colin McClean, who was with the group during the years we had Animation Exploration (Animex).

Many thanks go out to Leah-Anne for her efforts in organizing the art room, which was enjoyed by hundreds and hundreds throughout the weekend. One couple even spent 15-20 minutes studying the pieces on display.

Millie the Art Bug also showed up to hang with everyone, courtesy of Visual Arts Brampton and the Brampton Arts Council. Here she's posing with two singers from Marion Abbott's Performing Arts School.

Let there be light!

You may have noticed the studio's become much brighter over the past few weeks. We hired a contractor to rearrange the outdated wiring that was scattered across the ceiling, letting us move lights to locations where they're of the greatest use.

Now strung above the workshop desk/kids area is four sets of florescent lights, greatly boosting visibility in the area.

Members-only open studio Saturdays

Wish the studio was open for adults on Saturdays? Thanks to the dividing wall, it now is.

Come out from 1:00-5:15 pm and use the studio to draw, paint, or printmake. It's free if you're a Crea8tif level member, just three bucks if you're a regular member.

And don't worry, the kids are much better behaved and much quieter than you'd expect them to be. During an event a year ago, the portrait bunch remarked that they were shocked how good the kids were, yet they were far more active than usual.

(You must be a member for a few months before you can take advantage of this opportunity.)

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Steve Nease talk attracts an audience

I'll post more later, but here's an interesting story about the name of the Pud comic strip. It was posted in response to this blog post, which questioned the reason Steve used the name:
As a kid, Steve loved the Lionel Barrymore movie "On Borrowed Time". When he had a child named Ben, he started calling him "Pud" (Bobs Watson as John "Pud" Northrup), after the child in the film.

In the 1980s, he did an editorial cartoon about how children flock to advertisements. The editorial was illustrated in two panels, and received great response from readers and newspaper co-workers.

He decided to do up some more samples, which he showed the editor. The editor decided he could use extra content to fill up the space on the editorial page, and the strip's been going strong since.

At the time the strip started Fleer had stopped putting their "Fleer Funnies starring Pud" strip in the Dubble Bubble gum packages. He decided he could safely name the strip after this character, without confusion. Four years later, the comics in the gum packages restarted.

He says he's considered renaming the strip, and has a title that he's batted around in his mind (which he didn't reveal to us), but he's just never got around to it.

Thursday, May 17, 2007

VAB in "What's On" section of the Star

Editorial cartoonist Steve Nease talks about his works Wed. 7 p.m. (free). Visual Arts Brampton, 1 Bartley Bull Pkwy #10.
Let's hope this brings in the crowds.

Wednesday, May 09, 2007

VAB @ City Hall for flower art show

As we have done other years, VAB is holding an exhibition of flower artwork at the Brampton City Hall atrium gallery. The exhibit will be open May 31, and go through June.

All members are welcome to exhibit, contact Keith ASAP at 905-453-9142.

Fine art on display at annual Peel Art Gallery show

Fine art on display at annual Peel Art Gallery show
Tuesday May 8 2007

BRAMPTON - The 34th annual Juried Show of Fine Art opened last week, with 66 works chosen from more than 250 submissions.

The exhibition will be on display until June 3 at the Art Gallery of Peel in the Peel Heritage Complex, 9 Wellington St. E.

Of the 66 artists selected for this year's Juried Show, 25 are from Peel: 10 from Brampton, three from Caledon and 12 from Mississauga.

Heather Appleby and Delroy Russell of Brampton were selected for the Jurors' Award sponsored by Colony Ford-Lincoln of Brampton, which they share with several other artists. Debra Ali of Brampton was revealed as the winner of the People's Choice Award at the opening.

The complex is open to the public Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., on weekends from noon to 4:30 p.m. and on Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. Admission costs $2.50 for adults, $1.50 for seniors, $1 for students and $7 for families.

For information about the Peel Heritage Complex, call 905-791-4055 or visit www.peelheritagecomplex.org.

Friday, May 04, 2007

First time's the charm! Debra wins AGP Juried Show

The Art Gallery of Peel's annual Juried Art Show had 254 artists entering work, of which 66 were accepted. Two hundred people came to the show opening, and 150 of them cast ballots for the People's Choice Award.

The winner? Debra Ali, one of our most recent new members.

According Peel Heritage Complex curator David Somers, via email, "Debra's work was far and away the most popular work with over half of the votes."

Debra's flower painting was a Christmas gift to her sister, that Debra has continued to work on months after the holidays, including during an event at Shoppers World.

As mentioned before, VAB member Mary Noble, lapsed member Kim Lee Kho and Kal Honey, and former VAB vice president Kate Taylor were all accepted into the show.

Yes, that is our corridor on TV.

Photography copyright CHUM Limited.An argument started inside Shoppers World mall last night at 7:15 pm. Whether it was between either three or four males, and whether they were in their teens or 20s, you take your pick, the news reports have been thoroughly ambiguous. The fight soon spilled outside to the parking lot, and things got "louder and angrier", according to Citynews.

The corridor they went through to get to the parking lot? It was the Artway corridor.

As a result, Torontonians watching Global News Morning got to see Peel Regional Police wander past the Steve Nease Laughlines exhibit. People watching Citytv's Breakfast Television only got to see the doorway.

More new books, part 10

  • Spiderman: The Ultimate Guide, Tom DeFalco
  • The Wonderful World of Dogs, Octopus Books
  • Looney Tunes: The Ultimate Visual Guide, Jerry Beck
  • ROM Encounter Series: An Introduction to Ontario Fossils, Janet Waddington
  • Color Under Ground: The Mineral Picture Book, Lee Boltin and John S. White, Jr.
  • Wilderness Canada, Borden Spears (editor), Jon Eby (designer)
  • History of the Primates: An Introduction to the Study of Fossil Man, W. E. Le Gros Clark
  • Termites, P. E. Howse
  • Rainbow Trout in the Great Lakes, Hugh R. MacCrimmon, Barra Lowe Gots
  • Hammond Nature Atlas of America, E. L. Jordan, Ph.D., Rutgers University

Monday, April 30, 2007

Editorial cartoonist Steve Nease to talk at VAB Studio

Editorial cartoonist Steve Nease will talk about his works, at on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at the Visual Arts Brampton Creative Studio.

Nease began creating political cartoons in 1978 for the The Oakville Journal Record, launching his PUD comic strip at the Oakville Beaver in 1984. His reflections on the news and on family life appear in Metroland newspapers across Ontario, including the Brampton Guardian.

Steve’s political cartoons hang on the walls of people such as former PM Paul Martin, Mike Harris, and Don Cherry.

His works are on display at Visual Arts Brampton's Artway Gallery until May 25. Artway is located at the northwest entrance to Shoppers World mall, and is on visible regular mall hours. Shoppers World is at 499 Main Street South in Brampton, Ontario (at Steeles Avenue and Main Street South (Highway 10)).

Visual Arts Brampton has shown his most recent works every April at Artway since 1999 in their "Laughlines" show.

The studio where the talk will take place is across the road in the Bartley Square Mall, 1 Bartley Bull Parkway, located on the corner of Steeles Avenue and Main Street South (Highway 10).

Both the exhibit and the talk are free.

VAB members in PHC/AGP Juried Show

VAB member Mary Noble and Debra Ali were both accepted into the Art Gallery of Peel Juried Art Show.

Using a background created in the workshop she taught at the studio, Mary painted a portrait of a model who posed at the Wednesday portrait sessions. Debra's flower painting was a Christmas gift to her sister, that Debra has continued to work on months after the holidays, including during an event at Shoppers World. Both paintings are in acrylic.

Also accepted were former VAB vice-president Kate Taylor, now a Hillsdale resident, as well as former members Kal Honey and Kim Lee Kho.

Every weekend in May, the Peel Heritage Complex will be offering free admission.

The Peel Heritage Complex is operated by the Region of Peel and is located at
9 Wellington St. E. in Brampton. The Complex is open to the public Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; weekends from noon to 4:30 p.m.; and Thursday evenings from
6 to 9 p.m. Admission fees are $2.50 for adults; $1.50 for seniors; $1 for students; and $7 for families.

Thursday, April 19, 2007

Visual Arts Brampton Board of Directors, 2007-2008

Visual Arts Brampton Board of Directors

  • President: Keith Moreau
  • Vice President: Marguerite Finlayson
  • Treasurer: Pat Wepf
  • Recording Secretary: Debra Ali
  • At-Large: Peter Scott, Marian Simpson, Maria Dlubak

Saturday, April 14, 2007

Check vabtoon for past animation

Every week, we show one or two short animations in the youth classes. Want to see them again? Want to see them for the first time?

Check out vabtoon.blogspot.com

Monday, April 09, 2007

Alexis in Mayfield

Congrats to long-time young member Alexis Roissl. We just found out that she's in her first year of Mayfield School of the Arts. Alexis was with us from 2000-2006.

Check out her VAB Canadian stamp project from 2006... http://www.flickr.com/photos/55759550@N00/362550247/

Thursday, March 22, 2007

Workshop news

The date, time, and details for Debra Ali's water-based oils workshop has been set. Debra's class will run every Wednesday evening (7-9 pm) for eight weeks, May 2 to June 20, 2007.

To see her work, visit debraali.ca

Meanwhile, Dan Anaka's acrylics workshop starts this weekend. Spots are still available if you haven't signed up yet. It will run for 6 weeks, skipping the Easter weekend, until May 5, 2007, on Saturdays from 1:00 to 3:30 pm.

To see his work, visit dananaka.com

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Fridge Front, available times

The installation and removal dates may be shuffled to more convenient days, if need be.

March 5 to 20, Harold M. Brathwaite Secondary School
March 20 to April 2, continuation of Harold M. Brathwaite
April 2 to 13, Sunny View Middle School, grade 6
April 13 to 27, McCrimmon Middle School
April 27 to May 11, open for bookings
May 11 to 25, W. G. Davis Senior Public School
May 25 to June 8, Brampton Centennial Secondary School
June 8 to 22, open for bookings
etc...

Originally posted 17/02/07, now updated.

Youth classes next Saturday

The teen and afternoon kids class will be taught by Debra Ali and Nick, instead of Keith and Nick, as Keith will be attending his brother's birthday party in Midland.

Debra is a professional graphic designer, who is scheduled to teach an adult painting workshop at Visual Arts Brampton, in the coming weeks.

The students will be continuing on the cartooning unit.

Morning classes will not be affected.

Friday, March 16, 2007

More new books, part 9

  • Tales of the Dark Knight: Batman's First Fifty Years: 1939-1989, Mark Cotta Vaz
  • Chronicle of Canada

Saturday, March 10, 2007

Art Gallery of Peel Annual Juried Show

Entry forms are available at the Visual Arts Brampton Creative Studio, at the Art Gallery of Peel, or online as a PDF.

The Art Gallery of Peel’s Annual Juried Show is one of the most popular shows of its type in the province. In the past, artists have been entitled to submit one or two works for a non-refundable fee of $12 for members; $15 for non-members. This year, submissions will be limited to one piece per artist with the entry fee remaining the same. This will allow the same number of artists to participate but not create the excessive volume of entries that can overwhelm the jurors’ decision making process.

This year, the Gallery is fortunate to have the expertise of artist Dan Kennedy and Director of the Varley Art Gallery, John Ryerson in adjudicating the show. Submissions will be received at the Gallery from April 16 - 22, 2007 and the opening reception and awarding of prizes will take place on May 2 from 8 to 10 p.m.

For further information, contact David Somers, Curator at 905-791-4055, Ext. 3632.

Kahani Young Illustrator's Contest


Kahani, a US-based South Asian literary magazine for kids, which is holding their second annual illustration contest. Go on to their contest page, and check out the two stories that you can illustrate.

There are two age categories, 6-8 years old and 9-11 years old, each with their own prizes.

As the top prize, the 1st place stories and illustrations will be published in the Spring 2007 issue of Kahani. The winners will also get a check for $50 each. Second place winners will receive a $50 gift basket, courtesy of Barefoot Books, a Cambridge-based publisher of multicultural literature. Our 3rd place finishers will each get a $25 Borders gift card. (You can use it online as well, so you don't have to go border hopping just for a book.)

Friday, March 09, 2007

More new books, part 8

  • Marvel X-Men: The Ultimate Guide (Updated Edition), Peter Sanderson
  • Marvel: The Characters and Their Universe, Michael Mallory
  • Watercolor Basics: Drawing and Painting Birds, Shirley Porter
  • Painting Nature's Details in Watercolor, Cathy Johnson

Friday, March 02, 2007

Brampton Library Bookmark Award Winners

Brampton 01 Mar 07 - Brampton Library held its 8th Annual Bookmark Contest Awards Ceremony, Tuesday, February 27, at the Four Corners branch.

Nicole Brown won in the preschool to kindergarten category; Anittha Mappansingam took the award in the grades 1 to 3 category; Melissa Vrieling was the winner in the grades 4 to 5 category; Joseph Inot won in the grades 6 to 8 category; Kelly Anderson won in the grades 9-10 category; and Ashley Multani was the winner in the Grades 11-12 category. At the Ceremony, the winners received a prize plus a Certificate of Merit.

Winning designs were selected by a panel of judges from the Brampton Arts community. These designs have been turned into bookmarks that will be made available to the public in limited quantities at all Brampton Library locations during March Break. They are also featured on the Library's website at www.bramptonlibrary.ca



Group Picture (Left to Right): Melissa Vrieling (Gr. 4-5 winner), Julia Mair Gonuyou (student judge), Margaret Inocencio (Board Member), Ken Egbuna (Board Chair), Joseph Inot (Gr. 6-8 winner), Nicole Brown (JK-SK winner), Janice Awde (Board Vice-Chair), Roger Bunn (Board Member), Ashley Multani (Gr. 11-12 winner), Donna Gaffoor (staff member), Keith Moreau (judge), Kelly Anderson (Gr. 9-10 winner)

Missing: Anittha Mappansingam (Gr. 1-3 Winner)


This press release is included for two reasons, most obviously judge Keith Moreau is the President of Visual Arts Brampton. Less obvious is that Kelly Anderson was a VAB youth classes member, back around the turn of the century.

(Note that the bookmarks are judged without the names of the entrants, and thus the quality of Anderson's work was the only deciding factor. Moreau was unaware that she was an entrant.)

Thursday, March 01, 2007

Brampton Centennial Secondary School to exhibit

From May 25 to June 8, Brampton Centennial Secondary School will be on display at the Fridge Front Gallery.

Part of the Peel Board, the school is located around Elgin Drive and McMurchy Avenue S. The school was opened in 1967, hence the name, and has 1,794 students.

http://bramptoncentennialss.peelschools.org/

Friday, February 23, 2007

VAB hosting 8-week drawing workshop

The Brampton Guardian
Friday, February 23, 2007

Artist Keith Moreau will be teaching an eight-week workshop at the Visual Arts Brampton Creative Studio in March.

Moreau, an experienced illustrator and art instructor, will be teaching Drawing in Colour and Black & White on Thursdays from March 1 to April 19 from 7 to 9 p.m.

In the first two weeks, students will participate in simple exercises to understand perspective. Following weeks will feature still life drawing, then portraits. Two weeks are then devoted to the unique white-line drawing medium of scratchboard, and then two weeks of coloured pencil.

This workshop costs $40, including some supplies and tools for in-studio use.

The VAB Creative Studio is located in the lower level of the Bartley Square Mall, at the corner of Hurontario Street and Steeles Avenue. For information or to register, call 905-453-9142.

Students show off works of art at VAB's Fridge Front Gallery

The Brampton Guardian
Friday, February 23, 2007

Fridge Front Gallery in Shoppers World usually shows the works of Visual Arts Brampton's younger students. For the next few months, it will also feature creativity from three Brampton schools.

Harold M. Brathwaite Secondary School will start the series of exhibits, with a display from March 5 to 20. Sunny View Middle School art will be shown April 2 to 13, while McCrimmon Middle School pieces will be on display from April 13 to 27.

Brampton residents will also be able to view select works online by visiting visualartsbrampton.com.

Any school in Peel can book a free exhibit at Fridge Front Gallery. For information, teachers, principals or parents can call 905-453-9142 or e-mail mailto:visualartsbrampton@gmail.com

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

More new books, part 7

Photography, art collections
  • Exile's Exiles: The Happy Few, John Reeves (photography of Canadian authors, poets, artists, novelists, photographers, by a Canadian photographer; included are Roch Carrier, Margaret Atwood, Jane Urquhart, Morley Callaghan, Barry Callaghan, Guillevic, Ray Ellenwood, Mimi Parent, Fernand Outlette, and Claire De.)
  • Newsweek Great Museums of the World: National Gallery London, Carlo Ludovico Ragghianti (editorial director)
  • Norval Morrisseau and the Emergence of The Image Makers, Elizabeth McLuhan and Tom Hill
Art history
  • Indian Art, Philip Rawson
  • A.J. Casson: Early Works in the McMichael Canadian Collection / Première oeuvres a la collection McMichael d'art Canadien, Ian M. Thom with Gérard Bourlier
Photography how-to books
While many are older titles, they all focus on concepts still relevant today.
  • How to Photograph Sports & Action, Robert McQuilkin
  • The Art of Scenic Photography, Tom Grill and Mark Scanlon
  • Photographing Wildlife: Techniques for portraying animals in natural habitats, Pat Caulfield
  • The Complete Book of Photographing Birds, Russ Kinne with Roger Tory Peterson (a second copy of the publication)
  • The Nature Photographer's Complete Guide to Professional Field Techniques, John Shaw
  • How to Get the Best Travel Photographs, Fredrik D. Bodin
Other
  • Toronto Architecture & Urban Design Awards 2005 Jury Report, Robert Freedman (chair)
  • Tropical Beaches, 1999 Calendar, Hallmark
  • Toronto Real Estate Board, 2000 Calendar (images of old homes across the original Toronto)
  • The Catholic Church Extension Society of Canada, 1985 calendar (artwork of historic buildings)
  • Tribute Kids, Christmas 1996, Famous Players (features Space Jam with Michael Jordan and Bugs Bunny)
  • YES Mag, May/June 2003
  • Elm Street, Summer 2003
  • Canadian Geographic, July/August 1997
  • National Geographic World: for kids who dare to explore, March 2002

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Sunny View Middle School at Fridge Front

Sunny View Middle School is now booked to display at the Visual Arts Brampton Fridge Front Gallery in Shoppers World, from April 2nd through 13th.

The exhibit while feature Teri Petrillo's Grade 6 Art/Language Arts classes, who are currently working on Value and One Point Perspective.

Monday, February 19, 2007

Drawing in Colour and Black & White workshop

Drawing in Colour and Black & White
With Keith Moreau

8 weeks, March 1 to April 19
Thursday evenings, 7 to 9 pm

  • Week One & Two: Keith will help you understand perspective in simple exercises.
  • Week Three: Drawing a still life arrangement.
  • Week Four: One portraits in pencil
  • Week Five & Six: Learn the unique white-line drawing medium of scratchboard, while working from animal illustrations.
  • Week Seven & Eight: Keith will help you master coloured pencil, while drawing an image of your choice.

This workshop is just $40 for the eight weeks, including some supplies and tools for in-studio use.

Visual Arts Brampton Creative Studio
Lower level of the Bartley Square Mall
Northeast corner of Hwy 10 (Hurontario) and Steeles Avenue

Contact us for more information, or to register.

This course will be announced on daytime at exactly 11:20 am, 5:20 pm, and 11:20 pm today (Monday 19 February 2007). Tune in to Rogers Community Cable 10 to see Keith Moreau and his artwork.

Saturday, February 17, 2007

Acrylics workshop with Debra Ali

VAB member Debra Ali is planning to teach an acrylics workshop this April at the Visual Arts Brampton studio. Details and the date is all TBA currently.

To see her work, visit www.debraali.ca

More new books, part 6

  • Eyewitness Explorers Mammals, Dorling Kindersley (publisher)
  • Eyewitness Books Prehistoric Life, William Lindsey
  • Canada: A Picture Book to Remember her by, Ted Smart
  • Simon & Shuster's Butterflies & Moths, Mauro Daccordi, Paolo Triberti, Adriano Zanetti
  • Peterson First Guides: Fishes, Michael Filisky
  • Guide to Eating Ontario Sport Fish: 2005-2006 edition, Government of Ontario
  • A Guide to Field Identification: Seashells of North America, R. Tucker Abbott
  • Seashores, Herbert S. Zim PhD, Lester Ingle PhD

Congrats to Makini, Aleksandra, Emily, Carl, Samantha, Andrea

Congratulations to VAB youth class students Aleksandra Ciurzynska, Makini Calliste-Woollard, Emily Ing, and Samantha Dell'Anno, all of whom successfully applied for Mayfield Secondary School Regional Arts Program (Visual Arts). Makini is still deciding between Mayfield, and a music program at another school.

Congratulations also go out to Andrea Wang, who is accepted in Cawthra Park Secondary School Regional Arts Program (Visual Arts), and Carl Caldeira, who is accepted into St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School visual arts program.
Now a word from a notable, quotable dead person:
A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his mind is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist.
– St. Thomas Aquinas (c. 1225 – 7 March 1274)

Home Assignment list, 2007

1. Shoes hanging by their laces, from a door knob
Any type of shoes, so long as they have laces, on any type of door knob or handle.

2. Multi-person or motorized transportation
YES: cars, trains, airplanes, stagecoaches, Vespas, boats, buses, subways, monorails, rickshaws, elephants.
NO: rollerskates, skateboards, hang gliders, soapbox car.

3. Reflection of yourself
Draw a mirror, or any other reflective object, with a reflection of yourself.

4. Cards
Either a deck of playing cards, or some sports cards. They should be drawn in an interesting arrangement, from an interesting view (not just an "overhead" shot).

5. Television playing program
Any program on the screen of any television set. Please don't draw the TV straight-on, or else it will just look like a picture with a border.

6. Electronic device
Any electronic device other than a TV. If you need to plug something in, or put batteries in it, chances are it's electronic.

7. Household room interior
The inside of any room, so long as it's in a house/apartment.

8. Deck/porch/greenhouse/solarium
Any outdoor or somewhat outdoor relaxation area.

9. A scale model
An object made to look like a much larger object, such as a boat, spaceship, car.

10. Musical instrument
Any instrument.

11. Just returned
Multiple objects that you'd have if you just returned from a particular event or place. Returned from school (backpack, textbooks), from a vacation (suitcase, maps), from a birthday party (lootbag), hockey practice (sports equipment), whatever.

12. Under your bed
Whatever the view is from under your bed. There should be something under the bed, so that it's an interesting view.

13. Food in preparation
Any meal or snack, in the process of being made.

14. Tree in two seasons
The same tree, in two different seasons. Winter branches, spring buds, summer foliage, falling leaves.

15. Indoor plant
16. DVD player with DVD disc(s) and case(s)
17. Board game

18. Holiday decorations
Any holiday or celebration, whatsoever.

19. Scene through a window
Make sure we know it's through a window, and not just a landscape, or a photo in a frame. Any window whatsoever, anywhere.

20. Stuffed animals
21. House
22. Bath toys
23. Inside your backpack.
24. Inside your closet
25. Clock
26. Folded clothes/towels

27. Tools
Building tools, kitchen tools, dentist's tools, etc.

28. Food in a container
29. Other toy
(not bath, stuffed, electronic)

30. Fear
Something that you fear. Spiders, bees, monsters, invisible people, whatever.

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Harold M. Brathwaite Secondary School to exhibit

From March 5 to 20, Harold M. Brathwaite Secondary School will be on display at the Fridge Front Gallery.

Brathwaite is part of the Peel Board, and is located around Sandalwood Parkway and Dixie Road. The school was built in 2003, and has 1,658 students.

http://haroldmbrathwaitess.peelschools.org/

Saturday, February 10, 2007

Youth year end project decided

We skipped the year end project last year, but it's back again this year. While previous years we've focused on graphic design-related things, this year it's "industrial design".

Industrial design, you say? Does this mean we'll be drawing a factory?

No, industrial design is the design of any item that's mass-produced. From toothbrushes to toilets, from chairs to cars, from blenders to telephones. Industrial designers are the people who sketch, model, and make these items.

For now, we're thinking of the project being design a piece of furniture. It can be either futuristic or fun, but it should be something that no one's ever seen before. (ie, don't just draw the chair you bought at the store.) The key is to make it unique, while still making it usable. A chair just isn't a chair unless it can be sat on.

You'll be drawing the item you imagine from the front, the side, and the top.

Should you start now? No. Maybe brainstorm some ideas, but don't start all-out on it, until we've had some slideshows of cutting-edge industrial design, and more importantly firmed up the concept. There's nothing worse than doing an assignment that isn't going to be assigned.

Thursday, February 01, 2007

McCrimmon Middle School to exhibit

Friday April 13 to 27, McCrimmon Middle School will be on display at the Fridge Front Gallery.

McCrimmon is part of the Fletcher's Meadow Family of Schools, in the Peel Board, and is located around Chinguacousy Road and Sandalwood Parkway. The school was built in 2003, and has 827 students in grades six through eight.

http://www.peel.edu.on.ca/schools/rapidfacts/mccrimmon.htm

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Millie to attend Rec & Leisure Show

Adding onto the last post about the Shoppers World Recreation and Leisure Show, we've confirmed that Millie, the Brampton Arts Council mascot will be attending, to help attract attention to the Visual Arts Brampton booth. Previously, she had attended the Shoppers World Santa Claus parade.

Saturday, January 27, 2007

Crisis Centre of Peel benefit

The Sexual Assault / Rape Crisis Centre of Peel is holding a benefit for their services. According to Community Information Partners Peel (part of PINET), the Crisis Centre:
Serves women who have experienced sexual violence at some point in their lives. Services include 24-hour crisis and support telephone line, individual and group counselling, accompaniment services to hospital, police station and court, public education and awareness, information and referral.
We don't have the event information with us here, so we can't share the details of when, where, and how to buy a ticket just yet.

However, Visual Arts Brampton's portrait sessions is offering prize; one attendee will win the chance to be painted by all of the portrait bunch. They get to keep whatever their favourite painting of the day is.

Recreation and Leisure Show

Debra Ali, Nick Moreau, Michelle Alonso, and Alex Rodway will all be helping out at various times one week from today, at the VAB stand in the Shoppers World Recreation and Leisure Show.
Shoppers World Brampton will be hosting a Recreational & Leisure Show on Saturday, February 3rd from 9:30am to 6pm. The show will consist of recreational organizations such as sports clubs, dance/art programs etc. We will also be promoting March break programs, summer camps and other leisure activities. Registrations will take place the day of the show.
At noon, 1 pm, and 2 pm for twenty minute sing-along shows is Blue, from Blue's Clues. (photo source)

Friday, January 26, 2007

Obituary: Bridget Doughty

As appeared in The Brampton Guardian 2007-01-26

DOUGHTY, Bridget Passed away peacefully at the Peel Memorial Hospital, Brampton on Wednesday January 24th, 2007 at the age of 79. Beloved wife of Graham. Loving mother of Walter Aubie, Lee DeGrace, Frances DeGrace, Joyce DeGrace and Carol DeGrace. Stepmother of Susan Doughty, Doug Doughty, Nancy Crighton and Ross Doughty. Proud grandmother of 11 and great- grandmother of 4. She will also be missed by her brother Martin Aube. Predeceased by her son Simon DeGrace. Bridget will be remembered for her many contributions to visual arts in Brampton. Friends may call at the Ward Funeral Home, 52 Main Street South, Brampton on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church on Saturday at 11 a.m. Interment to follow at Meadowvale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family.

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Remembering Bridget Doughty

Bridget Doughty died yesterday, 24 January 2007.

Bridget was with Visual Arts Brampton since its April 1986 inception, when Palette of Peel merged with us. She was a regular at the daytime still life sessions, helping keep the timeslot active.

She was the recipient of a 2003 City of Brampton Arts Acclaim Long Term Service Award, for her many years of volunteering for the group.

In 2005, VAB had a special display of her work at the studio's Golden Pheasant Gallery. The Art of Bridget Doughty was her first solo exhibit in 20 years.

VAB is planning to purchase a plaque from the City of Brampton, to be placed at the base of a tree, in the park of her family's choice. We are now accepting donations, to prepay for a spring placement.

Monday, January 22, 2007

More new books, part 5

  • Britney Spears' Heart to Heart, Britney Spears (before she became her current self)
  • Peterson Field Guides Eastern Butterflies, Paul A. Opler and Vichai Malikul

Saturday, January 20, 2007

New links to teen works

Gold medal winner Michelle Alonso has a deviantART account, we've just learned.

http://slooshy.deviantart.com/gallery/

Anyone else have websites we don't know about?

New photos online

The still life the youth were drawing last week:
www.flickr.com/
photos/
55759550@N00/
tags/bottle/


CD cover projects by the youth classes:

and Canadian stamps:

More new books, part 4

  • The Complete Screenprint and Lithograph, John Ross and Clare Romano
  • The Complete New Techniques of Printmaking, John Ross and Clare Romano
  • Lectures on Art, Alphonse Mucha
  • Silkscreening, Maria Termini
  • Durer, Allan Braham
  • Quebec Nostalgie, Bobby Atkinson
  • Artist at Work, Zoltan Szabo
  • Lithography, Richard Vicary
  • Lithography, Renee Loche
  • Screen Printing on Fabric, Valerie and Roberta Clayson
  • Simple Printmaking, Cyril Kent and Mary Cooper
  • The Guide to the Understanding of Painting, William Gaunt
  • Graphis Annual 77/78, Walter Herdeg
  • Lithographic Prints from Stone and Plate, Manly Banister
  • Prints from Linoblocks and Woodcuts, Manly Banister
  • New Media in Printmaking, John Bickford
  • Introducing Linocuts, Jane Elam
  • Gaughin, Paul C. Nicholls
  • The Art of Print Making, Erich Rhein
  • Introducing Monoprints, Frederick Palmer

Monday, January 15, 2007

Brampton Bulletin dead

The Brampton Bulletin is now officially dead. They published an online only issue January 4, prepared an issue for press the next week, and "between technical issues and cashflow problems", it's dead as a doornail, no planned returns.

Saturday, January 13, 2007

Morning youth class CAPPED

The morning youth class for 9 to 12 year olds is capped as of today. We have reached full capacity, there is absolutely no more room under any circumstances.* There is, however, still spaces into three other classes:
  • 6 to 8 years old, 9:30 to 11:00 am
  • 9 to 12 years old, 3:15 to 5:15 pm
  • 13 to 18 years old, 1:00 to 3:00 pm
* We will consider making an exception if you're directly in line of succession to the British Throne, solely because we could rename the group the Royal Arts Guild of Brampton or something like that.


Note that we are now at capacity, not over capacity. The above text still applies.

Friday, January 12, 2007

The Brampton News: Artist explores visual inspiration

Brampton - While dedicating long hours to her passion, Stephanie Czolij wants to keep things light-hearted. “I often insist on keeping things fun while trying to fulfill assignment requirements.”

In her fourth and final year at University of Guelph, Stephanie is close to completing her Bachelor of Arts.

Her levity ties many of the works in her current solo exhibit at the Artway Gallery together.

Well over two dozens of her drawings, paintings, etchings, block prints, computer graphics, and mixed media works are on display from now until January 26th. The collection on display, titled “Visual Ramblings”, draws from various personal inspirations, ranging from the Baroque and Renaissance, to various artists throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, to the contemporary imagery of instant messaging graphics.

Stephanie was originally a student at St. Thomas Aquinas, and for two-and-a-half years, Visual Arts Brampton’s teen classes.

Free, Artway Gallery is located in the corridor on the west side of Shoppers World mall, between The Bay and the food court. Shoppers World is located at 499 Main Street South, at the intersection of Hurontario and Steeles Avenue. Hurry though, as the short-run exhibit is only on for another two weeks.


This article is still available on The Brampton News.

The Brampton News: VAB youth classes return, expand

Brampton - Last Saturday, Visual Arts Brampton's (VAB) youth classes started up for the tenth year running. New is a class for six to eight year olds, added onto the two existing 9-12 year old and one teen time slots.

The youngest class, both in longevity and student age, is taught by Ilichna Morasky, currently a student at SheridanCollege. This soon to be BA of Art (Illustration) hold the distinction of being the most creative student Keith Moreau has ever taught.

Moreau has taught many hundreds of young students through the group's classes, but literally thousands of adult and youth across the GTA, feels that despite stiff competition, Ilichna easily earns the title.

There's been demand for a 6-to-8-year-old class ever since the inception of the youth division of the group, Moreau says. The only problem was a lack of teachers to take the role. While he could think of many possible candidates, Ilichna was the most consistent, interested, and willing. After guest teaching the weekend classes last year, he knew the concept had its match.

The studio was renovated over the Christmas break, allowing Keith and volunteers to install new flooring and remove dividing walls, opening the space up for more students. The group thanks manager Ray Bourque at RONA Home & Garden's Bramalea location for his continued support of the group.

The goal of the fifty week workshops are to build up the students skills in diverse artistic mediums, styles, and subject matters, instead of just one narrow-minded topic.

Despite the fact classes have already begun, art loving kids, tweens, and teens can still come on board. Either teacher will personally get them caught up with the rest.

Offered is Morasky's session at 9:30 to 11:00 am, for six to eight year olds, Moreau's two timeslots for nine to twelve year olds at 9:30 to 11:30 am or 3:15 to 5:15 pm, and his teen classes from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.Classes run at the VAB Creative Studios every Saturday until mid-December, for $250.

For more information on the classes, or to register, call (905) 453-9142, or email visualartsbrampton@gmail.com.


The article is still available on The Brampton News.

The Brampton Guardian: A rambling artist

From the Wednesday, January 10th, 2007 issue of The Brampton Guardian.

Stephanie Czolij is the featured Brampton artist in Visual Arts Brampton's Artway in Shopper's World. Her exhibit, which is on display until Jan. 26, is called Visual Ramblings. The show includes drawings, paintings, prints and digital works. Czolij is entering her final semester at the University of Guelph.

Monday, January 08, 2007

Commonwealth contest for kids

The Commonwealth Youth Programme is calling young people between 15 and 29 years of age, to enter its 2007 art competition.

‘Youth Empowerment’ is the theme of the CYP art competition.

The competition is open to all Commonwealth residents.

The competition invites youth to produce artwork that could be used for a new CYP publication entitled, ‘The Plan of Action for Youth Empowerment’. This publication is a framework document for CYP’s work and will be widely distributed all over the Commonwealth.

The overall winner of the Commonwealth Youth Programme art competition will be presented with a £200 prize by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, or his representative. The award ceremony will either take place at the pan-Commonwealth office in London, at a regional centre, or at a national event.

The winner will receive an acknowledgement at one of the official launches of CYP’s publications, and will also get a special mention on the CYP website.

The top ten runner-up entries will receive a Commonwealth Youth Programme certificate.

Submitted artwork will be judged on the interpretation of the theme as well as technical quality. All designs used will be fully acknowledged and will include the name of the artist.

Competition entrants may wish to take one or more of the following headings as their inspiration:

The PAYE 2006-2015: Action Points and Indicators

1. Develop and implement measures to promote the economic enfranchisement of young people

2. Strengthen social support systems and collaboration between key stakeholders in youth empowerment

3. Strengthen Ministries, Departments and legal frameworks for Youth Affairs

4. Promote the participation of young people in decision-making

5. Promote positive role models and foster young people’s self-esteem

6. Take action for equality between young women and men, and for youth in special circumstances

7. Promote peaceful and democratic environments in which human rights flourish

8. Provide quality education for all

9. Improve access to information and communication technology (ICT)

10. Promote health, development and values through sports and culture.

This competition, the first of its kind in CYP history, was introduced by Dr Fatiha Serour, Director and Head of Youth Affairs, in a drive to make CYP’s publications more attractive to young people. “This competition will challenge young artists to produce designs that will change the face of CYP’s publications, to make it more appealing for young people to pick up and read”.

The artwork could take any forms, such as: hand work, illustrations, cartoon, graphic design, photography and so forth.

Deadline for submission is Friday 9 February 2007. All entries must be received on or before this date to be considered for this competition.

The artwork must be authentic, and the young applicant must be the owner of the copyright(s) entered. By entering artwork into the competition, the artist agrees to grant a royalty-free non exclusive licence to the CYP, its affiliates, and sponsors of the competition. CYP’s decision on all matters relating to the competition is final. Should the quality of entries fall below the standard required, CYP reserves the right not to award prizes.

Only winners will be contacted. Entries will not be returned or acknowledged. CYP accepts no responsibility for entries lost, damaged or delayed in the post.

Please note that the overall winner will need to provide proof of age. Artwork submitted should include the artist name, age, country, and the category of artwork (hand work, graphic design etc).

Please send art design with entry forms to Diane Mensah-Bonsu by email: d.mensah-bonsu@commonwealth.int, fax: 0207 747 6549, or by post to:

Diane Mensah-Bonsu
Youth Affairs Division
Commonwealth Secretariat
Marlborough House, Pall Mall
London SW1Y 5HX,
United Kingdom

Saturday, January 06, 2007

Youth classes so far...

We so far have 46 youth members...
  • Six to Eight: 2
  • Kids Morning: 18
  • Kids Afternoon: 9
  • Teens: 8
  • Unknown class: 5
...however we don't have cheques and forms from everybody. For example, I count 15 heads in today's afternoon class. Make sure that you get the forms in, in the next few weeks.

Artway: Stephanie Czolij

Running at Artway from January 6th to 26th, Visual Ramblings consists primarily of work created by Stephanie Czolij at the University of Guelph. Currently in the final semester for her Bachelor of Arts Honours, Stephanie was a VAB youth class member for 21/2 years.

At Guelph, she is majoring in Studio Art with a minor in Art History. She tells us:
"In my art historical studies, I’ve been most interested with the Baroque and Renaissance periods as well as the art and culture of Ancient Greece. In Studio Art I have had the opportunity to investigate a variety of art forms, but I’ve concentrated on drawing, computer graphics, and have most recently developed a greater interest in painting."
The exhibit includes drawings, paintings, prints and a couple of digital works. She believes the pieces show her development as an artist over the past few years, and the techniques and styles she experiments with and develops.

The majority of her work is fairly light-hearted--Stephanie insists on keeping things fun while trying to fulfill assignment requirements. Much of the work also reflects her interest in illustration.

Pictured is "My Masterpiece", based on a Roy Liechenstein, and a painting featuring Bambi and Mickey Mouse, called "Untitled".

At Fridge Front: Three Gold winners

Currently on display is the art of three of our gold medal winning students: Michelle Alonso, Alex Rodway, and Victoria Seo.

Check out 97 of Alex's works at his deviantART account... atothex.deviantart.com/gallery

To the right is a digitally coloured version of his Captain Jack Sparrow pencil drawing.

Relating to the Fridge Front Gallery, we are looking for single classes or entire schools to exhibit at the space. If you are a parent or teacher, and you think a group exhibit would be great, let us know. Phone us at (905) 453-9142, or email us at visualartsbrampton@gmail.com

More new books, part 3



Three new additions to the bookshelf...
  • The Everyday Art of India
  • British Military Helicopters
  • The Art of Hanna-Barbera
The last title is great for both the TV classics like the Flintstones and Scooby Doo, but also for the wide range of styles and topics drawn for shows like the Marvel-ous The Fantastic Four, forgotten spin Fonz and the Happy Days Gang, and feature film Heidi's Song.

Also new is the fact we have a rolling bookshelf for the vast majority of the image research books. It will be available during Monday, Thursday and Friday morning open studios, Thursday evening open studios, Tuesday evening life drawing sessions, and of course any time during the Saturday kids classes. As a VAB member, you can check out any of the books, to read them or paint from them at home.

New floors at studio

Come on in any time to see our new wood laminate flooring. Thanks to Keith Moreau, Luis Barrios, Martin Wigginton, and Craig for their time in installing the panels, it's much appreciated.

Also much appreciated is the discount received from RONA Home & Garden's Bramalea location at 2830 Queen Street East. Rona has previously supported us last year, with the construction materials for the youth and animation units.

If you're planning on doing a major home renovation, ask to talk to store manager Ray Bourque. He's offered to discount any large purchases made at this location, if you show proof of Visual Arts Brampton membership.

Click to view location and hours.

Welcome Patti Foley, Craig Fleming



New to our group this year is Patti Foley. A Bolton resident, she runs Foley's Town and County Photography. Check out her work at www.foleysphotography.com

Craig Fleming is also new to the group. He's participated in Artway shows since early last year, but this is his first annum as a member. Check out his work at www.geocities.com/bramalea1972artist or at bramaleaartist.deviantart.com/gallery

(Just a reminder, all memberships are due immediately.)

Thursday, January 04, 2007

Classes start Saturday

Kids classes start Sat. Jan 6.

Like always, the first class is in perspective. All you need is a pencil, eraser, and preferably some paper. (Not a sketchbook, because this is a series of rough exercises, not finished works.)