ARA’s group exhibit at Gibson Gallery

Mary Johnson, Trudy Dempsey and Tatyanna show off their work in the current ARA exhibition at the Gibson Gallery in Amherstburg.

The current exhibit at The Gibson Gallery features artists from around the region as they share their paintings, drawings and mixed media.

The Association of Representational Artists (ARA) is presenting a group exhibition entitled “Collective Visions, Shared Sight” through July 5. According to ARA member Trudy Dempsey, who is also a board member with the Gibson Gallery, the ARA was founded by local resident Johanna Johnson in 1978.

“The group was small but grew substantially over the years,” said Dempsey. “Although Johanna retired from the ARA several years ago, she is our honourary lifetime member.”Dempsey stated there is a connection between the Gibson Gallery and the Association of Representational Artists as the ARA held many of its meetings there. One of Johnson’s paintings is part of the gallery’s collection.

“Today, the ARA’s membership is around 35 and growing,” said Dempsey. “We have professional artists like Dennis K. Smith, who is a teacher and founder of the Artists of Colour, and retired teachers like Bobbi Wagner.”

Wagner was a professor at Sheridan College.

“Most of us are self-taught and just love to paint or draw,” said Dempsey. “Our group is exceptionally friendly and welcome artists of all levels.”

Members of the ARA include artists from Amherstburg, LaSalle, Kingsville and Windsor.

“Our exhibit is now open, showcasing beautiful artworks in different mediums such as acrylics, oils, watercolours and more,” said Dempsey.

The “Collective Visions, Shared Sight” group exhibition also includes a free raffle to win two paintings by ARA members. The members who donated their paintings for the raffle are Sandra Ellis and Wanda Seegar.

The public is invited to attend a closing reception July 5 from 2:30-4 p.m.

The ARA explains that representational art consists of realist art or expressionist art and sculpture that depicts recognizable objects or scenes. The group offers speakers, demonstrations, and mini-workshops at meetings as well as information on classes and workshops, annual shows to exhibit or sell works and a website, which is www.arawindsor.com.

Meetings are held every third Wednesday – except in July, August and December, from 2-4 p.m. at the Caboto Club in Windsor.

The Gibson Gallery is located at 140 Richmond St. in Amherstburg. June hours are Tuesday-Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. with July and August hours being daily from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

For more information, visit www.gibsonartgallery.com or call 519-736-2826.

ARA’s group exhibit at Gibson Gallery

By Ron Giofu