Explore local artists work at the Shelburne Art Gallery’s Annual Holiday Art Show

December 7, 2023 · 0 Comments

Written By James Matthews

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

If you think art makes a great Christmas gift, Shelburne Art Gallery will provide an opportunity to whittle down your yuletide shopping list.

The Annual Holiday Art Show and Sale has kicked off at the Shelburne Art Gallery at 203 Main Street until Dec. 15.

The exhibit will feature the original works of several local artists. These artists provide a variety of work using photography and painting styles such as abstract, portrait, landscape and realism inspired by nature, landscape, and from within the artists themselves.

Artwork is available in acrylic, oil, and watercolour.

Each piece of art exhibited is for sale, and original artwork ranges in price.

The show’s palette of six visual artists has much to offer.

“These local artists bring different levels of expression and experience,” said Melissa Kenney, communications specialist at the Town of Shelburne. “This is an opportunity for the artists to show and sell some of their pieces while bringing art, culture, and inspiration to the community.”

Brian Blakeman was born in Staffordshire, England and trained in decorative design at Northwich and Stockport Art Colleges in all aspects of engraving and printing.

As a naturalist, Blakeman is interested in portraying the details of nature as well as capturing light and its effect on landscape.

Newer work depicts images of the Bruce Peninsula, Grey County, a favourite place to visit for inspiration, with its impactful rock formations, sweeping skies and stunning lakes.

Melissa Decost has been creating beautiful pieces of art throughout the years. With an interest in art from a young age, she enjoys painting and drawing a variety of styles. She began tattooing over 14 years ago and opened Missie Ink in Shelburne, where she spent several years creating unique pieces for her clients.

Marion Herron has drawn and painted since childhood, embarking on many artistic journeys over the years. She has been a long-time member of the Dufferin Arts Council, Orangeville Art Group, Brushfire Art Group, and the Country Palette Artists. Her art hangs in Canada, France, Mexico and the U.S.

From a young age, Kelly Jensen was fascinated with all things creative.

Writing, music, dance, painting, and drawing all brought her joy. Abstract paintings became a favourite way to not only create beautiful pieces of art but also express emotions, providing an outlet for years of experiences, both good and bad.

Through art, Jensen has found peace and happiness while building her confidence to levels she never imagined.

Jennifer Osborne is Blackfoot and was born in Medicine Hat, Alberta.

Through the support of a women’s group, Osborne was introduced to painting and became inspired with grown confidence to continue enjoying therapeutic painting. She is drawn to painting nature pictures, something that’s given her a sense of belonging and feeling at home.

Phyllis Robinson took her first drawing course in 2004 and decided to focus on portraiture, taking lessons from Laurie McGaw. Over the years, she has also taken classes with Linda Evans, Harold Klunder and John David Anderson.

Although she is not a member of any artistic organizations, for at least 10 years before the COVID-19 pandemic, Robinson participated in 7-day “paint weeks” with a group of congenial artists from Dufferin County.

Robinson works mostly in oil. She has also done cow portraits and landscapes.