The front desk is going to seem like a lonely place for the next little while.
My first shift as gallery administrator was August 4th. Since then, I have worked side by side with my colleague, Cindy.
Cindy showed me the ropes, saved my dignity many times when I could not find the answer to a simple question, and she also had the patience to laugh at my terrible jokes.
Now she is taking her first step to becoming a famous artist - attending the Rhode Island School of Design.
The Gallery was pleased to have her as an employee and I know she will be sorely missed.
So, the best of luck to Cindy!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Art Classes at Gallery ArtPlus
Three Chairs by Bruce St. ClairOn Monday, August 24th I had the chance to meet with one of the gallery's finest artists, Bruce St. Clair. The purpose of our meeting was to discuss the possibility of his instructing art classes at the gallery. However, as the conversation progressed we both realized we were missing critical information that would allow us to get the classes started. We didn't know which media Bruce should use in his courses, what time of day the courses should take place, etc.
So, the idea of creating a questionnaire was formed:
This questionnaire is interested in gaining a better perspective on what type of art classes the general population would prefer to attend.
The instructor for these courses will be Bruce St. Clair. Bruce is a world renowned high realism painter. Painting mostly in oils, Bruce has won several awards for his highly realistic works. Currently, Bruce is teaching fine arts courses at Loyalist College in Belleville, Ontario. Gallery ArtPlus is grateful for the opportunity to have Bruce St. Clair teach some fine arts courses in our downstairs gallery. As stated above, the following questions will be geared toward finding an general consensus to determine which type of classes Bruce should teach here at Gallery ArtPlus.
Which days of the week are most preferable to take a voluntary fine arts course:
a) Monday – Wednesday
b) Wednesday – Friday
c) Saturday
Which time of day is most preferable:
a) 9:00a.m. – 1:00p.m.
b) 1:00p.m. – 5:00p.m.
c) Past 5:00p.m.
How many hours would you be willing to put in for each class:
a) One hour or less
b) One – Two hours
c) Two – Three hours
Would you prefer:
a) To attend a workshop (concentrate the classes into approx. two days worth of learning)
b) Weekly classes lasting approx. one hour each
Which type of media are you most interested in learning about:
a) Drawing (beginning with simple pencil work)
b) Pastel
c) Watercolour
d) Oil
e) Acrylic
f) I would prefer to take a studio course in which I could work on my own pieces with the helpful input of my classmates and teacher
Thank you for taking the time to look through the questionnaire.
If you would like forward me your completed response, or have any inquiries, my e-mail address is brittany.knapp@galleryartplus.com.
Otherwise, find us on facebook, twitter, or our homesite.
Garden Wall by Bruce St. Clair
Bob's Boat by Bruce St. ClairFriday, August 21, 2009
What did I Learn as an Art History Student?
Well what did I learn as a student in general? With the memory still fresh in my mind I feel I must be honest.
It's difficult to value my education for the amount of information it taught me - because I really don't retain a lot of information.
More often than not, I find myself half way through a novel before I realize that I have read it before. It takes me twenty minutes of watching a movie before I realize I have already seen it.
So how did I survive university?
On interest alone.
I was interested in English, I was excited about writing essays.
Then what lead me to a minor in Art History?
It's my belief that a combination of my want to be an artist, and my absolute failure at actually becoming one was the motivation behind my choice of classes in university - If I couldn't be an artist I would learn about art inside and out.
But like I said, I don't retain alot of information.
I couldn't tell you whether Romanticism came before the Baroque period, whether impressionism stemmed from expressionism or vice versa.
What I can tell you is that art is subjective. It doesn't take a person with endless knowledge on the elements and principles of design to decide whether a piece of art is beautiful or if it is hideous. With all of my "training" and the little bit of knowledge I have been able to retain, I still do not have the whimsical ability to make a person like something they don't like, or hate something they do.
What I am really trying to say is: don't be afraid of art.
Don't be afraid of exposing yourself to crowds of 'art people' or a room filled with experienced artists - because there will never be a wrong answer or a wrong point of view.
Actually, that is the beautiful and most exciting thing about art. When is the last time you found yourself in a situation where you could never be wrong?
Expose yourself.
Come visit us here at Gallery ArtPlus! See our Summer Voyage exhibit and let us know what you really think.
Get in contact with me if you have any stories to share about your past experiences with 'art people', artists, or just art in general!
Remember life imitates art, not the other way around.
Find out more about the gallery on:
Twitter, our Homepage and Facebook
Or contact me personally:
E-mail: Brittany.knapp@galleryartplus.com
Tel: 613-961-1977 ext. 231
It's difficult to value my education for the amount of information it taught me - because I really don't retain a lot of information.
More often than not, I find myself half way through a novel before I realize that I have read it before. It takes me twenty minutes of watching a movie before I realize I have already seen it.
So how did I survive university?
On interest alone.
I was interested in English, I was excited about writing essays.
Then what lead me to a minor in Art History?
It's my belief that a combination of my want to be an artist, and my absolute failure at actually becoming one was the motivation behind my choice of classes in university - If I couldn't be an artist I would learn about art inside and out.
But like I said, I don't retain alot of information.
I couldn't tell you whether Romanticism came before the Baroque period, whether impressionism stemmed from expressionism or vice versa.
What I can tell you is that art is subjective. It doesn't take a person with endless knowledge on the elements and principles of design to decide whether a piece of art is beautiful or if it is hideous. With all of my "training" and the little bit of knowledge I have been able to retain, I still do not have the whimsical ability to make a person like something they don't like, or hate something they do.
What I am really trying to say is: don't be afraid of art.
Don't be afraid of exposing yourself to crowds of 'art people' or a room filled with experienced artists - because there will never be a wrong answer or a wrong point of view.
Actually, that is the beautiful and most exciting thing about art. When is the last time you found yourself in a situation where you could never be wrong?
Expose yourself.
Come visit us here at Gallery ArtPlus! See our Summer Voyage exhibit and let us know what you really think.
Get in contact with me if you have any stories to share about your past experiences with 'art people', artists, or just art in general!
Remember life imitates art, not the other way around.
Find out more about the gallery on:
Twitter, our Homepage and Facebook
Or contact me personally:
E-mail: Brittany.knapp@galleryartplus.com
Tel: 613-961-1977 ext. 231
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Summer Voyage Reception
The "Summer Voyage" reception went beautifully well!
The turnout was great, just as we had supposed.
Each of the artists chatted with locals, fans and employees of the gallery.
Brant's wife supplied the h'orderves while his daughter tended bar.
I have to say, I was a little nervous for my first reception as gallery administrator.
I was not exactly sure of my duties, what I was supposed to say or with whom I was supposed to interact.
However, all of my worries melted away when I began to realize how welcoming and warm the crowd at the reception was. Each person was willing to talk, strike up a discussion about the paintings, the artist, or about anything that they could think of.
It was a wonderful first experience.
Paulette is a beautiful woman from Montreal (though she was born in Ontario). My fiance and I chatted with her about her painting, "Our Lady of the Harbour" and the significance of the statue that is portrayed in this image. She kindly explained how the statue faces the port in order to welcome the sailors back home, as well as give them luck on their way out to sea. A very interesting fact I would never have been aware of otherwise.
Our Lady of the Harbour by Paulette Sauve
Bert Henderson seemed to enjoy himself as well. Even though I had only met him once before, he seemed to be in exceptionally high spirits. For he was consistently surrounded by women friends and fans alike. The work we displayed of Bert's had been dominantly based in Newfoundland so needless to say it struck a few nostalgic conversations between the onlookers.
Boats at Wharfs, Port Dover by Bert Henderson
Robert Blenderman was one artist I had not had the priveledge of meeting before the exhibit. But I must admit, he is a wonderful and humorus man. Robert actually prefers to go by the name, "Bob", which gives me a further impression of his light-hearted personality. My fiance was given the chance to speak in depth with him about a love they both shared - sailing. While I could only relate to his art, I must say he is a passionate man and very proud of what he does. He explained how details such as "splatter" marks were done at the very end of each painting, and is done in order to depict his excitement in regards to the subject and also the piece itself.
Young Sailors by Robert Blenderman
Last, but certainly not least, I must mention our artist Ed Cronk.
As of late, Ed had been feeling quite ill. Having frequent scares with his health and trips to the hospital, he was finally diagnosed with pneumonia. Pneumonia is a serious illness for any person to have, and has the ability to keep an individual bed-ridden for weeks. After the diagnosis, I felt it necessary to ask Ed if he would still be able to attend our reception. Without a single moment of pause, his immediate reply was, "But, of course Brittany". He was the first to arrive, and the last to leave - an obvious sign of time well spent. The crowd was astounded by Cronk's works which are a display of perfectly manipulated watercolour. I can't say I recall ever having witnessed a use of this media that is equal to Ed's ability.
All in all, it was an exceptional night which only left me feeling more excited about the gallery, the artists and the Summer Voyage exhibit.
It also left me with strong anticipation of preparing for our next exhibits, getting to know all of our artists a little bit better, and discovering new and exciting artists to display their work here.
The Summer Voyage exhibit will be on display here until September 26, 2009. So please, you won't regret it if you stop by, but you might if you miss your chance to see the beautiful work here by Ed, Bob, Paulette and Bert.
Gallery ArtPlus is located at 54 North Front st. in Belleville, Ontario.
Contact me personally with any questions or comments:
Brittany.knapp@galleryartplus.com
613-961-1977 ext. 231
Follow us on facebook, twitter, myspace and our homesite.
The turnout was great, just as we had supposed.
Each of the artists chatted with locals, fans and employees of the gallery.
Brant's wife supplied the h'orderves while his daughter tended bar.
I have to say, I was a little nervous for my first reception as gallery administrator.
I was not exactly sure of my duties, what I was supposed to say or with whom I was supposed to interact.
However, all of my worries melted away when I began to realize how welcoming and warm the crowd at the reception was. Each person was willing to talk, strike up a discussion about the paintings, the artist, or about anything that they could think of.
It was a wonderful first experience.
Paulette is a beautiful woman from Montreal (though she was born in Ontario). My fiance and I chatted with her about her painting, "Our Lady of the Harbour" and the significance of the statue that is portrayed in this image. She kindly explained how the statue faces the port in order to welcome the sailors back home, as well as give them luck on their way out to sea. A very interesting fact I would never have been aware of otherwise.
Our Lady of the Harbour by Paulette SauveBert Henderson seemed to enjoy himself as well. Even though I had only met him once before, he seemed to be in exceptionally high spirits. For he was consistently surrounded by women friends and fans alike. The work we displayed of Bert's had been dominantly based in Newfoundland so needless to say it struck a few nostalgic conversations between the onlookers.
Boats at Wharfs, Port Dover by Bert HendersonRobert Blenderman was one artist I had not had the priveledge of meeting before the exhibit. But I must admit, he is a wonderful and humorus man. Robert actually prefers to go by the name, "Bob", which gives me a further impression of his light-hearted personality. My fiance was given the chance to speak in depth with him about a love they both shared - sailing. While I could only relate to his art, I must say he is a passionate man and very proud of what he does. He explained how details such as "splatter" marks were done at the very end of each painting, and is done in order to depict his excitement in regards to the subject and also the piece itself.
Young Sailors by Robert BlendermanLast, but certainly not least, I must mention our artist Ed Cronk.
As of late, Ed had been feeling quite ill. Having frequent scares with his health and trips to the hospital, he was finally diagnosed with pneumonia. Pneumonia is a serious illness for any person to have, and has the ability to keep an individual bed-ridden for weeks. After the diagnosis, I felt it necessary to ask Ed if he would still be able to attend our reception. Without a single moment of pause, his immediate reply was, "But, of course Brittany". He was the first to arrive, and the last to leave - an obvious sign of time well spent. The crowd was astounded by Cronk's works which are a display of perfectly manipulated watercolour. I can't say I recall ever having witnessed a use of this media that is equal to Ed's ability.
The Lone Gull by Ed Cronk
All in all, it was an exceptional night which only left me feeling more excited about the gallery, the artists and the Summer Voyage exhibit.
It also left me with strong anticipation of preparing for our next exhibits, getting to know all of our artists a little bit better, and discovering new and exciting artists to display their work here.
The Summer Voyage exhibit will be on display here until September 26, 2009. So please, you won't regret it if you stop by, but you might if you miss your chance to see the beautiful work here by Ed, Bob, Paulette and Bert.
Gallery ArtPlus is located at 54 North Front st. in Belleville, Ontario.
Contact me personally with any questions or comments:
Brittany.knapp@galleryartplus.com
613-961-1977 ext. 231
Follow us on facebook, twitter, myspace and our homesite.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Welcome to Gallery ArtPlus
Gallery ArtPlus is located at 54 North Front Street in Belleville, Ontario.
Ironically, the first chapter of this blog is being written on the second anniversary of the gallery.
Two years ago, Brant Cowie, the owner of Gallery ArtPlus decided to relocate his business of thirty years, ArtPlus Ltd., to a larger building in the Belleville core and open this gallery.
After searching for locations that sparked his imagination as well as provided easy and visible access to the public, Brant came upon this location at North Front Street. Previously, this building stood tall as a church in the Belleville community.
After several months of renovations, interior decorations, organization and chaos, Gallery ArtPlus came to be a sparse example of what it is today.
Our first exhibit was in August of 2007. Two artists were featured, including a very talented Dana Cowie (Brant’s beloved niece).
Since then, the gallery has held close to twenty exhibits featuring all varieties of media and all genres of artists.
Having held that number of exhibits in such a short period of time, Gallery ArtPlus has come to accumulate hundreds of pieces of local Canadian art. So much so, that pieces have to be rotated from storage to display on a regular basis.
The gallery has even branched out and assembled a gift shop on the second floor which includes beautiful hand-made jewelry, cards, notepads and calendars with prints of previously displayed art, housewares and much more.
Gallery ArtPlus is a beautiful, welcoming building, with wonderful art that is always changing.
So if you are ever wandering the downtown Belleville area, I suggest you pop-in and come take a look at the gallery and get to know the employees. We love to see and meet new faces and introduce you to all the beautiful pieces that are here on display.
Even if you are an out-of-towner please make Gallery ArtPlus a stop on your destination list.
My name is Brittany Knapp and I am the new administrator here at the Gallery. I have completed my education at York University where I majored in English and minored in Art History.
My motivation is to gain this wonderful gallery which I am so passionate about a little more awareness within the Belleville community and surrounding area.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at Brittany.knapp@galleryartplus.com, or 613-961-1977 ext. 231.
Please find us on Facebook, Myspace, Twitter , and visit our homesite, www.galleryartplus.com.
Ironically, the first chapter of this blog is being written on the second anniversary of the gallery.
Two years ago, Brant Cowie, the owner of Gallery ArtPlus decided to relocate his business of thirty years, ArtPlus Ltd., to a larger building in the Belleville core and open this gallery.
After searching for locations that sparked his imagination as well as provided easy and visible access to the public, Brant came upon this location at North Front Street. Previously, this building stood tall as a church in the Belleville community.
After several months of renovations, interior decorations, organization and chaos, Gallery ArtPlus came to be a sparse example of what it is today.
The downstairs gallery during a past exhibit.
Our first exhibit was in August of 2007. Two artists were featured, including a very talented Dana Cowie (Brant’s beloved niece).
1960's Reflection by Dana Cowie
Since then, the gallery has held close to twenty exhibits featuring all varieties of media and all genres of artists.
Having held that number of exhibits in such a short period of time, Gallery ArtPlus has come to accumulate hundreds of pieces of local Canadian art. So much so, that pieces have to be rotated from storage to display on a regular basis.
The gallery has even branched out and assembled a gift shop on the second floor which includes beautiful hand-made jewelry, cards, notepads and calendars with prints of previously displayed art, housewares and much more.
An image of the gallery's gift shop.
Gallery ArtPlus is a beautiful, welcoming building, with wonderful art that is always changing.
So if you are ever wandering the downtown Belleville area, I suggest you pop-in and come take a look at the gallery and get to know the employees. We love to see and meet new faces and introduce you to all the beautiful pieces that are here on display.
Even if you are an out-of-towner please make Gallery ArtPlus a stop on your destination list.
My name is Brittany Knapp and I am the new administrator here at the Gallery. I have completed my education at York University where I majored in English and minored in Art History.
My motivation is to gain this wonderful gallery which I am so passionate about a little more awareness within the Belleville community and surrounding area.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at Brittany.knapp@galleryartplus.com, or 613-961-1977 ext. 231.
Please find us on Facebook, Myspace, Twitter , and visit our homesite, www.galleryartplus.com.
Join me at the "Summer Voyage" reception
On the thirteenth of August 2009 Gallery ArtPlus will be holding a reception for their new exhibit, "Summer Voyage".
"Summer Voyage" is a nautical themed exhibit featuring the works of Ed Cronk, Paulette Sauve, Robert Blenderman and Bert Henderson.
In my opinion, the opening of this exhibit could not have occurred at a more appropriate time - summer has finally decided to reveal itself after hiding behind two months of cold, rainy weather.
If you are not familiar with any of the featured artists, I will provide you with one interesting fact: three of the four artists are senior.
Henderson, Cronk and Blenderman are local artists (Kingston and Belleville) with very different styles of painting.
Henderson describes himself as ". . . a realist, figurative painter who believes draughtmenship and composition are the most important aspects of painting."
Ferryland by Bert Henderson
Oil on Canvas
Ed Cronk is considered to be a master watercolourist, undoubtedly one of Canada's finest. His Maritime paintings will invoke fond memories of places once visited or dreamed of.
All three of these men carry the definitive wisdom that comes with age, the great achievement of technicality that only arises with time and persistence, as well as personalities distinguishable from fifteen miles away.
. . . I forgot to mention, Paulette is not too dull of a figure herself. Though nearly half the other artists' age her paintings are distinctive and quite clearly 'Paulette'.
At first glance the works seem abstract, but with deeper insight comes the realization that they are more dominantly expressionistic.
The large, strong brush strokes, contrasts of bright and murky colours, as well as heavily textured surfaces make Sauve's paintings the type you could stare at for hours.
On top of all this, I might add that there will be wine and appetizers on hand at the reception.
So not only will you have the opportunity to mix and mingle with the artists, discuss the local art scene, but you will also be able to relax, have a drink and a bite to eat.
Again, the reception begins at 6:00p.m. on August 13th.
For any inquiries please contact me at:
brittany.knapp@galleryartplus.com
or 613-961-1977 ext. 231
Hope to see you there!
"Summer Voyage" is a nautical themed exhibit featuring the works of Ed Cronk, Paulette Sauve, Robert Blenderman and Bert Henderson.
In my opinion, the opening of this exhibit could not have occurred at a more appropriate time - summer has finally decided to reveal itself after hiding behind two months of cold, rainy weather.
If you are not familiar with any of the featured artists, I will provide you with one interesting fact: three of the four artists are senior.
Henderson, Cronk and Blenderman are local artists (Kingston and Belleville) with very different styles of painting.
Henderson describes himself as ". . . a realist, figurative painter who believes draughtmenship and composition are the most important aspects of painting."
Ferryland by Bert HendersonOil on Canvas
While Blenderman chooses to use bright colour and well enunciated form to express the emotion and adventure in his 'nautical' paintings.
Summer Sail by Robert Blenderman
Summer Sail by Robert BlendermanEd Cronk is considered to be a master watercolourist, undoubtedly one of Canada's finest. His Maritime paintings will invoke fond memories of places once visited or dreamed of.
The Long Wait by Ed Cronk
All three of these men carry the definitive wisdom that comes with age, the great achievement of technicality that only arises with time and persistence, as well as personalities distinguishable from fifteen miles away.
. . . I forgot to mention, Paulette is not too dull of a figure herself. Though nearly half the other artists' age her paintings are distinctive and quite clearly 'Paulette'.
At first glance the works seem abstract, but with deeper insight comes the realization that they are more dominantly expressionistic.
The large, strong brush strokes, contrasts of bright and murky colours, as well as heavily textured surfaces make Sauve's paintings the type you could stare at for hours.
One of Paulette's more realistic works:
Old Port of Montreal by Paulette Sauve
Oil on Canvas
Old Port of Montreal by Paulette SauveOil on Canvas
On top of all this, I might add that there will be wine and appetizers on hand at the reception.
So not only will you have the opportunity to mix and mingle with the artists, discuss the local art scene, but you will also be able to relax, have a drink and a bite to eat.
Again, the reception begins at 6:00p.m. on August 13th.
For any inquiries please contact me at:
brittany.knapp@galleryartplus.com
or 613-961-1977 ext. 231
Hope to see you there!
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