Visual Arts Brampton

Jacqueline Veltri featured in solo show at Artway

2012-01-23T10:50:00.000-05:00

Visual Arts Brampton Artway Gallery's biannual Invitational Show "Through the Years" features Jacqueline Veltri's portaiture of her two daughters. Veltri's children are a common subject matter in her work over the year, and the show chronicles both the growth of her art and her daughters themselves.

Visit Jacqueline's official site for more information, or read more about the show in The Brampton Guardian. Many thanks for the Guardian for their coverage!

VAB on Remic TV: 30 minute interview with Keith

2012-01-23T10:19:00.000-05:00

VAB President Keith Moreau was just interviewed on Remic TV, an online talk show. This episode was hosted by actress Jasmine Bowen, and discusses the history of Visual Arts Brampton in the first episode, and Keith's art in the second episode.

VAB in Family of Brampton arts event, at Rose, February 26

2012-01-20T12:11:00.001-05:00

Visual Arts Brampton will be participating in Family of Brampton, an arts event hosted by the Brampton Library and the Brampton Festival Singers. Open to all disciplines, the event will showcase mini workshops, performances, and demonstrations from artists in the community.

The event is on Sunday, February 26, from 1 to 6 pm.

Visual Arts Brampton will have a table at the event, and some of our members have mentioned they're planning to participate.

Runs in the Family returns for 2011

2011-12-19T13:45:00.000-05:00

An annual tradition started last year, Artway Invitational Gallery is proud to show that artistic ability does run in the family. This year's Runs in the Family exhibitors are:

Paulina Su and sister Victoria Su
Albert Seaman and son C. A. Seaman
Tasha Singh and her cousin Tiana Tzogas
Andrea McLeod and husband Kerry McLeod
Keith Moreau and wife Janice Moreau

Youth Achievement Award winners, 2011

2011-12-19T11:50:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to all of this year's Youth Achievement Award winners, who received their medallions on Saturday, December 17.

Gold: Anushka Anand, Gurleen Dulai, Ranmeet Dulai, Nicole D'Souza, Lucy Feng, Francesca Riopka, Victoria Riopka, Tasha Singh, Rajveer Singh
Silver: Shannon Bennett, Tanraj Dulai, Andrew Kapur, Kavya Kaluarachi, Edward Seo, Mary Jane Seo, Liana Valdez
Bronze: Victoria Abes

Youth Achievement Awards 2011 tomorrow

2011-12-16T16:40:00.001-05:00

The studio is set up for the Visual Arts Brampton Youth Achievement Awards tomorrow, starting shortly after 11 am. This will be the thirteen ceremonies in the youth sessions' history.

Admission is limited only to those students who entered the competition, and their guests.

Lucy Feng shows art at Four Corners library

2011-12-16T16:01:00.001-05:00

Visual Arts Brampton teen member Lucy Feng is now on display at the Four Corners library.

Visit the showcases on the second floor of Brampton Library's downtown branch to see artwork by this talented teen, who has won two golds with VAB in her two years with the youth classes.

Lucy was one of the winners for the Credit Valley Conservation Authority's Floating Island Project. Her painting "Happy Day" toured Brampton and the Canadian National Exhibition as part of "25 Years: VAB's Floral Art Show", and has been active at VAB events like Brampton Day and Carabram. Most recently, her artwork was featured in The Brampton Guardian, in promotion of the Teddy Bear Project art exhibit.

The show continues until January 2012.

Christmas art at Shoppers World, via John Knox school

2011-12-16T15:56:00.000-05:00

From now until early January 2012, Christmas art by students from John Knox Christian School is on display at Shoppers World Brampton.

The exhibit is at Silver Clips Artworks Gallery (formerly youth-only space Fridge Front Gallery), in the shopping centre's northwest entry corridor, just south of Winners.

The school was founded in 1959 by the Christian Reformed Church, and has an enrollment of over 300 students. The school first exhibited with VAB in December 2009, and has had shows annual at Christmas since, as well as a few shows in other months.

CVC installs signs with VAB youth art, at their floating island site

2011-11-29T20:23:00.001-05:00

Image courtesy Credit Valley Conservation Authority.

Credit Valley Conservation has recently installed the signage at its Floating Island Project, at Botavia Downs Park (Botavia Downs Road and Chinguacousy Road). Winners were unveiled in a September ceremony.

To view photos of the ceremony and site, check out this VAB photo album.

The Environmental Enhancement Demonstration Site is a partnership between the CVC and the City of Brampton, in partnership with Queens University, Trent University, C&M Athletics, Greenland Consulting Engineers and Fletcher's Meadow Secondary School. The art project created works for the park, and was a partnership between the CVC, the City, and Visual Arts Brampton.

Youth Achievement Awards judged last night

2011-11-29T20:18:00.001-05:00

The Youth Achievement Awards were judged last night, at the Visual Arts Brampton studio. This year, seventeen of the group's students submitted portfolios, containing 12 screen assignments, 12 home assignments, and additional works.

Awards will be handed out December 17, at an award ceremony, for entrants and their guests only. The final classes for all students are December 3 and 10.

Paul Draper on display, Four Corners library

2011-11-12T15:02:00.001-05:00

Currently on display at Four Corners branch of the Brampton Library is Paul Draper, a Visual Arts Brampton member for over the years, attending our open studio sessions. His display continues until November 29.

Visual Arts Brampton teen member Lucy Feng will be on display this December at Four Corners. Lucy was one of the winners for the Credit Valley Conservation Authority's Floating Island Project, and has won two golds with VAB. Her painting "Happy Day" toured Brampton and the Canadian National Exhibition as part of "25 Years: VAB's Floral Art Show", and has been active at VAB events like Brampton Day and Carabram.

CNE attendance figures announced

2011-10-21T09:41:00.002-04:00

This year, attendance to the CNE grew a quite healthy 9%, according to organizers. The Canadian National Exhibition Association's Annual General Meeting was last night in Toronto, and David Bednar announced the success, which equals 1.31 million visitors over the 18 day period.

Also, a warm welcome to Brian Ashton, the newly elected 58th President of CNEA’s volunteer Board of Directors.

Visual Arts Brampton has now twice exhibited at its floral art show in Heritage Court of the Direct Energy Centre, as part of the Garden Show.

Portfolio workshop for high school regional arts programs

2011-10-18T21:34:00.000-04:00

Designed for grade 8 students applying to the Regional Arts Program at Mayfield or Cawthra Park Secondary School, at Visual Arts Brampton studio this autumn.

Instructor Annelisa Fischer will help young artists while they create works for their portfolio, select which works to include, and prepare you for the audition process. The workshop will include drawing, painting, drawing a self portrait, and drawing a still life.

Classes run for eleven Thursdays, October 27 to January 19th, from 7 to 9 pm. (Particular Thursdays are skipped around Christmas and New Year's.) The fee is $110, payable at the first class.

Classes will be held at the Visual Arts Brampton Creative Studios, 1 Bartley Bull Parkway, Suite 10, at Steeles Avenue and Main Street South. Interested students must reserve a spot in advance, by calling 905-453-9142.

VAB in Scientific American

2011-10-12T19:43:00.001-04:00

This is certainly a first: tonight at Visual Arts Brampton's Artway Invitational Gallery, we're installing Artistic by Nature, an exhibit of work by members of Southern Ontario Nature and Science Illustrators. While that in itself is a first, the show is being featured on Symbiartic, a Scientific American blog about science art.

If you're not aware, SciAm was first published in 1845, making it the oldest continuously published magazine in the United States. Contributors have included Albert Einstein. It is written for an educated, but not necessarily science-trained, public.

The show runs until November 16.

Science, nature illustrators on display at Artway Invite

2011-10-11T15:26:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow night at 8 pm, we install the show Artistic by Nature: An exhibit of work by Southern Ontario Nature and Science Illustrators (SONSI) at Artway Invitational Gallery, at Shoppers World Brampton.

The show runs October 13 – November 16, 2011, and features Kathryn Chorney, Emily S. Damstra, Trish Murphy, and Jennifer Osborn. Artway Invitational Gallery is located in the southeast corner of the shopping centre, near to Zellers.

The four artists featured in this exhibit are all members of the Southern Ontario Nature and Science Illustrators (SONSI), a community of illustrators whose work focuses on science and nature subjects. SONSI aims to raise the profile of this specialized subset of the illustration, art, and design profession, to share their dedication to visualizing aspects of the natural world, and to help educate the public about issues in science and nature. Most SONSI members live either in or between the Greater Toronto and Kitchener-Waterloo areas, with a few further afield in Sarnia, Southampton, and towns east of Kingston.

Nature and Science Illustration is all around us, even though the general public may not be as aware of it as they are of more high-profile types of art. We see it on web sites, in zoos, nature centers, and museums, on posters & brochures in the doctor, dentist, or vet's office, in school books, calendars, note cards, magazines, galleries, or in any one of thousands of illustrated books for children and adults that capture the wonders of the natural world and science ideas.

Science illustrators work with publishers, designers, art directors, scientists, advertisers, and educators in developing visuals that communicate vital information as they illuminate the beauties of nature and the wonders of science. Subject matter ranges from nature and biology thru to astronomy and the latest conceptual thinking. What all science illustrations have in common is an exacting level of accuracy and faithfulness to the subject or concept, combined with a high degree of artistic skill and judgment in bringing the subject to life in a striking manner.

SONSI exhibits are for all art lovers as well as everyone who loves nature’s wonders and harbours curiosity about the natural world.

For more information about SONSI or to leave a comment about this exhibit, please visit the Southern Ontario Nature and Science Illustrators’ web site at sonsi.ca.

Indie Arts Fest building an audience in first year back

2011-09-17T16:08:00.000-04:00

Brampton Indie Arts Festival wrapped up last night. The annual event returned with a fair size audience, a good number to grow on in future years at Rose Theatre Brampton.

Pictured is Ryan's artwork, one of five artists from the GTA who fit the unique mold of indie arts.

For pictures of some of the entertainment, view this photo album.

Brampton Wing Fest caricature photos up

2011-09-17T16:03:00.000-04:00

On Saturday before Labour Day, Visual Arts Brampton was represented at the first annual Brampton Wing Fest. VAB member Ryan C. Thompson, who designed the event logo, drew caricatures under a tent. Pictured below is a family who was drawn in this multi-person page.

More samples of Ryan's caricatures have been uploaded to this photo album, including Ryan with the chicken he created.

Credit Valley Conservation unveiled VAB art signs earlier today

2011-09-17T14:06:00.000-04:00

Credit Valley Conservation unveiled its Floating Island Project just hours ago, at Botavia Downs Park (Botavia Downs Road and Chinguacousy Road).

The Environmental Enhancement Demonstration Site is a partnership between the CVC and the City of Brampton, in partnership with Queens University, Trent University, C&M Athletics, Greenland Consulting Engineers and Fletcher's Meadow Secondary School. The art project created works for the park, and was a partnership between the CVC, the City, and Visual Arts Brampton.

In this photo are Councillor John Hutton, Francesca Riopka, Councillor John Sanderson, Keshav Ramola, Mayor Susan Fennell, Lynn Calliste and Nick Woollard (parents of Makini Calliste-Woollard, in Quebec at university), and VAB president Keith Moreau.

We're currently having a few difficulties uploading the video, but expect an upload or two of the happenings in the next few days.

Thursday, Friday: Brampton Indie Arts Fest

2011-09-12T20:33:00.001-04:00

The Brampton Indie Arts Festival is coming up on the evenings of Thursday, September 15 and Friday, September 16 at Rose Theatre Brampton. All the music, short films, dancers, and stage acts are completely free.

VAB's Ryan C. Thompson will be on display in the lobby, for the duration of the event. Other visual artists include Laura Vegys and Hyein Lee.

Complete schedule

Facebook Event page

Tuesday painting workshop with Mary Noble return, October 4

2011-09-12T20:19:00.002-04:00

Mary Noble's Tuesday painting workshops are returning on October 4, running for eight weeks until November 22. Classes run from 9:30 am to half-past noon. Fees are $20 a day, a total of $160 for eight weeks.

To meet with the demands of students from previous sessions with Mary, asking for acrylic painting sessions, various lessons will be structured for either acrylic or watercolour.

To sign up for sessions, contact the studio by at least September 20 by calling 905-453-9142, visualartsbrampton@gmail.com, or at the studio during studio hours.

Brampton Floating Islands pilot project and artwork reveal, September 17

2011-09-04T17:28:00.001-04:00

Credit Valley Conservation, Visual Arts Brampton and City of Brampton are proud to announce the Floating Islands Pilot Project and Artwork Reveal.

Learn about the Red Side Dace, why they are important and how we are protecting them in Fletcher’s Creek. See aretwork created by youth and teens from Visual Arts Brampton on Fletcher’s Creek and its animal inhabitants. Learn about the Floating Islands: what they do, how they are build, how we are monitoring them and why this pilot project is important for Ontario!

The event happens on Saturday, September 17, 2011 from 11 am to 1 pm at Botavia Downs Pond, across from Fletchers Meadow Public School.

Agenda:

11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m – Art Reveal and Speeches
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Activities and Free Barbecue

First Brampton Wing Fest a success

2011-09-04T17:18:00.001-04:00

Yesterday, the first annual Brampton Wing Fest was held at Chinguacousy Park's special events field. There was a strong turnout at the event, for the food, music, and competitions. Already, organizers were busy talking about plans for next year's event, before the night was even through.

Visual Arts Brampton member Ryan C. Thompson, who designed the event's logo, was on hand at the Visual Arts Brampton booth all day drawing caricatures for a nominal fee. Member Luis Barrios also helped man the tent.

We're looking forward to next year's event!

Brampton WingFest details announced; VAB to exhibit

2011-08-18T12:38:00.000-04:00

Details on the first annual Brampton WingFest, to be held at Chinguacousy Park on Saturday, September 3 from noon to 11 pm. The Brampton Guardian has just published an overview of the event, the variety of foods available within the wings realm and beyond, entertainment, rides, and activities. Visual Arts Brampton will have a display at the event.

Organizer Jerome Dawson of the Chinguacousy Lions Club told the Guardian that the Rotary Club's Ribfest was a great kickoff to summer, and that the Lions hope this would be Brampton's finale to summer.

Visual Arts Brampton member Ryan C. Thompson designed the logo of the event.

Brampton Indie Arts Fest returns

2011-08-18T12:11:00.000-04:00

From 2000 to 2007, the Brampton Indie Arts Fest was an annual creative hub, hosted at the Heritage Theatre, and later the Rose Theatre.

Friendly Rich returns as Artistic Director, to pick the acts for "the best-of-the-best in underground and experimental musicians, filmmakers, dancers, poets and visual artists." The lineup will be announced soon, according to the website.

All the events will be at Rose Theatre Brampton: Studio Two, Main Stage (Audience and Acts), lobby and the Fountain Stage in Garden Square (weather permitting). The event happens September 15 and 16, 7:30 to "late". The entire event is free.

VAB member Ryan C. Thompson is currently scheduled to exhibit at the event, more details as they come.

Monday, Civic Holiday, studio is closed

2011-07-31T15:08:00.000-04:00

For Simcoe Day, tomorrow, the studio will be closed.

Open studio sessions resume on their normal schedule Thursday, August 4. Tuesday life drawing continues, as per normal. Wednesday portrait sessions return in the fall.

Shoppers World Brampton is open tomorrow, from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm. Check out the recently installed Drawing in Colour exhibit, at Artway Gallery near Winners, and the touring floral art show, at Artway Invitational Gallery, near Zellers.

Portrait sessions return September 7

2011-07-25T09:08:00.002-04:00

Artwork by Mary Noble, for our floral art show.

Last Wednesday, the portrait sessions stopped for their summer break. The session will return on Wednesday, September 7, 2011.

New artists are always welcome to the sessions; see the Visual Arts Brampton website for more details.

Jacqueline Veltri on display at City Hall, August

2011-07-23T11:24:00.002-04:00

From August 2 to 29, Visual Arts Brampton member and vice president Jacqueline Veltri will be having a solo exhibition at Brampton City Hall Art in the Atrium. The show, Reflections, includes work in oil, acrylic, coloured pencil, and graphite.

Reflections is an exhibit which explores reflections either figuratively or literally, and in some cases, both. Some of the pieces are of objects which cast a reflection of itself, others explore the way light is reflected by an object, while others still, incorporate both concepts. The path of this exploration in some cases lead to a deeper investigation of reflection as a concept asking the viewer to reflect on the idea put forth by the artist.

A variety of media was used to further the exploration in order to resolve how physical reflection would be achieved from one medium to another. This gave the artist the freedom to discover new ways of conveying the notion of what an object might look like when it is reflected on a surface which is sometimes in motion, or fraught with inclusions.

Veltri is also now an exhibiting member of the Wellington Artists' Gallery, in Fergus, Ontario. VAB members Thea Jansen and William Band are also represented at Wellington.

Brampton Wing Fest upcoming; logo by VAB member, group at the event

2011-07-16T17:09:00.001-04:00

Visual Arts Brampton member Ryan C. Thompson recently was chosen to design the logo for the brand new Brampton Wing Fest. Ryan submitted seven sheets of preliminary designs to the organizers, before the final design was established. The event is created by Chinguacousy Lions.

The first annual event is coming up Saturday, September 3, 2011, noon to 11 pm at the newly renovated Chinguacousy Park, Central Park Drive and Queen Street East. The event is free. Brampton Wingfest will be an all day outdoor event which will including the sale of tasty chicken wings from a variety of locals restaurants, Beaver Tails, Tiny Tim Donuts, corn on the cob and a wine and beer garden.

Family day activities include fun for children with face painting, jumping castles, magicians, live DJ's, dance competitions and live bands to entertain everyone.

Visual Arts Brampton will be on hand displaying works of arts and promoting upcoming exhibits and community events.

Carabram's Canada pavilion a success as always

2011-07-11T12:59:00.002-04:00

Visual Arts Brampton member Ryan C. Thompson was sure drawing a crowd, pardon the pun, Saturday night at the Carabram's Canada pavilion. In this picture he's demonstrating his marker technique for the crowd, with the end result going to some lucky children attending the event.

VAB has its 25th anniversary floral art show displayed at the three-day event, the second stop on its tour. The works are now installed at Artway Invitational Gallery in Shoppers World.

Many thanks to the artists who came to volunteer and those who came to draw, including Stephanie Czolij, Paul Draper, Lucy Feng, Keith Moreau, Bill Riopka, Francesca Riopka, Victoria Riopka, Ryan C. Thompson, and Jacqueline Veltri.

Many thanks as well to the hosts and organizers of the Canada pavilion, CAW Local 1285. It's always a pleasure working with Leon Rideout and the rest of the folks in this organization, they should be commended for the work that they put into everything, every year, to schedule all the performances, activities, vendors, and displays.

More pictures of this event are available at the bottom of our Floral Art Show photo album.

Former student Alex Rodway blogs his art

2011-06-27T10:22:00.001-04:00

Former Visual Arts Brampton teen member Alex Rodway is now blogging his new works, on a fairly regular basis. Most of the works so far were created for his courses in Sheridan College's Illustration program, while others were done for a publishing company.

Alex was a student of Visual Arts Brampton's teen classes for a few years later last decade, easily earning golds, having progressed greatly from his first early year in the classes, back in 2000. About a year ago, he shared a show at the Rose Theatre Brampton's art gallery.

Animal art by Charles Weiss, others on display at Artway

2011-06-25T10:35:00.001-04:00

Weiss installing his art, Thursday afternoon.

Charles Weiss is the featured artist at Artway Gallery this month, in our show "Fin, Fur and Feather". Running daily until July 29 at 6 pm, the show features his drawings, paintings, and sculptures of fish.

A freelance artist, Weiss' illustrations appear in magazines, newspaper, and on television. The artist is pictured during the installation of the show, Thursday.

Also on display are works by Merlene Boyce, Paul Draper, Betty Jean Evans, Francesca Riopka, Victoria Riopka, and Jacqueline Veltri.

Artway Gallery is in the northwest corner of Shoppers World Brampton, near Winners. The shopping centre itself is at Highway 10 and Steeles Avenue, at 499 Main St South.

St. Issac Jogues school art on display at Silver Clips

2011-06-25T10:13:00.001-04:00

Currently on display at Silver Clips Artworks Gallery is artwork by St. Issac Jogues Catholic School, part of the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board.

The school is named after a French Jesuit Priest who came to New France as a missionary at age 29, in 1636. According to the school website, "St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Elementary School is located in a growing, newly developed area in north Brampton. Our diverse population of 375 students, is comprised from a large number of families who have recently arrived from various areas. St. Isaac Jogues Catholic School is a caring school and community environment that stresses inclusion and acceptance of others, commitment to our catholic faith and high academic standards."

Silver Clips Artworks Gallery is located across the hallway from Artway Gallery, at the northwest corner of Shoppers World Brampton. Shoppers World is located at 499 Main Street South, at the corner of Hurontario and Steeles.

Comics, illustrations on display at Four Corners library

2011-06-21T19:55:00.000-04:00

Ryan's Villains of Mercy web-comic characters.

There's still time to check out Ryan C. Thompson's solo exhibit at the Four Corners branch of Brampton Library. A member of Visual Arts Brampton, Thompson is exhibiting a mix of his cartooning, comic strips, and illustrations. Among the latter category, he has created coloured pencil tributes to some of his favourite actors, including Leslie Nielsen and Michael Dorn.

The branch is located at 65 Queen Street East, near Chapel Street/Theatre Lane. The library is open Monday to Thursday 10 am to 9 pm, Friday 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday 1 pm to 5 pm.

Visit the second floor of the library branch to see the two showcases of Ryan's creative work.

Charles Weiss featured at Artway's animal art show

2011-06-21T19:45:00.002-04:00

A new work by Charles Weiss

This year's Fin, Fur and Feather animal art show will feature fish art by Charles Weiss, a former Bramptonian. Now a resident of Toronto, Charles has exhibited with the group periodically since Artway Gallery started in 1998. Featured will be his drawings, paintings, and wood carvings of fish.

A freelance artist, Weiss' illustrations appear in magazines like Musky Hunter, Ontario Out of Doors, Dogs in Canada, and The Canadian Fly Fisher. He has been featured on The Pet Network, was artist-in-residence at Sandbanks Provincial Park in 2008, and painted two of the famous Moose in the City sculpture, seen throughout Toronto in 2000. He is a regular exhibitor at the Spring Fishing and BoatShow.

If you stop by Annette's Bakery in Shoppers World (southwest corner of the mall, near PharmaPlus), take a look up, and you'll see an advance peek at his work. A ceiling tile painted by Weiss is a permanent feature at the store.

Also confirmed for the exhibit are Ryan C. Thompson, exhibiting his animal hybrid illustrations, and Paul Highgate, showing his fine line scratchboard wildlife images. Ryan is featured in an article in The Brampton Guardian, "Animals at Artway in July", to be published in print tomorrow.

The exhibit will run at Artway Gallery in Shoppers World, from June 24 to June 29, 2011.

Road closures next Saturday, Brampton

2011-06-11T10:36:00.004-04:00

Afternoon classes at Visual Arts Brampton studio, or afternoon visits to Artway Gallery in Shoppers World will be a little bit harder next Saturday. Not only will Main Street in the downtown be closed, quite literally for all day, but Vodden to Charolais (the road above Shoppers World) will be closed from 1 to 4 pm.

To repeat, Main Street/Hurontario will be closed:

between Theatre Lane/Nelson to Wellington from 6 am to 10 pm;
between Vodden St to Charolais Blvd from 1 to 4 pm.

Floral Show our tenth time in a row at City Hall

2011-05-31T20:28:00.002-04:00

This afternoon, we actually realized that we've been exhibiting at Brampton City Hall, as a group, annually, for 10 years straight. We exhibited at the venue as a group various times over the years prior, but it was here and there.

In August 2002, we had an exhibit of floral artwork called Flowertown, at City Hall, moving to Artway Gallery in October. The works were published as a 2003 calendar. In 2003, we decided to make a landscape calendar in 2004. From 2004 to present, we've had a floral theme, and since the Flower City Parade was revived the next year, we moved the show to June.

We thank the City of Brampton staff past and present who have supported this prominent public exhibit space. Their continued commitment to promoting artists living in Brampton, for the past two decades, is commendable.

Doors Open Toronto, today and tomorrow

2011-05-28T10:10:00.000-04:00

Today and tomorrow, lots of great places around Toronto are open to the public, to explore, learn, and discover with Doors Open Toronto.

New this year on the Doors Open Toronto tour, Corkin Gallery and Liss Gallery, two of the more prominent commercial galleries in Toronto. While Liss is open both today and tomorrow, Corkin is only open Sunday.

Returning sites with art include the Todmorden Mills Heritage Site, Design Exchange, the Japan Foundation, Gardiner Museum, with a selection of Lady Diana's dresses, and Market Gallery at the St. Lawrence Market, which will be featuring dance photographs and artifacts.

Beyond art, there's tons of great sites, from the majestic Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre, the iconic Flatiron building, Le Meridian King Edward, MaRS Discovery District, and today only, the Portlands Energy Centre, among 150 total attractions.

No Monday open studio at VAB, as per Victoria Day

2011-05-22T16:55:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow is Victoria Day, and the Visual Arts Brampton Creative Studios are closed for the holiday.

Makini wins for her fashion design

2011-05-21T11:39:00.002-04:00

Makini Calliste-Woollard, a former VAB youth student who now co-teaches our 6-to-8-year-old programming, recently won for her fashion design at a student festival.

Stitches across Time Award of Excellence, was given to Makini Calliste-Woollard for her entry in the Headwaters Arts Spring Student Art Show on 7 May 2011. The show is currently being held at the Dufferin County Museum and Archives in Rosemount, near Alliston.

Click to enlarge

All the images on the clothing is her own, created with photo screenprints exposed at the VAB Studio, and the hoodie itself was her own design.

Congrats!

John Cutruzzola art show to benefit VAB

2011-05-19T20:12:00.000-04:00

John Cutruzzola is exhibiting his latest works at Beaux-Arts Brampton from May 31, 2011 to June 15, 2011. The space is located at 70-74 Main Street North, at the intersection of Main and Market Square Boulevard/Nelson Street. An opening will be held June 7 at 7 pm.

Shared proceeds will be donated to Visual Arts Brampton and Beaux-Arts Brampton.

Their gallery is open five days a week, Tuesday to Friday (noon to 6:00 pm) and Saturday (8:00 am to 6:00 pm).

VAB artists at Rose Theatre subscriber night

2011-05-17T21:48:00.001-04:00

Are you a subscriber to the Rose Theatre Presents Season? If so, and if your preview tickets are for May 26, at 8 pm, come and visit the Visual Arts Brampton artists on display at the Art Gallery at the Rose Theatre, on display until June 3.

Among the artists attending this meet-and-greet event are Debra Ali, Luis Barrios, Merlene Boyce, Yulia Duchenko, Betty Jean Evans, Paul Highgate, Keith Moreau, Ryan C. Thompson, and Jacqueline Veltri.

Note that this event is invitation only.

Painting open studio evenings move to Thursdays

2011-05-02T17:14:00.000-04:00

Effective this week, our evening painting open studio is moving to Thursdays, 7 to 9 pm. This drop-in sessionis open to creative people of all skill levels, and 16 or older.

It's just $5 a night for non-members, $3 a night for VAB members, pay-as-you-go.

Painting open studios will be held in the drawing and painting studio at Visual Arts Brampton, simultaneous to the general open studio. Visual Arts Brampton Creative Studios are located at 1 Bartley Bull Parkway, Suite 10, at the corner of Highway 10/Hurontario and Steeles Avenue, in the Bartley Square Mall. Details on our location are available online.

For more information, contact visualartsbrampton@gmail.com or 905-453-9142.

25th anniversary event at Shoppers World a success

2011-04-30T21:15:00.001-04:00

People watch, Saturday afternoon at Shoppers World.

Last week, Visual Arts Brampton was at Shoppers World Brampton with all its studio sessions, from Wednesday to Saturday. The portrait session painted from Moira Nelson, a local harpist; a photo of VAB member Dolores Miron creating ran alongside an article in The Brampton Guardian.

There's 29 photos of the event on Facebook—no need to be a member to see them— from all four times we were there. SNAP Brampton has also covered the event, look for it in the upcoming May issue.

There was lots of people watching the artists at work, lots of people interested in the group. It was certainly a success. The VAB portrait group may return to Shoppers World in a few months time, to work from another local creative or two.

Local harpist Moira Nelson to pose at VAB's 25th anniversary

2011-04-17T15:37:00.000-04:00

Visual Arts Brampton's portrait sessions will be at Shoppers World Brampton this coming Wednesday, April 20. VAB member artists will be drawing and painting portraits of Moira Nelson, a member of the Brampton Folk Club.

Moira posed for the group during the final Doors Open Brampton event, around 2007 or so. VAB was at the Old Shoe Factory on Mill Street, near the Brampton GO Station.

The session will run 10 am to 2 pm, April 20 in Staples Court, near Zellers, Oceans, and Fabricland.

Thursday open studio sessions (10 am to 2 pm, 7 to 9 pm) and Saturday open studio (extended to 9:30 am to 5:30 pm) will also feature Visual Arts Brampton's anniversary event.

2011 VAB Board of Directors include new member

2011-04-14T19:28:00.001-04:00

Visual Arts Brampton welcome Alecia Charny, new to our Board of Directors. A relatively new member of VAB, Charny creates at our Thursday daytime open studio sessions, with Jacqueline Veltri. The rest of the board returns in their previous positions:

Keith Moreau, president
Jacqueline Veltri, vice-president
Pat Wepf, treasurer
Bill Riopka, secretary
Stephanie Czolij, Paul Draper, Marian Simpson

Wepf has informed us that this will be her final year as treasurer, and we thank her for her years of assistance. We are in the process of finding a replacement for the 2012-2013 annum.

Painting at the Flower City Parade, June 18

2011-04-11T22:05:00.000-04:00

Visual Arts Brampton will be back at the Flower City Parade day event this year, in promotion of our touring Floral Art Show. From 9 am to half-past-noon, select members of Visual Arts Brampton will be painting on the porch of Brampton City Hall, just outside the atrium's, where our art and the Brampton Horticultural Society will be set up.

Currently, Jacqueline Veltri and Debra Ali are expecting to paint at the event; both participated last year.

Anthony Jenkins show announced for Artway Invite

2011-04-09T14:08:00.001-04:00

Perhaps best known as a spot illustrator and editorial cartoonist for The Globe and Mail, Anthony Jenkins has a body of artwork that he will be showing at Visual Arts Brampton's Artway Invitational Gallery, late this autumn.

Jenkins was the featured exhibitor in our 2009 Making Faces and Laughlines shows at Artway Gallery, showing both cartoons and fine art between the two exhibitions.

His long training in black-and-white media has influenced his painting in its search for line and structure. His travels and photography in the Third World have engendered a love of dramatic colour and a heightened fascination with his favorite subject - the human face.

For more about Anthony Jenkins, visit his website at jenkinsdraws.com

VAB Annual General Meeting: Monday

2011-04-09T14:02:00.000-04:00

Monday, April 11, 2011 is the Visual Arts Brampton Annual General Meeting, starting at 7 pm. The meeting will be held in the Visual Arts Brampton Creative Art Studios, at 1 Bartley Bull Parkway, Suite 10, Brampton.

The meeting will have the treasurer's report, a year in review, and the election of our board for the coming year.

Proxies are available at the studio, for those unavailable to vote.

John Knox Christian School at Silver Clips

2011-04-08T22:54:00.001-04:00

Visual Arts Brampton will welcome John Knox Christian School to the new Silver Clips Artworks Gallery on Monday, when representatives from the school will arrive with student artwork, including pieces themed to Easter.

While most art at Silver Clips will be reproduced, the hanging system also allows for works on paper and light board to be hung, as is the case with this upcoming show.

John Knox is a multi-denominational Christian school founded in 1959, that offers junior kindergarden through grade 8. They exhibited at Silver Clips' predecessor, Fridge Front Gallery, in 2009, and twice in 2010.

The student section of Silver Clips is open to all local schools; the rest of the cases are open to all, of any age, from anywhere, see website for details on the process. The gallery space is located in the northwest corner of Shoppers World Brampton, in the entry corridor between Winners and Bluenotes.

VAB at Shoppers World for 25th event, April 20, 21, 23

2011-04-02T14:53:00.002-04:00

For one week, Visual Arts Brampton will be taking many of its weekly sessions from its studio across the road to Staples Court in Shoppers World. The events celebrate Visual Arts Brampton's 25th anniversary.

Wednesday, April 20
Visual Arts Brampton's portrait group will be drawing and painting from a costumed model, from 10 am to 2 pm. Come view the creative process, which happens most weeks at the VAB Creative Studio.

Thursday, April 21
Open studio sessions come to Staples Court, from 10 am to 2 pm, and from 7 to 9 pm, where artists will be creating floral art for their second annual travelling show. Come meet the artists, and learn about how you can participate at the weekly painting drop-in times.

Saturday, April 23
VAB's weekly Open Studio Saturdays are expanded for the Shoppers World visit, from their usual 3 to 5 pm slot to 9:30 am to 5:30 pm.

While at Shoppers World Brampton, see Visual Arts Brampton's monthly, in two corners of the shopping centre. Laughlines, an exhibition of cartoon artwork, is featured in both Artway Invitational Gallery (mall entrance near Zellers) and Artway Gallery (mall entrance between Winners and Bluenotes). Across from Artway Gallery, see a continuously changing selection of works at the Silver Clips Artworks Gallery.

Visual Arts Brampton is the longest serving community visual art group, serving adults and youth of all levels, from Brampton and surrounding areas. Visit visualartsbrampton.com for more details.

Silver Clips featured at BBOT/BAC event, last night

2011-03-17T19:08:00.000-04:00

Ryan C. Thompson joined Keith at the
after business event.

Last night, we previewed the Silver Clips Artworks Gallery during the Brampton Board of Trade/Brampton Arts Council After Business event. Lasting from 4:30 to 6:30 pm, the event featured various groups and individual members from the BAC.

Many of the guests went upstairs to view the Visual Arts Brampton at 25 art exhibit, on now until June 3.

For more photos from the event, visit our Facebook fan page photo album of the event.

Rose Theatre hosting BBOT after business event, tomorrow

2011-03-15T18:56:00.000-04:00

Cindy Langdon is among the VAB

member artists on display at

the Rose Theatre until June 3.

From 4:30 to 6:30 pm tomorrow afternoon, the Rose Theatre Brampton and Brampton Arts Council are hosting an After Business event for Brampton Board of Trade members. Visual Arts Brampton will be there with a booth to feature member artworks, and its programming.

While there, check out Visual Arts Brampton at 25, an exhibit of member work on the second floor.

For photos from last year's event, visit the Brampton Arts Council's Picasa gallery of images.

VAB artwork to return to the CNE this year

2011-03-08T21:17:00.000-05:00

Visual Arts Brampton is extremely proud to announce that our floral art show is invited back to the Canadian National Exhibition for 2011. One of Canada's most iconic and most active events, it's fantastic to be a small part of this big event.

As with last year, VAB will be in the Heritage Court of the Direct Energy Centre, right outside the Ricoh Colliseum entrance. This high-profile spot leads towards the annual Garden Show, a tradition at the fair.

This year will feature all-new artwork by Visual Arts Brampton members. Instead of being 24 inches by 24 inches, as we had last year, we've gone with an 18 inch by 24 inch format to offer more variety for our artists. Below is our first entry for the year, by Yulia Duchenko; she's actually a relatively new member, and this is her first time participating in the show.

The first entry into our show,

by VAB member Yulia Duchenko.

Anand Vaid showing works at Brampton City Hall

2011-03-05T10:20:00.000-05:00

A sample of Anand's artwork.

Visual Arts Brampton member artist Anand Vaid is now on display at City Hall Brampton's atrium gallery (2 Wellington St West, Brampton).

Titled Retrospect, the exhibit lasts for the month of March.

Anand has been a member of Visual Arts Brampton for the last few years, regularly attending and creating at our open studio sessions, and participating in our shows at Artway Gallery and our touring floral exhibit.

For more information on Anand, visit his website www.anandvaid.com

VAB at Rose Theatre: schedule change

2011-03-03T20:19:00.000-05:00

The current set of artwork, 25 Works, will be on display until Friday, March 11. (Originally, it was to continue to March 3.) The next exhibit, VAB @ 25, will start on Monday, March 14.

Our exhibit transition has been modified by a surprise event.

VAB at Battalion game, 3-0

2011-03-01T16:00:00.001-05:00

Visual Arts Brampton would like to thank the Brampton Battalion and CN for their generosity. Through the CN Community Ticket Program, Visual Arts Brampton members were able to able to attend a local OHL hockey game for free. The game, covered online at the Brampton Guardian, was a 3-0 shutout for Brampton versus the formerly Mississauga IceDogs, now of Niagara.

For the 8th season in a row, CN has teamed up with the Brampton Battalion in 2010-11 continuing the CN Community Ticket Program which recognizes and offers hockey tickets to people who volunteer and work for local charities and community organizations.

VAB youth classes announce 2011 home assignment lists

2011-02-26T15:07:00.004-05:00

Click here for the 2011 home assignment list, for all youth classes.

These categories are for ease of use only, you can pick and choose 12 favourites from these 32, regardless of what category they’re in.

Around the kitchen

Crumpled drink container
Kitchen appliance
Kitchen tools
Place setting
Sink, tap, dishes

Wear it

Beauty products
Hat with glass, sunglasses
Shoes hanging on a door knob
Backpack on staircase

Things In Things

Items in recycling box
Pet in a container
Three different sizes of jars, with items in them
Dresser or cabinet, door open, items in it
Footwear in pile
Plant in container

Open-ended

Rhyming objects
Same object, twice, the second time changed in some way
My favourite treat(s)

Etc.

Electronic device
Video device (video recording or projection)
Board game pieces
Cleaning products (floor, laundry, mouth)
Crumpled money
Fasteners
Household room interior
Items showing wheels
Lamp with a book and a glass
Mode of travel (multi-person)
Reflection of yourself on an item
Set of keys on a lock (keyring or keychain)
Sports or recreation equipment
View from a window

Patricia Storms part of Laughlines 2011 at Artway

2011-02-24T20:43:00.005-05:00

As part of our 13th annual Laughlines exhibit, we're very proud to announce that 13 Ghosts of Halloween illustrator Patricia Storms is our newest exhibitor in this year's show.

Based out of Toronto, she's an illustrator and cartoonist whose work is featured by publishers including Scholastic Canada, Kids Can Press, Owlkids Books, Bloomsbury US, American Greetings, and The National Post.

Having illustrated many picture books, she both wrote and illustrated a recent title — The Pirate and the Penguin. It and the French 13 Ghosts of Halloween have been named to "Great Books" lists by the Canadian Toy Testing Council.

Her editorial cartoons have won the Cartoon of the Year (over 10,000 circulation) from the Ontario Community Newspapers Association 2008 Better Newspaper Awards.

For more information on Patricia, and to explore her works, visit her blog BookLust, her portfolio website, or fan her on Facebook.

This year's Laughlines will be at both Artway Gallery in April, and Artway Invitational Gallery in mid-April to mid-May; Patricia will be part of the Artway Gallery show in the northwest corner of Shoppers World Brampton mall.

VAB floral art show back at Carabram's Canada Pavilion

2011-02-10T12:23:00.002-05:00

See what was scheduled last year
at Carabram's Canada pavilion.

We've just confirmed with one of the two organizers of Carabram's Canada pavilion that we're scheduled to return this summer, with our touring floral art show. The event happens the evening of July 8, all day July 9, and the morning/afternoon of July 10, 2011.

As always, many thanks to The Canadian Autoworkers Union, Local 1285 for hosting the annual event. Without their leadership a few years back, and continued support to this event, the Canada pavilion would surely still be a "wish it was still around".

View the 2009 Carabram event online.

The floral art show will also visit City Hall Brampton in June, Artway Invitational Gallery in mid-July to mid-August, and the Four Corners branch of the Brampton Library in September. More locations to be announced.

Watercolours with William Band returns March 15

2011-02-10T10:48:00.000-05:00

William Band is teaching another round of workshops at Visual Arts Brampton, from March 15 to April 5, 2011. The 4-week-long course costs $100, running Tuesdays from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.

To register, contact visualartsbrampton@gmail.com or 905-453-9142.

VAB's 25th continues at Rose Theatre, March to June

2011-02-08T20:43:00.007-05:00

Currently on display at the Art Gallery at the Rose Theatre are Visual Arts Brampton artists Debra Ali, William Band, Keith Moreau, Ryan Christopher Thompson, and Jacqueline Veltri. The show features five works of each of the five artists, in celebration of the group's 25th anniversary. The show wraps March 3.

Visual Arts Brampton has been invited back for a continuation. Along with works by the five artists listed above, various other members are participating in this second showing. They are Cindy Langdon, Luis Barrios, Paul Highgate, Peter Emslie, Merlene Boyce, Yulia Duchenko, Betty Jean Evans, and Stephanie Czolij.

This second show will premiere to visitors that night, viewing shows Aion Clarke and Kellylee Evans, and ALTdot Comedy Lounge on Location, and continue on until early June 2011.

Jim Caswell previewing MonsterMashupTv at Laughlines 2011

2011-02-07T14:29:00.002-05:00

Our first announcement of special guest exhibitors, for this year's Laughlines exhibit at Artway Gallery? Jim Caswell.

Jim Caswell, a long resident of Brampton, has worked in the animation industry for over 25 years. He is currently developing animated projects. The show will preview samples of his current creator owned project: MonsterMashupTv.

Jacqueline Veltri in Colored Pencil Society of America online show

2011-02-01T15:00:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Visual Arts Brampton member Jacqueline Veltri, who was accepted into the Colored Pencil Society of America's Explore This! 7 2011. Her accepted artwork is Ergy at Play, of course, in coloured pencil (plus watercolour).

According to their website: "The Colored Pencil Society of America is a non-profit organization founded in 1990 exclusively dedicated to artists working with colored pencil. Representing several countries around the world and with almost 2000 members, CPSA provides two annual exhibitions (one online and the other in conjunction with the annual convention), product research information, workshops & seminars, a newsletter, a networking directory, and district chapters across the United States."

Mail art call for "wagpost: Open Topic"

2011-01-13T13:05:00.002-05:00

Fabio Sassi
"Connected in a Global Village"
View other previous entries

Visual Arts Brampton is rebooting its mail art project, with Wagpost: Open Topic, a call for display at Fridge Front Gallery.

All works/repros should be 4 x 6 inches (10 × 15 cm).
Any subject, any medium, etc. No hatred, nudity or overly religious themes, as we're set up in a mall, but pretty much anything else is fair game.
Works must be received by April 22, 2011. All others will be kept on file for future shows.

Send to:

wagpost c/o VAB
1 Bartley Bull Parkway, Suite 10
Brampton ON
L6W 3T7 Canada

Selected works will be shown on the Wagpost Facebook page, and through @wagpost on Twitter.

World Art Gallery, our dedicated mail art exhibit space, closed in 2010 to make way for Artway Invitational Gallery.

Caledon artist, gallery owner John Agg dies

2011-01-12T19:43:00.000-05:00

One-time Terra Cotta artist, art teacher, and gallery owner John Agg (1928-2011) passed January 11 in Qualicum Beach, British Columbia. John and wife Helen, also an artist, ran The Country Gallery in Terra Cotta, up in Caledon on the Credit River. Opened in 1961, they moved to Qualicum Beach, on Vancouver Island, opening Agg Works Gallery in 1976.

His death notice mentions that "John’s works of watercolors, prints, enameling, large collages and decorated pottery were well known on the West Coast. John and Helen closed their gallery and retired in 2000." Beacon Magazine reports that the couple continued to be active members of their community. He was 82.

Read more about the Aggs from a 1967 biographical sketch, republished on the VAB website.

Despite the snow, no cancellations at VAB Studio, Saturday

2011-01-08T09:33:00.000-05:00

Yes, all five kids classes are on today at the Visual Arts Brampton creative studio, as its the first week of classes in the new year.

Class times are the following:
6 to 8 years old, 9:30 to 11:00 am
6 to 8 years old, 11:30 to 1:00 pm
9 to 12 years old, 9:30 to 11:30 am
12 to 18 years old, 1:00 to 3:00 pm
9 to 12 years old, 3:15 to 5:15 pm

Additionally, we expect (but have not confirmed) that Jacqueline Veltri's painting open studio is a go.

Brampton Guardian relaunching Thursday edition, dumping Booster

2011-01-07T11:53:00.000-05:00

News in today's Guardian: The Brampton Booster has published its last issue. The Thursday newspaper was the last, starting next week, it's back to the traditional format.

The Brampton Guardian ran one article

online about 'Tis the Season, and one in

print and online about Artway Invitational's
Runs in the Family.

In related news, the Artway Invitational Show Runs in the Family includes artwork by Christine Montague and her son, Corporal Nate Montague, who recently returned home from being stationed in Kandahar. They were profiled in print and online recently ("Soldier returns home", December 25, 2010). An article about 'Tis the Season at Artway Gallery was published online-only, featuring artwork by Ryan C. Thompson ("Artist hides a tale in the reindeer", December 25, 2010).

'Tis the Season ends its run tonight, catch it at Shoppers World Brampton before the 6:30 pm take-down.

Bridge Aube's art featured with PHC Christmas

2011-01-07T10:04:00.001-05:00

Visit Peel Heritage Complex's Facebook fan page.

The late Bridget Aube, previously a member of Visual Arts Brampton and the still life session's long-time convener, was featured in Peel Heritage Complex's 12 Days of Christmas photo series.

The work is part of the permanent collection of the Art Gallery of Peel, currently under renovation until fall 2011. It represents the first day of Christmas, "a partridge in a pear tree".

The 12 Days is rather tongue-in-cheek with some of the less literal entries, like French hens and swans-a-swimming.

Laughlines cartoon and comic show pre-announcement

2011-01-06T16:43:00.000-05:00

Just a heads-up for cartoon fans: Visual Arts Brampton is expanding Laughlines to two spaces this year. The 2011 show will run on the normal schedule at Artway Gallery, from 26 March to 29 April 2011, it will also run at Artway Invitational Gallery from mid-April to mid-May. Read between the lines, if you will, with regards to the later timing.

Featured on display will be Steve Nease, whose political cartoons and Pud comic strip appear across Ontario, and caricatures by Peter Emslie, a Sheridan College character design-prof with roots at Disney. Local illustrator Ryan C. Thompson will also display his humourous art.

Who are the other exhibitors? One very interesting reboot is confirmed, and we're trying to finalize an illustrator and graphic novelist. Details to be released in the next few weeks, as things are confirmed.

Priya and Makini win Platinum Awards

2011-01-03T12:36:00.000-05:00

Click on the image to view more,
on VAB's Facebook page.

Congratulations to Priya Mistry and Makini Calliste-Woollard, who both won Platinum awards at the 2010 Visual Arts Brampton Youth Achievement Awards back in December. Both won five gold medallions during their time at VAB's youth classes, an achievement only they and Emily Kowalik have achieved.

In the photos, each is seen with their award, a decorative box engraved inside with their achievement.

TOP NEWS

2010-10-26T21:08:00.001-04:00

To make finding the latest news on the VAB blog easier, we've summarized and linked to the top stories.

World Art Gallery is no more; Artway expands
Makini in the Booster, Glenn Bernabe online
Pastel portraiture workshop with Glenn Bernabe, in April
vablearn: Constructing a cartoon character, with Peter Emslie
BBOT exhibit: Jacqueline Veltri
Photos of 2010 Youth Achievement Awards

VAB at the CNE: art on display at garden section

2010-07-25T11:13:00.001-04:00

Keith Moreau's "Nature's Carpet"
Airbrush and coloured pencil
MORE ART

On Friday, we got the great news: Visual Arts Brampton's 24th anniversary floral art show will be on display at the Canadian National Exhibition. To be displayed as part of the CNE's Garden Show, in the Heritage Court of the Direct Energy Centre, the plan is to have most if not all of the entered works on display, for the entire duration of the iconic event.

We pitched the idea back in May, and the CNE's Garden and Agriculture Co-ordinator, and she actually came out to the City Hall atrium to look at our show this June. She thought the works were great, and the wheels went in motion from there.

Needless to say, we're extremely appreciative to the CNE for their generosity and interest in our show, and we're completely thrilled that we'll be part of the 132nd year of one of Canada's key annual events.

VAB named by CN Ticket program for Battalion

2010-07-20T20:59:00.002-04:00

On Sunday, February 27, 2011, Visual Arts Brampton will be honoured by the CN Community Ticket Program for the second time. The group was previously named for the February 5, 2009 game.

For the 8th season in a row, CN is teaming up with the Brampton Battalion in 2010-11 continuing the CN Community Ticket Program which recognizes and offers hockey tickets to people who volunteer and work for local charities and community organizations.

We've been choosing various volunteers within our group, and offering tickets to the game versus the Eastern division rival team Niagara IceDogs, formerly of Mississauga. It should be a great game!

Paul Highgate on Rogers "daytime"

2010-06-17T19:12:00.000-04:00

Visual Arts Brampton member artist Paul Highgate was on daytime yesterday, talking about his art and the medium of scratchboard with hosts Travis Dhanraj and Deja Gordon. Highgate is currently on display at Artway Gallery in Shoppers World, in the display In Black and White.

Mississauga artist Janice Ykema, who's set to display as part of Fin, Fur and Feather, actually appeared a few days prior on daytime, to our surprise.

VAB creates at Shoppers World: demos May 12, 14, 15, 16

2010-05-06T16:09:00.008-04:00

Visual Arts Brampton will be at Shoppers World Brampton four days next week, drawing, painting, and exhibiting their artwork at the Staples Court. Located between Zellers, Fabricland, Staples, and Cinnabon, the area will be all ours for the multiple day span.

Many of the artists will be painting on 24 inch by 24 inch canvasses, working to a floral theme. Works don't have to be florals, persay, but at least include a flower in the image. Those works will then go on display at the Brampton City Hall Atrium Gallery in June, and at the new Artway Invitational Gallery in July.

Wednesday, May 12

The regularly scheduled Visual Arts Brampton portrait sessions will be at the mall, drawing and painting one of our newest artist members. 10 am to 2 pm.

Friday, May 14

Working on their entries will be VAB members Keith Moreau (10 am to 5 pm, coloured pencil), Anand Vaid (10 am to 2 pm, acrylic), William Band (noon to 3 pm, watercolour), Ryan C. Bennett, and Alysa Bartha (6 to 9 pm, TBA).

Keith Moreau will also be able to discuss his open studio times, William Band his Watercolour workshops, and Alysa Bartha her Pedal's Wish storybook, to be displayed in June at the Artway Invitational Gallery.

Saturday, May 15

VAB member William Band (noon to 3 pm, watercolours) will be working on his floral entry, and will be able to discuss his Watercolour workshops. Youth class instructors Paulina Su and Emily Kowalik are also expected to attend, and work on their entries. Stephanie Czolij will be painting in the morning.

VAB member Jacqueline Veltri will be guiding some of the Visual Arts Brampton teen students, who are working on 24 inch square florals, for a teen-only spin-off exhibit. 1 to 3 pm.

Sunday, May 16

Keith Moreau returns to work on his coloured pencil piece. 11 am to 5 pm.

Debra Ali have all expressed interest in painting at the mall, dates to be announced.

Workshop: Painting from Photographs, with Debra Ali

2010-05-04T20:19:00.003-04:00

Painting from Photographs in acrylic or water-based oils
5 Sundays, from May 30 to June 27, 1:00 to 3:30 pm
$50 for VAB members, $65 for non-members
At the Visual Arts Brampton Creative Studios, 1 Bartley Bull Parkway, Suite 10, at the corner of Highway 10/Hurontario and Steeles Avenue

Do you have a favourite photograph that you’d like to paint?

This workshop is designed for anyone wishing to explore their individual sense of expression. You will learn basic image cropping, composition, drawing, perspective, colour mixing and how to work with acrylics and water based oils if needed.

Visual Arts Brampton Creative Studios are a relaxed studio environment, and Debra welcomes students of all levels to come and create.

Debra Ali is an artist and graphic designer, who has studied Fine Arts at Sheridan College. A member of Visual Arts Brampton since 2005, she won the People's Choice Award at the 2006 Art Gallery of Peel Juried Art Show.

Three more William Band watercolour workshops this year

2010-05-03T20:14:00.007-04:00

With his current workshop ending in a few weeks, William Band has announced three upcoming watercolour workshops, in June, from September through November, and in November. Each will be held on Tuesday mornings from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, at the Visual Arts Brampton Studio, at Highway 10/Hurontario and Steeles Avenue. [Location on Google Maps]

The classes are a friendly, welcoming community of learners, and has returned thanks to popular demand many times over the past year. Artists of any level are encouraged to join these classes, which explore various areas of the medium, primarily with still life and landscapes.

Band will be teaching the following dates:

4 week class, June 1, 6, 15, and 22,
8 week class, September 14, 21, 28, October 5, 12, 19, 26, and November 2
4 week class, November 9, 16, 23, 30.

Band has studied with respected Canadian artists including Alan Collier, Bill Stidworthy, and Franklin Arbuckle. After a successful career in commercial art, he returned to his first love, painting. William's art is based on his travels, from canoeing through northern Ontario lakes, to painting in Scotland.

Besides Visual Arts Brampton, William's workshop schedule includes stops across Ontario, as well as multiple times in Plain Field, Illinois.

Contact us to sign up for William's Drawing and Watercolour workshop.

William Band's work is currently on display at Artway Invitational Gallery, at Shoppers World Brampton, across the street from the studio. Artway Invitational is in the mall entrance near Zellers and Fabricland, on the southeast corner of the mall. [Location on Google Maps]

"Alysa Bartha: Petal's Wish" on display this June at Artway Invitational

2010-05-01T16:11:00.000-04:00

We've just finalized the dates for Alysa Bartha's show at the Artway Invitational Gallery, at Shoppers World Brampton. Bartha is the author and illustrator of a picture book called Petal's Wish, about a fairy who learns a lesson in self-confidence. Her book is available for $10.99.

Alysa Bartha is a professional photographer who began writing in 2009, as another vehicle of her creativity. She was interviewed by The Brampton Guardian, for an upcoming article.

Alysa expects to be appearing at the mall in advance of the exhibit, at a soon-to-be-announced VAB event.

The new display space is located on the southeast corner of the mall, near Zellers, whereas the original Artway Gallery is still in the northwest corner of the mall.

This weekend: Brampton's Best Undiscovered Comic Artist contest at Stadium Comics' Free Comic Book Day

2010-04-29T13:03:00.000-04:00

Think you have what it takes to impress in the world of comic art? Submit a sample of your work to us on Free Comic Book Day. The submissions will go up on Stadium Comics' Facebook page, and the public will vote on which one is the best!

The winner gets a $25 Stadium Gift Certificate, and a two-week exhibit at Visual Arts Brampton's Fridge Front Gallery. The winner gets the "three door" case to themselves, and can display whatever comic art they'd like. The winner chooses the start date for this show, which can be anytime between June and August.

For Free Comic Books Day, Stadium Comics has invited a tons of guests, including Marcio Takara and Alex Milne. Both artists exhibited at Artway Gallery this January, in an exhibit presented by VAB and Stadium Comics. New this year is Ken Lashley, whose titles include Black Panther, X-Men, and The Flash. There's also a ton of stuff on sale in store, an exclusive t-shirt offer, costume creation company Heroes in Tights, raffles, contests, and giveaways.

The most notable giveaway is the reason for the international event, free copies of select comic books. This year's lineup includes titles based on Superman, Ironman, Thor, The Simpsons, Archie, Toy Story and more. But be warned, there's only a limited supply, and they go extremely quickly.

Here's two pictures from last year's event, that VAB posted to Twitter.

Tons of art in Hamilton this week, at Doors Open

2010-04-26T12:46:00.001-04:00

Door Open Hamilton is on this coming weekend, May 1 and 2. There's quite a variety of sites on the tour, all free to the public.

Fieldcote Memorial Park & Museum: This site includes an art gallery. Last year, it featured works by local youth. This year? Guennadi Kalinine, a landscape artist.
Carnegie Gallery: Once a Carnegie Library, just like what we have in Brampton, it's now the Dundas Art and Craft Association's gallery and shop. Currently on display is their 30th anniversary show, plus work by local two high schools.
Rock Chapel United Church: Some art will be on display at the church.
Art Gallery of Hamilton: Current shows on the first floor are Posing Beauty in African American Culture, Ritual Evidence: Tim Whiten, Arctic Passion: The Inuit Art Collection, End of the American Road: Terence Byrnes, and david merritt: sham. On the second floor, Max Streicher: Architecture of Cloud, Robert Mason, Shaped By Light, and Kim Adams' Bruegel-Bosch Bus. Various art talks happen throughout the weekend, plus an art sale.
Lincoln Alexander Centre: A former movie theatre, now an entertainment hall, an art show is on display.
The Studios at Hotel Hamilton: Tenants of the building are putting on an art show.
Workers Arts and Heritage Centre: The only national labour history museum, it also includes an art gallery. On display are gold paper cutouts, inspired by Chinese wallpaper, works by labour union members, and vintage songbook covers.
McMaster Museum of Art: McMaster graduating students and selections from the permanent collection are on display.
Engineering Technology Building, McMaster University: Inside are various permanent artworks. The new building opened in 2009.

Beyond all of the attractions directly related to art, there's tons of interesting places, from a nuclear reactor to a planetarium, Dundurn National Historic Site to a waterworks (where they film the exteriors of Murdoch Mysteries, if I'm not mistaken).

Two articles in recent Guardian

2010-04-12T12:24:00.000-04:00

In case you missed the two articles about Visual Arts Brampton in last week's Brampton Guardian, both are available online.

First is an interview with Ryan Thompson, relating to his comic Villains of Mercy, on display at Artway's annual Laughlines exhibit. Also included in the show are works by Steve Nease, Peter Emslie, Rob Penman, and Debra Ali.

Included on the same page was a mention of additional open studio time at Visual Arts Brampton, taught by OCAD-trained artist and VAB member Jacqueline Veltri.

Annual General Meeting, April 19 at 7:30 pm

2010-04-10T13:47:00.000-04:00

Visual Arts Brampton's Annual General Meeting will be held the evening of Monday, April 19, 2010. All current members are welcome to vote in person, or fill out a proxy. Proxies are available at the studio. As always, the AGM will feature a report of the year's past happenings, scheduled future events, and budget.

The Board of Directors is established during the meeting. Positions are open on the VAB board, and any member is welcome to seek election; you may nominate yourself the night of, but we'd prefer to be informed in advance, via an other board member. Most members serve with formal position titles, and the board meets roughly 8 times annually.

Hope to see you there!

Painting Open Studio: new times, two options

2010-04-03T15:04:00.001-04:00

Visual Arts Brampton member and artist Jacqueline Veltri's Painting Open Studio timeslot is moving and expanding.

Jacqueline's new session times are Thursdays from 10 am to 2 pm (starting April 8), and Saturdays from 3 to 5 pm (starting April 10). Jacqueline is available to offer help and encouragement as you work in acrylic, water-based oil paints, and/or watercolours. A graduate of the Ontario College of Art, she has years of creative experience.

Sessions are $3 for members, $5 for non-members, and free for Crea8tif level members. Times are drop-in, so students don't have to commit to every week, and can stay for a while or the entire session length.

The studio will still be open Thursday evenings, with Keith Moreau at the helm; artists may use any medium in this time.

vablearn: Paulina and Emily's Arts 'n' Crafts

2010-03-31T12:26:00.001-04:00

For over a month now, vablearn has had the first two episodes of "Paulina and Emily's Arts 'n' Crafts" available online. Taught by Paulina and Emily, our youth class instructors, the episodes will feature various art projects and crafts for roughly the 6 to 8 year old age category.

Home assignments, 2010 youth classes

2010-03-31T11:46:00.000-04:00

Any youth class student, in Keith's classes (as opposed to Emily and Paulina's), is encouraged to participate in the year end Youth Achievement Awards. Even if they don't want to enter their works for judging, they're encouraged to try their hand at the home assignments, so Keith can see their strengths and weaknesses throughout the year, and help them develop.

For the list, which was posted a few weeks ago: http://j.mp/HA2010VAB

World Art Gallery is no more; Artway expands

2010-03-31T11:35:00.001-04:00

In 1999, 2003 and 2004, Visual Arts Brampton had successful mail art shows; in 2001, the Art Gallery of Peel ran one as well. By 2005, VAB decided it was time to create a permanent, year-round space for postcard-sized art: the World Art Gallery was born.

But since the international mail art community has been gradually fizzling, from its previous heights, VAB is switching gears. While we still intend to have mail art shows on occasion, the Zellers corridor at Shoppers World Brampton will now host a second, as-of-yet-unnamed extension of Artway Gallery.

This new space will focus on one-person and small group shows, as well as one-off theme shows. If you're an artist wanting to have a solo or small group show, or participate in the theme shows, send in a few samples of your work. We'll be in contact with you, and hopefully have you on display.

Makini in the Booster, Glenn Bernabe online

2010-03-12T16:39:00.003-05:00

An article about VAB student Makini Calliste-Woolard has appeared in this week's Brampton Booster, the Thursday newspaper published by the Guardian. A longer version of the article appears online.

Our upcoming workshop, taught by Glenn Bernabe, appears online and will hopefully make the print edition. Over the last few months, The Guardian has begun to publish articles online immediately, before the print edition comes out.

Pastel artwork on display at Artway wins international award

2010-03-11T11:26:00.003-05:00

Glenn Bernabe's "The Portrait" was recently awarded an Honourable Mention from the Pastel Journal Magazine's 2010 Pastel 100 Annual Juried Competition.

In his newsletter, Glenn writes: "This Competition represents the best pastel art in North America and to be included with this select group is indeed an honour. All the winning pieces are printed in the April Issue of the Pastel Journal Magazine which is on Newstands now so pickup you copy today before they're all gone!"

"The Portrait" is currently on display at Artway Gallery, Brampton.

Pastel portraiture workshop with Glenn Bernabe, April 11 and 18

2010-03-11T11:24:00.001-05:00

Pastel portraiture workshop
with Glenn Bernabe PAC, AOCAD
Two Sundays, April 11 and 18
10 am to 5 pm, with an hour for lunch
$110 for Visual Arts Brampton members
$125 for non-members

“Portraiture is a way of recording people. Their personality, character, status, the place and time they lived, the environment in which they live or simply showing beauty.”

Designed for those with minimal drawing skills, this portraiture course focuses on applying measuring methods, proportion, and alignment when depicting the human face and figure.

Using pencil, charcoal and pastel, students will work from a live, clothed model, capturing the face in simplified terms through basic structural studies of the face and skull as well as understanding the body and its form.

Tuiton includes both instruction fees and the model's fee.

Class size will be 6 to 12 students.

Workshop to be held at the Visual Arts Brampton Creative Studios, 1 Bartley Bull Parkway, Suite 10, at the corner of Highway 10 and Steeles Avenue in Brampton.

To register, contact Visual Arts Brampton at:

905-453-9142, or
visualartsbrampton@gmail.com

vablearn: Constructing a cartoon character, with Peter Emslie

2010-02-09T18:58:00.001-05:00

Peter Emslie's next two-part episode is up; demonstrates how to create characters with constructed form, building up gradually from basic shapes to the details.

Part 1 | Part 2

Two high schools booked for Fridge Front Gallery

2010-02-01T11:50:00.002-05:00

Recently, we've had Fridge Front bookings for:

Mayfield Secondary School Regional Arts Program, dates to be decided.
North Peel Secondary School, March 22 to April 9, 2010.

BBOT exhibit: Jacqueline Veltri

2010-02-01T11:36:00.006-05:00

Last week, Visual Arts Brampton member Jacqueline Veltri installed her artwork at the Brampton Board of Trade offices. Jacqueline's artwork will be on display for the next few months, returning in the BBOT's unannounced new location. (The block their building is currently will be levelled for the expansion of City Hall.)

Previous solo exhibits at the BBOT include Bridget Aubé, William Band, Marguerite Finlayson, Paul Highgate, Conrad Mieschke, and Keith Moreau.

BBOT is located at 33 Queen Street West, on the 2nd Floor.

Video of John Knox shows

2010-01-16T09:47:00.001-05:00

New video (in 1080p, no less) on YouTube of select art from the current and previous John Knox Christian School exhibitions.

John Knox returns with another show

2010-01-07T13:58:00.002-05:00

John Knox Christian School's Christmas-themed exhibit has been so popular, we've invited them back for January. On Friday afternoon, staff from the school will be switching over from one set of art to another.

Fridge Front Gallery is open to any school in the GTA: any grade, public or private, can exhibit any art projects they choose, for a two-week period. Fridge Front also features artwork by Visual Arts Brampton's youth class students, with theming based on Artway Gallery's schedule of exhibitions.

Following the John Knox exhibit are shows by Mayfield's Regional Arts Program and of Canada's Paralympic athletes.

Jack Reid's passing makes year in review

2010-01-05T14:06:00.003-05:00

The passing of Art Gallery of Peel curator David Somers and watercolourist Jack Reid are both mentioned in Ashley Goodfellow's year in review, for the arts. Published in the most recent issue of The Brampton Guardian, the article looks at various happenings in the City's entertainment scene.

Memberships coming due

2009-12-30T11:13:00.003-05:00

Just a reminder that most Visual Arts Brampton memberships expire tomorrow. You do get a grace period in terms of user fees for the first little bit of the year, but it is important to fill out a form, and drop off cash or check for $35 to renew.

Photos of 2009 Youth Achievement Awards

2009-12-19T12:32:00.005-05:00

Congratulations to all the students for participating in the 2009 Youth Achievement Awards. Photos of individual students will be deleted as of Tuesday, January 19, 2009. Download your photos as soon as possible, before they're gone. Group photos, of each award level, will be kept online permanently.

Picasa Web Album Slideshow

2010 Youth Achievement Awards

2009-12-15T19:10:00.004-05:00

This weekend is the 2010 Youth Achievement Awards at the Visual Arts Brampton Creative Arts Studios. Saturday, December 19, 2009 at 11 am to 12:30 pm.

All regularly scheduled youth classes are done for 2009. Only those who entered the awards, and their guests, are welcome. Space is limited. Pizza and other snacks will be served.

VAB to be at BBOT via BAC

2009-12-15T19:07:00.002-05:00

As previously announced on our events page, Visual Arts Brampton will be participating in the Brampton Board of Trade's January After Business event. Hosted by the Brampton Arts Council, Brampton Arts Council members will be displaying in the Rose Theatre lobby, from 5 to 7 pm.

The BBOT holds After Business networking events monthly. VAB president Keith Moreau often represents the group at these functions; once before we've had a display at the event.

Züm züm

2009-12-15T19:05:00.003-05:00

Multiple adult and youth members of Visual Arts Brampton use public transit to get to the studio. They'll no doubt be as thrilled as we are that two Züm roots will run past both the studio and Artway.

What's Züm? Pronounced "zoom", it's upcoming Brampton's commuter bus rapid transit service. With more frequent buses (every 7-10 minutes during peak hours, and 15 minutes off-peak), the expansion of the existing Brampton Transit system makes limited stops, meaning quicker overall travel times.

In September 2010, a route on Queen Street will run between downtown Brampton to York University. More exciting to us are the 2011 and 2012 additions, on Main Street and Steeles Avenue, respectively. Both the VAB studio and Shoppers World (home to Artway and Fridge Front) are at Main and Steeles.

VAB has always prided itself on its transit-friendly location. Near to the Shoppers World transit terminal, there's easy access to a large number of routes on Brampton Transit, Mississauga Transit, and GO Transit. One recent addition to our open studio regulars come by transit from Oakville, riding Mississauga's Hurontario route from the south to the no4rth termini.