Untitled1

Drawing from Life, an exhibition by artists of the Central Fraser Valley Graphic Guild at Kariton Gallery in Abbotsford, was a show of works based on drawings done from live models.

We learn our greatest lessons from our experiences. They impact our emotions, intellect and senses.

This is why artists of the Central Fraser Valley Graphic Guild have been sponsoring life drawing twice a month in Abbotsford and Mission for over10 years. LIfe drawing is on the second Tuesday in Mission and in Abbotsford on the fourth Tuesday of the month. (And still a bargain at $3)

The challenge of representing the human form is the cornerstone of figurative art and an important discipline that enables artists to acquire a broad and varied range of skills.

Life drawing requires thinking simultaneously with the brain, eyes, and hands in a situation where all three are equal partners, constantly influencing and being influenced by each other. There is no worry about copyright infringements---the resulting art is all original and fresh.

It is an authentic encounter with the model. We all experience life from the human body, looking out, yet when drawing from life, being and seeing intersect. Through the model's dynamic poses, artists respond subjectively to the expressive qualities of the figure.

2004 Shows

The Graphic Guild had 3 scheduled shows in 2004 These were at Headline News at Kariton Gallery, the Abbotsford Arts Council Gallery at the Abbotsford City Hall (Matsqui Auditorium) , and Family Treasures at the Mission Art Centre.

As well, the Graphic Guild has year round exhibitions at the Grab a Java Coffee Shop in Mission and the Java House in Abbotsford.

Press Release

Art show at the Abbotsford Arts Council gallery

Jan 29 - April 1, 2004

A new gallery space has been open in Abbotsford for the last year but still is virtually unknown to most residents of Abbotsford. It is located at the rear of Abbotsford City Hall in the Matsqui Centennial Auditorium.

The Central Fraser Valley Graphic Guild is one of the oldest art clubs in the Abbotsford Mission area, founded in 1977. The Graphic Guild has represented many fine artists over the years and has a vision of promoting artistic activities in our community through art exhibitions, workshops and creating opportunities for artists to network and learn from each other. In the past year the Graphic Guild has held exhibitions in the Mission Art Center, Kariton Gallery and Place des Arts in Coquitlam, as well as year-round exhibits in the Grab-a-Java coffee shops in both Abbotsford and Mission. The Guild also organizes bi-monthly figure drawing sessions and participates in community events and fairs.

Art is important, not only for artists, but for all citizens and future generations. Arts and culture provide a unique vision that unifies, inspires and is fundamental for a community to flourish. Civilizations are most often remembered for their art and thought.

Art can be seen at this gallery each Monday afternoon between 2-4pm during council meetings and when open for events. Anyone wanting to see the show at other times can do so by making arrangements by telephoning the Abbotsford Parks and Recreation office at 604-859-3134.

Abbotsford Parks & Recreation Office: located at Abbotsford City Hall

32315 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford, B.C. V2T 1W7

Office hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding statutory holidays

Telephone: 604-859-3134

Some stories are of every-day local interest, whereas others received wide spread coverage across Canada and around the world. Fraser valley wineries, the B.C. Summer Games, the Olympics, sports and musical events such as the Mission Folk Festival are depicted in this show. The show ranges from catastrophic events such as the avian flu epidemic and the summer forest fires to paintings that were inspired by "good news" human-interest stories. Some of the paintings draw on a social theme, such as poverty.

At least one painting came out of a specific event, such as occurred several months ago, when a Canadian member of parliament, Svend Robinson, stole a $64,000 ring. The painting, "Something just snapped", takes its title from the confession of the politician, "Something just snapped in this moment of total, utter irrationality". It takes on mythological symbolism as it connects this singular moment with the compelling lust for the ring of power in "Lord of the Rings".

"Headline News" will be displayed at Kariton Gallery from September 26 to October 20, 2004. See the show and meet the artists at the opening reception on Sunday, September 26, from 12:00 to 4:00 pm at Kariton Gallery, 2387 Ware St., Abbotsford. Kariton Gallery hours are Tuesday-Friday from 9 am to 4 pm. More information is available from Kariton Gallery (604-852-9358).