NEWS RELEASE
RICHARD'S LANDING MARINA
*************************
Richard’s Landing is hosting two local artists this weekend at their beautiful dockside, marina restaurant. ARTS & CRAFT BEER will host artists Mary Stevenson and Penny Gabor this weekend Thursday through Sunday ( July 21-24, noon to nine).
Mary Stevenson is a textile mixed media artist from St. Joseph’s Island and is drawn to the vibrant colour she sees in nature. “I am grateful to have lived most of my life on Islands and my work is inspired by the ever changing beauty of the skies, windswept water, trees and flowers that surround them.” One of the constant sources of awed inspiration is the spectacular sunsets she takes in over St Mary’s River from her deck. Mary works with fabric to create richly coloured textured collages using a variety of hand dyed silks, linens and cotton. Finding joy in the feel of the fabric and the texture it creates within her artwork, Mary uses it along with paint to create beautiful textured scenes from Northern Ontario.
Penny Gabor is an artist currently finding her inspiration in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario along the beautiful shores of Great Lakes Superior and Huron. Penny is drawn to the way nature lives within a forceful contrast of gentle, life-giving beauty and raw, wild strength. The North shores of Huron and Superior are generous with inspiration. “Whether the way a tree grows out of a rock, the sun lines the clouds and pushes through the leaves, or the way wind shapes the weary trees - I am mesmerized by these natural juxtapositions, and the strength and beauty found in the persistence of nature. It is a constant reminder to me, to press on, and not give up - for beauty emerges here.” Alcohol ink characterizes this notion beautifully, not only because of its intense, highly saturated and yet translucent colours, but because of its chemistry and uncontrollable nature. It is a continual reminder to embrace the unexpected, and to persevere until something of beauty emerges.
Mary and Penny met at the Art Gallery of Algoma just weeks before Covid shut down the world, and both were eager to connect with other local artists as the artistic journey is sometimes a solitary one. They have been participating in an Artist Mentorship Program called Mastrius together and have spent the last 8 months being mentored by the Canadian Master Artist, Sharon Lynn Williams, of Calgary. Together they have been encouraging and inspiring one another as they share their challenges and successes.
“Arts & Craft Beer” at the Richard’s Landing Marina and Restaurant is just one of the ways they have found to partner with one another and help each other.
“Often the arts world can feel like a competitive environment,” says Gabor. “But when we support and encourage one another, we can accomplish so much more together. We are excited to share our impressions and expressions of the beauty that surrounds us here in Northern Ontario. Please come see us at the Richard’s Landing Marina.”
The Richard’s Landing Marina is a beautiful little building full of windows and a patio looking out over a nice, wide part of the St Mary’s River and is the summer home to Whiskey Rocks, a restaurant with a fun, summer menu, and craft beer of course. You can find Arts & Craft Beer this Thursday through Sunday, noon to 9pm. Come for beautiful art, great food and drinks in a beautiful dockside venue or on the patio. Be sure to take in the art and say Hi to our local artists.