NORTH BATTLEFORD – Three artists with the Battlefords Art Club held “An Art Symphony” show and sale over the weekend of April 19.
North Battleford artists Jean M. Dunn and Faye Erikson plus Grace Gerein of Unity were the hosts of the event, held in the conference room at the Comfort Inn. Various styles of art created by the three hosts were on display and available for purchase. Two other artists from the club, Lorainne Voegeli and Kathy Smith, were unable to attend but had some of their work available at the event.
Gerein, who has been creative for most of her life, spoke to SASKTODAY.ca regarding the event. The group of five women met through the Battlefords Art Club and became good friends. They started the spring art show and sale to connect to art enthusiasts in 2021, followed by a Christmas sale later that year. Gerein said the highlight from each show has always been different, but gaining exposure and having their work become more known is always a bonus.
The show and sale event has gained more popularity each year. With many customers coming from many smaller communities, the group decided to host the event in North Battleford as it was a more central location.
Gerein is well known for her watercolour paintings, varying in different nature scenes. She does have some pieces that are finished with acrylic paint but says she does not put herself into a specific category of art.
When she is not sitting at the easel, Gerein and her husband enjoy travelling. She is usually found taking photos on her phone as inspiration can strike at any moment. She said her biggest inspiration comes from nature and light.
“It’s the light that plays on whatever object I might be looking at on any given day. It could be a shape or a cloud,” she said.
Gerein tends to produce 25 to 30 pieces throughout a year, depending on commission pieces and the size of the work. Since she retired from being postmaster for the village of Scott 20 years ago, she has been able to focus more on her paintings.
“I just paint what I want when I feel like I want to paint and have a vision.”
