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Blue Rain gallery offers unique opportunity for local artists

September 21, 2016   ·   0 Comments

Blue Rain Gallery curator, Deline West, takes it all in during the one-day gallery opening in her home near Tottenham.

By Wendy Gabrek
Local artists had the opportunity to meet with each other and the public, while showcasing their wares, during a Meet the Artists reception at Blue Rain Gallery, outside of Tottenham.
Blue Rain, named for ‘Wisteria’ plant, a vine featuring blue grapes and blue flowers that hang like water droplets, is owned and curated by resident artist, Deline West.
Since moving to New Tecumseth in 1991, West fantasized about opening an art gallery.
“Did you know that most galleries take 20 to 60 per cent commission on every piece sold during an exhibition?” West asked rhetorically. “That’s on top of the cost to register in the show. It’s outrageous.”
Having produced art since she was a child, growing up in South Africa, West has honed her skills, and in her younger years her talent alone had keep food on the table.
“It was the quickest and safest way to earn money,” West confirmed. “But today, with ever rising gallery costs, it’s nearly impossible for an artist to make a living off their art.”
That’s why West charges exactly zero in commissions. A move, she says, that allows the artists to adjust their prices to be more affordable to the public.
Participating in the “Inspired By Nature” show at Blue Rain are the following artists – Carol Tremayne, Charlene Codner, Claire Hutchinson, Darlene Hassall, Debra Wilde, Deline West, Gavin Lottering, John Webbstock, Laura Heathcote, Nadine Dennis and Zavi Lerman.
Their work will hang in the Blue Rain Art Show until Friday, Sept. 23.
“In the past several months I have been on a quest to find new and exciting work for this show. It has been a fascinating process that has taken me to the studios of numerous local and Toronto artists. On display are works in encaustic, photography, digital art, mixed media, yupo paper as well as stained glass. It has been so interesting to see the theme ‘Inspired by Nature’ generating interpretations that are at times, personal, abstract, literal, poetic, colorful, vibrant and figurative,” said West.
“I have been very selective in the choice and calibre of work for this unusual show and I am excited about sharing the artwork of these very talented artists with everyone,” she adds. “My garden is in late summer bloom with some new garden sculptures and it will be a delightful drive in the country at this lovely time of year.”
For more information about Blue Rain Gallery, the artists participating in the ‘Inspired’ show, or artist/curator, Deline West, call 905 936-2013 or visit blueraingallery.org
Inspired by Nature is open by appointment only until Sept. 23, at 7830 County Road 14, Tottenham.

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