Calling it a success, organizers of the Kamsack Power House Museum second annual Artist Day were already enthusiastically inviting artists back to attend next year.
Held in the Ukrainian Catholic Hall on August 5 the show presented works of seven local artists for display and sale, and included visitors from Huntsville, Ont., Nanaimo, B.C. and Airdrie, Alta.
At age 96, Helen Dumonski who resides in the Eaglestone Lodge, remains enthusiastic about her love of painting. “I started painting less than three years ago when Brenda Kondratoff sponsored an art class at the Lodge and I have been painting ever since. I really enjoy it.”
Local artist Brenda Kondratoff had a mix of newer and older pieces on display. “I show at the Godfrey Dean Art Gallery in Yorkton once a year, and I am pleased the Museum is hosting their second annual Artist Day in Kamsack,” she said. “I hope they continue to host it every year.
“I have done about 15 new pieces in the past year and am trying a new technique using alcohol and ink, and I’ve tried ‘pour painting.’ As an artist, my passion is learning and trying new styles and techniques. I currently have two pieces on display at the Cherrydale Golf Course in Yorkton.”
Annette Purchase had her photography on display. “This has been a good year, as more of my pieces have been selling,” she said.
Youthful artist Lemay Bear, a recent graduate of the Kamsack Comprehensive Institute, had her artwork on display. “I have been creating art since a very young age,” she said, adding that she does mainly acrylic and oil paintings and sketches.
Another young artist, Alexis Koroluk showed off her latest creations of “ice cream pail art.” Using acrylic paints, which she then coats with a sealer, the ice cream pails become weather proof and can be set outside as planters. She also had paintings, photography, water colours, sketches and drawings on display.
Local artist Dustin Wilson has his paintings on display.
Marilyn Lachambre, a published author and artist, had her books, artwork and jewellery creations at the show, and explained her new passion for “encaustic art,” which she described as “the exciting manipulation of imagination, wax crayon and a hot iron. I am an abstract artist. I find this art form very creative for me.
“I have done crafts all my life, but began working on my book, Angel Blessings, in 2015. It was published in 2017. I also do photographs on canvas, watercolours and jewellery.”
“It was an awesome event,” said Darlene Brown on behalf of the Museum board of directors. “We are just plain thrilled and excited with the calibre of art and the turnout of visitors. And the artists were pleased with how well the show went.
“The Museum board believes that part of our mandate is to be ‘stewards’ of the cultural aspect of the community and art is a big part of that. The artists who were featured at the show brought their art to life. Art is such an expression of the individual, and you see who they are through their art.
“Whether you are an artist or not it is impossible not to appreciate these artists’ works. They portray their feelings and cultural history through their art.
“On behalf of the Museum board, we were very pleased to host this second annual Artist Day. There is no charge to the artists as it is hosted by the Museum and they are given good exposure.
“So on behalf of the event committee of the Museum board I would like to say thanks to the terrific group of artists who participated in the Artist Day and thanks to the volunteers who helped make it happen,” Brown said.
