A group of artists is sharing their work in a Chilliwack gallery, portraying the models who inspire them.
Exhibition Baring, Daring, Sharing is on display in the O'Connor Group Art Gallery at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre from Oct. 23 to Nov. 23. The work stems from 10 years of live-model studies by artists from Vancouver Island to Chilliwack.
In the fall of 2014, the first live-model study session was held at the Art in the Country studio in Aldergrove where avid amateurs joined seasoned professionals to study the full figure and portraiture. Models with professional experience were hired and worked with short poses that eventually stretched into the current four-hour long positions.
"The atmosphere was full of serious study and accompanied by colourful discussions with occasional informal critiques among participants," said Susan Gorris, founder of Art in the Country.
"We experienced flops, new challenges and near masterworks through hard work, humour and curiosity. The dynamism, productivity and profound creativity grew and grew each season along with alternating participants of varying pursuits and experience."
The work that was created over the past decade during these live-model sessions at Art in the Country is now being shared with the Fraser Valley community.
"This exhibition is intended to celebrate the accomplished artworks made by many diverse B.C. artists as well as the persevering, hardworking and enthusiastic efforts of the professional models who continually inspire artistic inquiry and appreciation."
Art in the Country exhibition Baring, Daring, Sharing is presented by the Chilliwack Visual Artists Association. It's on display at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre from Oct. 23 to Nov. 23. The opening reception is set for Thursday, Oct. 24 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a welcome address at 6 p.m.
Admission is free. Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday.
