Gallery crowded for annual exhibition

When the doors opened for the annual exhibit of the Tisdale Visual Artists Club at the Doghide Gallery in Tisdale, it was a challenge to move around to see the artworks on display. 

On Friday evening, May 12, the gallery was filled to capacity, and enthusiastic artists and patrons gathered in closely knit groups to allow access for as many people as possible.

Marion Ritter, owner and proprietor of the gallery, was the first to welcome attendees.

“Tisdale artists and I are tied together by their painting,” she said. “I am touched they allow me to be part of this, and without their caring this event would not be possible.”

Margaret Mehler, the club’s president, also offered greetings. She noted that there are 46 members in the club who live and work over a large area – from Melfort to Porcupine Plain.

“We value the friendships we have among our members,” she said, and she encouraged everyone present to enjoy the art and to partake of the “excellent refreshments” provided.

In an interview during the event, Mehler commented on the history of the visual artists and its present situation.

“The association was once known as the Tisdale Craft Council, and it has served the community since 1954,” she said, adding, “We have club minutes dating back to 1976.  At present we have artists who work in acrylic, watercolor, pencil crayon and charcoal, and in mixed media including watercolor and pencil, watercolor and ink and oil/acrylic. Sometimes we have showings in other places, and recently we have had two at the Nipawin Art Gallery.”

The visual artists are always working to expand their horizons. This is done primarily through fall and spring workshops.

“This last year, we had visits from two Saskatchewan artists,” said Mehler.  “Ward Schell, who recently had an exhibit entitled Forest Works at Slate Fine Art in Regina, came to work with us in acrylic and Lorna Michel-Lamothe from Big River returned to us the sixth time for a water-color workshop.  Every time Lorna comes, she does something different.”

Cynthia Wright-Fulton, a 15-year member of the visual artists, was one of the artists exhibiting her paintings. Commenting on why the club was important to her, she said, “There is fabulous support among talented people, and we teach other.”

Pauline Leonard-Dubitz recently moved from Ireland and she has been a member of the club for the last two years. Her husband Doug Dubitz is grateful for what the Tisdale club has done for Pauline.

“It has really expanded her horizons,” he said. “She has learned new techniques and she is always trying new things. She has her woman-cave in the house, and she is absolutely passionate about what she does.”

The present exhibit is on display until May 19. You are urged to make your way to the gallery before the end of that day.  There are price tags on the paintings for sale and NFS on those offered for appreciation only.

The TVAC meets two evenings a month from September to April at the TMSS art room.