Local Wildlife

horses by Cathy Rycroft, $150

While visiting Port Moody, don't forget that we're right next door to wilderness. 

Head north into the mountains and there's nothing but forests and bears.

grizzly by Cathy Rycroft, $350

Set off from Old Orchard beach and say hello to the fish.

Poke your head into the back yards and whistle for the birds.

Head west into town and wager a few dollars at the races.

paper art by Yolanda Cheung, $28

intarsia bird magnets by Del Holbrook, $8 each

Wordless Wednesday: Ocean Sparkles

sparkling earrings by Sandra Ho, $30

Staycation: Local views

Inlet Trail views by Valerie Simons, $53

The Blackberry Artist's Society is an artist-run cooperative which supports local creative types in and around the Tri Cities of Port Moody, Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam. 

Indian Arm by Vicki Allesia, $100

Many of our members are inspired by what they see around them every day. Port Moody, at the head of the Burrard Inlet and only a half hour or so from Vancouver, has trails, forests, and ocean views in abundance. Only a short paddle, splash or drive away (depending on your mode of conveyance) is one of southern BC's most spectacular fjords, Indian Arm. 

herons by Cathy Rycroft, $50

Port Moody grew up around the railway and the ocean. We still have a railway station with commuter trains running to and from Vancouver during peak hours, but our oceanside is quieter now with picturesque sawmill ruins sitting out in the inlet the only reminders of an industrial past. No, we don't see orcas but herons are commonly spotted from the Inlet Trail.

Wordless Wednesday: Ocean Tides

tidal weave: handwoven scarf by Beryl Hickinbottom, $84

Wish You Were Here

cottonwood bark carving by George Blackstock, $250

Moving away from family is hard, missing celebrations and everyday moments many miles away. So when summer comes, suitcases are eagerly packed and acquaintances renewed.

art card by Yolanda Cheung, $4.95

My, how much you've grown!

So when did you redecorate the toolshed?

What happened to that painting I gave you last time?

Save any embarrassing gifting moments with a trip to the Blackberry Artist's cooperative shop. Local artists and locally made work makes gifting special and meaningful  to your far-flung relatives.

And it's not difficult to pack. For instance, this intricate cottonwood carving weights less than a paperback and packs easily into a suitcase. And we have a splendid selection of art cards to go with your gifts.

Buy local but gift internationally.

Bon voyage.

Art in the Garden: Blackberry Artists Take Part

Don't forget Port Moody Arts Centre Society's Art in the Garden Tour this Sunday. Celebrate local arts and local gardens with this incredible event.

Gardens will be open 9am to 4pm. Tickets are available at the Arts Centre which is also hosting a free arts fair open 10am to 4pm.

And I'm pleased to say that the gift shop will be open and a couple of the Blackberry Artists will be demonstrating how they work. So come on by and ask questions, check out the art and enjoy Port Moody in the summer.

See you there (yes, I'm one of the demo artists!)

Wordless Wednesday: At City Hall

This month's featured artist at City Hall - chainmaille artist, Luci Gimenes.

As usual, all work is for sale through the gift shop (604 931 2008) to make arrangements).

July's Featured Artist: Valerie Simons

This month the work of Valerie Simons is featured in the gift shop. It's a very timely feature because not only does Valerie work hard as our society president but her paintings fit nicely in with this summer's Staycation blog theme. With local views to remind of summer days in and around Port Moody, these would make amazing hostess gifts or mementoes for seasonal gifting.

Read more about the artist, in her own words ...

How long have you been an artist?In my mind…all my life.  In reality…about 6 years.
      

Where did you train?  Primarily self-taught.

Do you work in a studio or at home? 
At home.

Do you work as an artist full-time, part-time, or do you squeeze in the creating as a hobby? 
Squeezed in as a hobby, as time permits and as inspiration strikes.

Describe how a piece progresses, from first inspiration to finished object in the gift shop.  My pieces generally start with a photograph of an inspiring scene that I am fortunate enough to stumble upon with camera in hand.  The photo provides good reference for colour, shadow and light as the pieces usually have a slow progression in my non-studio environment.

What's your favourite piece to make? 
Local scenery is a favourite, although abstract and mixed media hold a particular fascination for me.  I generally work in a smaller format (6x6 to 12x24) primarily due to lack of working space.

Who inspires you, and why?
I am inspired by positive spirit and creative energy.  Fortunately for me there is an abundance of that in my personal and social environment.  But my primary inspiration comes from the quiet moments of awe and wonder that our natural environment provides in abundance. 

Staycation!

framed photograph, Vancouver beach scene by Alina Markiewicz, $85

What are your plans for the summer - home or away? Visitors or visiting?

In the blog this month I will be featuring artwork suitable as gifts, souvenirs or midsummer pick-me-ups - all with a local flavour to remind you of home.

If you're travelling, why not visit the gift shop before hitting the road / taking to the skies? I'm sure we have the perfect reminder of Port Moody to take with you as that unique hostess 'thank you for having me' gift. Many of our items are easy to pack and light to travel with.

If you're staying close to home, why not nudge your visitors our way for either a perfect local souvenir or even drop enough hints for a host gift yourself!

Feel free to bookmark the blog posts if you see something special :)

Have a lovely summer.

Please note, summer hours in the gift shop for July and August are Weds - Sunday, 12 noon to 4pm.

Canada Day!

framed paper art by Valerie Gilbert, $16.95

Happy birthday Canada!