The Gamma Garage is back with a celebration of art – and you’re invited.
The North Burnaby art group is holding its annual show on Saturday and Sunday, April 16 and 17.
The group was started about 15 years ago when a core group of three North Burnaby neighbours, Pat Sexsmith, Dianne Yard and Sheila Chowdhury, joined forces with their friend Wilma Cook of Roberts Creek/Vancouver.
Chowdhury happened to have a garage slowly filling up with art materials, and it became the group’s art studio space.
They put together their first art show, Chowdhury says, “to satisfy the curiosity of friends, who wondered how they were spending their time in the garage” – no price tags, no intention of selling, but just to invite everyone in on the fun.
The garage has since become a well-appointed art studio, and it provides the exhibition space for their now annual show. This weekend’s will be the 13th show, and it will include guest artist Kira Sokolovskaia, who works in pastels.
This year, the group has chosen portraits as their group subject. The show also offers up about 70 other paintings from large to tiny, realist to abstract.
The Gamma Garage artists work in evolving and varied styles, mediums and techniques and have found success with sales over the years.
“Buyers benefit from the fact that there is no added gallery commission,” Chowdhury notes in a press release. “However, the chief intentions of the group are still to support each other in their love of painting and reach into the community.”
The artists all took part in the Living Room Art project in the fall, and they’re getting set to welcome back familiar faces, drop-in visitors and newcomers alike to this year’s Gamma Garage show.
The show is at 232 North Gamma Ave. Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
