Let fall reign

Considering its timing and its theme, it seems pretty certain that there will be some spectacular fall-coloured landscape paintings at the St. Albert Painters' Guild's upcoming show and sale.

"Our theme this year is Autumn Hues," began Betty Tessier. "We're all busy getting work done. We're looking forward to having a very good show."

So far, there are 38 painters on the roster to have works in the show. While the spring show is usually much more populated, this number is still nothing to sneeze at. It will be a veritable cornucopia of local talent on display.

"We've got some new members. To me, they're more professional than a lot of us…" she joked, also referring to these recent signees as quite well-known around the city. "The more people we can get involved in it, the better."

Tessier added that she's got some of her own work set to be on display.

"I tried some new stuff!" she stated. The guild has a library of books, one of which a process of painting with 90 per cent gel medium and 10 per cent colour.

"It said to put the gel on glass or something where it can be lifted after. Then you have to do the background on your board before you put your image on there. I did mine so it's more textured. I did two of those: one with a yellow sunflower and one with a brown sunflower. I'm looking forward to seeing the response from those."

The show will also feature a display of student work. The guild sponsored two students from Paul Kane High, Francesca Cammarata and Brittani Lievers, to attend the Summerscapes visual arts workshop at Red Deer College this summer.

Tessier ended on a hopeful note. "Hopefully a good crowd will come and see us."

Guild notes

Now in its 26th year, the St. Albert Painters' Guild has blossomed into becoming a staple of the city's vibrant arts scene. It is such a fervent incubator of the arts that it now includes more than 70 members in its fold, with such notable names as Peg McPherson, Pat Trudeau, Rick Rogers, Victoria Armstrong, Judy Schafers and many others.

There are even three original members still on board. The group meets monthly from September to June at its studio within the heart of St. Albert Place. There, artist members can paint together, share ideas and techniques, and generally form a creative collaborative. In addition to its semi-annual art shows and sales, the guild also hosts workshops and offers critiques.