Vancouver Island’s Premier Art Exhibition

2023 Sooke Fine Arts Show – Vancouver Island’s Premier Art Exhibition

The Sooke Fine Arts Show holds a special place in my heart as it takes me back to my childhood in the beautiful Vancouver Island community. Known for its vibrant Indigenous cultures, wild west coast beaches, fisherman, and loggers, the show has grown from humble beginnings to become Vancouver Island’s premier art event of the summer season. Having attended this exhibition since I was 12 years old, I have witnessed its transformation into a captivating public art gallery, a commercial hub for art collectors, and a social gathering celebrating the arts. It has quickly become, Vancouver Island’s Premier Art Exhibition.

Sooke Potholes

A summer favourite – swimming at Sooke Potholes

A Rich History:
The Sooke Fine Arts Show has a rich history dating back to its inception in 1986 when the Sooke Region Museum showcased artworks from local artists in its upper gallery. Spurred by the buzz of Expo ’86, a committee of five local artists conceived the idea of a show to highlight the talents of the region. Thus, the inaugural FINE ARTS ’86 was born, laying the foundation for what has now become Vancouver Island’s longest-running juried fine art show.

Sooke Region Museum

Sooke Region Museum presents Fine Arts Unlimited, 2006

An Artistic Extravaganza:
Each summer, the Sooke Fine Arts Show provides a platform for the finest artists from Vancouver Island and BC’s coastal islands to showcase and sell their work. The show exhibits a diverse range of artworks, from paintings and sculptures to mixed media and photography, all reflecting the unique essence of the west coast. Visitors can expect to be captivated by engaging, enriching, and radically unique pieces that resonate with their souls.

Vancouver Island's Premier Art Exhibition

Embracing Indigenous Heritage:
The Sooke Fine Arts Show honors the Indigenous heritage of the land it stands on, situated on the territory of the T’Sou-ke First Nation. This celebration of art and culture brings together artists and art enthusiasts from far and wide, contributing to the region’s cultural diversity and creativity.

A Homecoming for Me:
For me, Sooke will forever be my original ‘hometown,’ where I spent the first couple decades of my life exploring the arts, hiking, and contributing to the community. Though my career has taken me far, I am deeply honored to participate in this prestigious exhibition and support the talented Canadian artists who showcase their remarkable creations at the show.

Vancouver Island's Premier Art Exhibition

Sooke Community Association – Brandy Saturley with her mother Judy, 1972

Join Us at the Show:
This year, my painting, ‘Swinging Into the Weekend,’ will be featured at the Sooke Fine Arts Show. I invite you to join me at this year’s event, which will run from July 29 to August 7, 2023. The show will take place at SEAPARC Leisure Complex, located at 2168 Phillips Road, Sooke, BC, V9Z 0Y3. Just 35 kilometers from Victoria, the charming harbor town of Sooke provides a perfect base for visitors to explore the untamed beauty of Vancouver Island’s west coast and the stunning Olympic mountain range.

Vancouver Island's Premier Art Show

Swinging Into The Weekend, on view at the 2023 Sooke Fine Arts Show, Brandy Saturley

The 2023 Sooke Fine Arts Show promises to be an extraordinary art extravaganza, showcasing the talents of exceptional Canadian artists amidst the breathtaking landscape of Vancouver Island. Whether you are an art collector, an admirer of creativity, or simply seeking an enriching experience, this premier art show is not to be missed. Join us in celebrating the arts, culture, and the captivating beauty of Vancouver Island’s west coast at the Sooke Fine Arts Show.

Photos from the 2023 Sooke Fine Arts Show

Art in Nature Trail

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Commissioned Artwork for Art in Nature Trail in Banff, Canada

Recently I was contacted about creating an original artwork on a slice of tree (wood cookie) for a very distinctive Canadian public art installation. The ‘Art in Nature Trail’ is Banff’s latest art extravaganza transcending the confines of traditional galleries, it breaks free from the limitations of admission tickets. Begun in 2021, it has become a meticulously curated collection of over 65 awe-inspiring art installations, masterfully crafted by esteemed Canadian Artists. These creations span a diverse range of mediums, each piece carefully selected to harmonize with the surrounding natural landscape.

Art in Nature Trail

Raw wood cookie, the canvas for the Artists of the Art in Nature Trail, 2023

The theme for the show this year (and for the past two years) is “what inspires you/heals you that is found in the forest….” Essentially, what do the artists want the visitor to feel when they look at at the Art, and then take with them as the carry on thru the woods. For this year’s event, running from July 1  thru September 30, 2023, I have created a piece that follows my series of paintings about a polar bear looking for a new home, while traversing Canada.

Artic Monarch: A Polar Bear’s Quest for Home

Artist Statement About the Painting:

As an artist, I have embarked on a creative exploration of the profound challenges faced by polar bears in a rapidly warming world. In my painting, “Arctic Monarch,” I invite you to join me on a captivating journey where a polar bear seeks a new home amidst the changing landscapes of Canada. Together, we traverse the country, eventually arriving at the breathtaking Banff National Park, a true natural gem.

In this poignant scene, I present the polar bear taking a respite on a snowy bank at the edge of a flowing river. As I paint, I envision the bear gazing skyward, captivated by the ethereal display of the Northern Lights. Amidst this celestial dance, the majestic constellation Ursa Major, representing the “greater bear,” materializes, signifying the polar bear’s regal presence. This magnificent creature truly embodies the essence of a polar bear king.

Using my brushstrokes and a vibrant color palette, I strive to capture the essence of this pivotal moment in the polar bear’s journey. Through my art, I aim to evoke contemplation about the profound impacts of climate change on our planet’s delicate ecosystems. “Arctic Monarch” serves as a powerful reminder of our responsibility as stewards of the environment and the urgent need to preserve the natural wonders of Banff National Park and beyond.

In the creation of “Arctic Monarch,” I draw inspiration from the resilience and adaptability of wildlife. Through this artwork, I hope to ignite a sense of shared responsibility, encouraging viewers to reflect upon the interconnectedness of all life forms and the vital importance of safeguarding our planet for future generations. By experiencing the world through the polar bear’s perspective, I aspire to awaken a deep appreciation for the delicate balance between human activities and the preservation of Earth’s precious biodiversity. “Arctic Monarch” serves as a visual testament to the urgency of protecting our natural wonders and ensuring a sustainable future where magnificent creatures like the polar bear can continue to flourish. Join me on this artistic expedition, where brushstrokes become a conduit for dialogue and where the power of imagery compels us to recognize our collective duty in safeguarding the beauty that surrounds us. Let “Arctic Monarch” be a catalyst for change, inspiring us all to embrace environmental stewardship and forge a path towards a harmonious coexistence with the natural world.

SIZE: 11” x 15.5” x 2.5”d

Acrylic and gouache poured, painted with brush and scratched away for added textural elements. Painted on supplied wood cookie shipped to my studio from Canmore, Alberta.

Art in Nature Trail

Arctic Monarch, acrylic painting on wood cookie, 2023 – Brandy Saturley

This painting is on it’s way to Banff, you can view previous editions of this unique outdoor art experience on the Banff Lake Louise Tourism website here.

Art in Nature Trail, Banff Alberta Now open!

Art in Nature Trail

Arctic Monarch – polar bear painting with Ursa Major and northern lights, 2023, Art in Nature Trail, Banff Alberta Canada

You can find ‘Arctic Monarch’ by Brandy Saturley on the trail, near the Bow Falls.

Canadian Artist Brandy Saturley at Art in Nature Trail – Banff, Canada 2023

This year’s edition of the ‘Art in Nature Trail’ opens July 1 and runs until September 30, 2023. After you visit the Art in Nature Trail, you can see more polar bear paintings by Brandy Saturley at Willock & Sax Gallery at 210 Bear Street in Banff town centre.

Polar Bear King paintings by Brandy Saturley – available at Willock & Sax Gallery, Banff Alberta.

Aurora Stories Virtual Exhibition

Virtual Art Exhibition – Aurora Stories by Brandy Saturley

Aurora Stories is now open, this virtual art exhibition is accessible worldwide and runs 24 hours daily until May 12, 2023. Featuring over 25 paintings from the artist’s oeuvre created over the past 17 years, that reference the Aurora Borealis.

Aurora Stories Virtual Exhibition

Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, is a natural phenomenon that has captivated human beings for centuries. This stunning light show is caused by the interaction between the Earth’s magnetic field and solar winds, resulting in shimmering curtains of green, pink, purple, and blue light in the night sky. The Aurora Borealis holds immense cultural significance for many indigenous communities around the world, including the Sami people of Scandinavia, the Inuit of Canada, and the Yupik of Alaska. For these cultures, the Northern Lights are considered a spiritual and mystical experience, representing the presence of ancestors and spirits.

Aurora Stories Virtual Exhibition

Ahead of Their Time – original acrylic on canvas painting about shape-shifting under the Aurora Borealis.

The aurora is rich with spiritual traditions, with most involving the spirits of the departed. The Canadian Inuit believe that souls of the dead dance in the aurora. Sometimes the spirits are carrying torches to guide those still in this world. The Inuit call the aurora ‘aksarnirq’.

Over the last 17 years of traveling Canada and making art influenced by these travels, I have found myself exploring stories of the mystical Aurora in my paintings many times. These are otherworldly, spiritual, and symbolic paintings executed with a ‘collage-like’ style of placing objects and figures in settings where they exist in the same landscape. These visual stories incorporate northern animals such polar bear and elk, and scenes of humans playing hockey under the dancing colours and light. In one painting your see a portrait that features a metamorphosis and shape-shifting between women, in others you see humans enjoying celebrations of this magical event. These paintings offer surreal stories that are magical and transcendent.

Aurora Stories Virtual Exhibition

Aurora Stories – virtual art exhibition featuring paintings inspired by the Aurora Borealis

This is my first virtual exhibition for 2023, something I began experimenting with well before the pandemic and something that served my art practice well during the pandemic as it allows people all over the world the opportunity to enjoy an art exhibition, from wherever they live, all that is required is an Internet connection.

You are invited to view ‘Aurora Stories’ now.

Aurora Stories Virtual Exhibition

Aurora Stories – install view of virtual art exhibition

See more paintings by Brandy Saturley.

Canadian Artist Brandy Saturley working on a painting about our relationship with polar bears, in her Vancouver Island studio.

BIO: Brandy Saturley is an acclaimed Canadian contemporary painter and multidisciplinary visual artist known for her striking and colorful depictions of Canadian landscapes, cultural icons, peoples, wildlife, and sports figures. An internationally exhibited Canadian Artist, Brandy Saturley’s paintings have garnered the Victoria, BC born painter notoriety as ‘the Voice of Canadian Pop Art’.

Painting with Lawren Harris

Dochka Rising: original painting by Contemporary Canadian Painter, Brandy Saturley

Learn more about this Canadian Artist here.

Group Exhibition in Banff

Filled With Snow – Group Exhibition in Banff, Alberta

For Snow Days in Banff, Willock & Sax Gallery is presenting a group art exhibition by their gallery artists, “Filled With Snow”. This group art exhibition in downtown Banff, Alberta features paintings by Brandy Saturley, Mitchell Fenton, George Weber, Margaret Shelton, Linda Craddock, Murray Hay and Martha Houston, to name a few. There is also fine art photography by Tom Willock on view and available for collecting. Running from January 18 – 31, 2023.

King of The Polar Bears | Acrylic On Canvas – 36 x 48 x 1.5 in – (91.44 x 121.92 x 3.81 cm) – Brandy Saturley

Group Exhibition Banff Alberta

King of the Polar Bears rides on the roof of a scarlet red JEEP wrangler, snow capped Mt. Robson in the background. Taking a road trip through the rocky mountains of Canada. Adapting to the changing climate, he is out for fun and adventure. Discovering new sights, sounds and experiences.

In recent years, as wildfires ignite across the globe and ocean levels rise, artists have been faced with expressing their feelings in paint about the crisis of our times. We are seeing more Art and paintings confronting the global warming crisis, more than ever. We can feel the urgency in our bones to address social and political issues as we are vessels of society who soak it all in and pour it out onto the canvas. For me, I have felt the call and seen these issues subtly and subconsciously spill into in my art over the years. It is impossible to ignore, when you feel the heat and see the floods. Art can be a beacon of hope, lighting the way and compelling us to act. It most certainly compels me to paint, offering a beautiful and visual way to express my thoughts on the global conversation.

Polar Bears are magical creatures, loved by many. They are some of my favourite polar bear paintings. If you are in Canada, Manitoba is the place to go to see this largest land mammal, in the northern city of Churchill. Polar Bear symbolism and meaning varies amongst tribes. The Polar Bear teaches endurance and resourcefulness, a powerful and wise spirit animal. These white beauties often stir deep emotions in humans, especially now as their habitats are disappearing due to global warming. The Polar Bear is seen as a guiding spirit when facing dramatic life transitions, especially at the onset of a new path or major change in life. Seems timely as we are just coming through a challenging two years under the Covid pandemic and life as we know it is new again.

Churchill Manitoba is a place I plan to explore in the coming years. I want to study the polar bears and their behaviors up close, coming home to my studio to create new work informed by my time in Churchill. The next artist residency for a Canadian Artist painting themes of Canada.

See more polar bear paintings by Brandy Saturley.

Society of Canadian Artists 54th Annual

Society of Canadian Artists 54th International Open Exhibition Features Portrait by Brandy Saturley

It is the 54th year for the Society of Canadian Artists Open International Exhibition, featuring paintings from across Canada in one location in Toronto. The 54th show will take place live at Papermill Gallery, Todmorden Mills Heritage Site in Toronto. From portraits to landscapes and abstracts, this fine art show presents world class original Canadian Art. Art is a voice. And in Canada – where our unique diversity of language, landscape and passion nurtures the creative spirit like few other places on earth – our artists comprise a chorus. Sometimes elegant, sometimes discordant. Through sculpture and paint, video and design software, cameras and conté crayons, the creative are saying something. In a country so creatively diverse, art is an anthem. The Society of Canadian Artists wants the world to know the tune. The SCA is committed to strengthening its national presence in Canada by promoting excellence in traditional forms of artistic expression, and by encouraging acceptance and growth of contemporary and experimental forms of visual art.

This show will be presenting a portrait from Brandy Saturley, from her ‘People of Canada Portrait Project‘. The project was a crowd-sourced and collaborative journey between an award-winning Canadian painter and Canadians. Launched during Canada’s Sesquicentennial in 2017, this project continues to unfold. Focusing on the people that make Canada a diverse and culturally rich country. From our cities to our oceans, from our mountains to our lakes, from our homes to our havens.  The portrait tells the story of a father and daughter under Canadians skies. The two are holding red heart balloons tied to Tim Horton’s cups. They stand at the shores of the great lakes, the phrase ‘You Are Here’ is written in the sand. A gaggle of Canadian Geese fly past in the distance. A very Canadian painting now available for sale. This is the first ‘live’ public presentation of the piece.

The exhibition will take place from August 4th through August 27th with an Opening Reception and Awards Ceremony are August 5, 2022. Contact us for more information.

Society of Canadian Artists 54th Annual

Hockey Art Show

The Hockey Art Show – 19 Paintings About Ice Hockey

The Hockey Show is an exciting retrospective art show of 19 paintings about the game of ice hockey by Canadian Visual Artist Brandy Saturley, created between 2011-2022.

The collection features many famous paintings spanning more than a decade. The show includes the iconic Goalie’s Mask Painting (Goalie’s Mask: Red, White and Dryden) which was shortlisted for an Olympic trophy in 2013. You will also find a number of works which reference both the Habs (Montreal Canadians Hockey club) as well as the Edmonton Oilers and the iconic Lord Stanley’s Cup. One of the most humorous and memorable pieces in the show, ‘Death of A Rookie’, references hockey legend.  The painting is an ode to Oliers Steve Smith, in the style of Jacques Louis David, referencing The Death of Marat painting created in 1793. “Saturley’s Death of a Rookie, Rise of a Hero is a take on the political painting The Death of Marat by French painter Jacques-Louis David, 1793. In Death of a Rookie, Rise of a Hero we see Oilers #5 (Steve Smith) sitting up in a tub surrounded with empty beer bottles while holding a letter and a pen. The letter that Smith is holding states: “Dear Grant, I have no words…, I’m sorry. So very sorry…”

This letter is in response to Smith’s rookie year when he scored a critical goal on his own goalie in the divisional final that allowed the Calgary Flames to move forward to the Stanley Cup. Grant Fuhr was the Oilers goalie that Smith scored on. The French revolutionary leader Jean-Paul Marat in the painting The Death of Marat is found in the same position, but, unlike Smith, Marat has been murdered by political enemy Charlotte Corday. Corday blamed Marat for the September Massacre (a wave of killings in Paris and other cities in late summer 1792 during the French Revolution). The huge backlash received by Smith after scoring on his own team can be perceived as similar to the actions of Marat against his own people. But this is where the analogy ends; Smith recovered and went on to be a valued player by the Oilers and when they won the Stanley Cup the following year, Wayne Gretzky (opposite of Marat’s Charlotte Corday), handed him the cup to skate a lap at the arena. Death of a Rookie, Rise of a Hero is about perseverance and continuing on when the chips are down.

There is also a piece that celebrates the Habs famous hockey line, ‘The Punch Line’, as well as a current piece that celebrates the Canadian Women’s Olympic Gold winning team. A few of the recent works reference childhood and the inception point for the love of hockey on outdoor ice rinks. No matter your experience with the game of ice hockey, whether a hockey fan, or an art fan, you will find something that makes you smile in these artworks.

The show opens June 2, 2022 and runs until June 15th. The show is being presented in a three dimensional virtual art gallery accessible by visiting http://www.hockeypainting.com 

hockey art show

 

Canadian Art in Kelowna

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ART AND THE CITY – Kelowna Offers Canadian Art Lovers An Eclectic Mix

Canadian Art in Kelowna

With Sopa Fine Arts dealer, Deborah Boileau (Brandy Saturley)

Family Day weekend found me in the beautiful Okanagan Valley and specifically the city of Kelowna. Known for it’s orchards, wine, ski hills and tremendous Okanagan Lake; there is a great variety of Canadian Art to see in Kelowna, British Columbia.

My visit began in the South Pandosy neighborhood, a funky and fashionable neighborhood hosting unique and eclectic art galleries, vintage, interior design and décor, and high-end fashion.

My first Art Gallery stop at Sopa Fine Arts. A gallery I have exhibited with, this is a gem in the Kelowna art scene. Located in the South Pandosy (or SoPa) neighborhood of Kelowna, BC, Sopa Fine Arts is a contemporary fine art gallery specializing in original art work by leading international and mid career artists, and a selection of talented emerging Canadian artists. The gallery with it’s New York edge, rustic wood and long white walls; presents large format paintings, sculpture and a variety of abstract contemporary art. The gallery is a refuge and place of solitude to enjoy the art in a welcoming environment, that appeals to new collectors as much as it does to the seasoned collector.

My next Art stop was at the Kelowna Art Gallery in downtown Kelowna near the Kelowna Yacht Club and lakeside skating rink this time of year. Another haven of art; the Kelowna Art Gallery is one of my favourite smaller public art galleries in Canada. I have visited public galleries across Canada over the past decade and the KAG is one of the best for it’s size, always presenting a mix of student to established Canadian artists in their four gallery spaces, including a courtyard space for installation art.

Currently at the KAG:

Joice M. Hall: Sacred Sights Gwaii Haanas at Kelowna Art Gallery

Joice M. Hall GWAII HAANAS – Islands and Sacred Sites

A painting installation inspired by 1600 digital photographs taken during a two-week artist residency in Haida Gwaii in 2016. The 18-foot installation is a panoramic landscape celebrating ocean, forest, and marine life inspired by her residency in Gwaii Haanas, guided by Parks Canada resource officers.

Gary Pearson: Short Fictions

Short Fictions presents the fascinating evolution of Kelowna painter Gary Pearson’s career over the decades that he has worked as a professional artist. The Kelowna-based artist works largely in painting and drawing, with a strong graphic sensibility and a stark, spare, linear style. The exhibition encompasses large format paintings, watercolour studies, drawings and video.

Gary Pearson: Short Fictions at Kelowna Art Gallery

I always enjoy exploring cities and taking in the art offerings from both public and private galleries. My Art and The City diaries began about 5 years ago after I decided that I should do more than take photos and paint on these trips. I began writing down my thoughts about these galleries and places across North America. I have visited public galleries across Canada from the smallest northern towns such as Yellowknife, to the metropolis of Toronto. I realize now that these trips have created a visual database of the Arts across North America and specifically Canada. With this vast perspective on what Canadian Art is, from community Arts to auction houses, public art galleries to the commercial big business of contemporary art in Canada; I feel very fortunate as a Canadian Visual Artist to have gained such a broad perspective and understanding of Art in Canada.  There is much great art in Canada, and much more than just landscape painting for those who venture beyond their local commercial gallery. Collecting great art begins with building your taste profile, what better way to do this than to get out and enjoy art of all kinds. Happy Art hunting! ~ Brandy Saturley