VAB remembers watercolourist Jack Reid

"With the swipe of a paintbrush, Jack Reid left an impression on the world, and with a bright smile, he left an impression on Orillia." - quoted from Sarah Ross, Orillia Packet & Times

With great sadness, Visual Arts Brampton has recently learned of the passing of renowned watercolour artist Jack Reid.

A graphic artist, Jack became a watercolourist; with no formal training. Jack went on to teach workshops for over 11,000 students, worldwide, beginning in 1971.

He won the Canadian government's Commemorative Medal in 1992, exhibited in England with the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours, and was a life member of the Arts and Letters Club of Toronto and Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour.

Within Brampton, Jack taught Watercolour My Way on Rogers Cable, and was the City of Brampton Arts Person of the Year in 1992. An honourary member of Visual Arts Brampton, in thanks for his recurring help to the group, Jack was the first artist featured at Artway Gallery, in Shoppers World. Moving to Orillia three years ago, he is said to have delved into the arts community there, just as much as he did in Peel.

Jack Reid passed away Monday morning, after a long battle with cancer. He was 84. Condolences may be sent to: Pat Carabine c/o Jack Reid 412 Old Muskoka Road, Apt. 209 South, Orillia, Ontario, L3V 6M5.

Remembering Jack Reid:

• "Jack Reid left his mark on Orillia", Orillia Packet & Times
• "Arts community revered Reid", The Sarnia Observer
• Jack Reid, Visual Arts Brampton bio (not yet updated)
• Jack Reid and Friends, our feature artist show in 2005

Youth laison added to Arts Council

You've likely already read about her in The Brampton Guardian, but now at the Brampton Arts Council is Kelly Lewars, taking the newly created role of youth liason.

Among her roles, Kelly started blogging for the Arts Council in mid-July, about various events around town, and the city's art scene in general. Among her recent posts is one about the 3rd annual Communities in Bloom Downtown Street Festival, which Visual Arts Brampton participated in, upstairs.