By Rosanne Dolan, Colborne Art Gallery artist and liaison
The annual Late Spring exhibition at the Colborne Art Gallery features co-operative member Heather Stubbs’ solo show “Birds in Hats”. It runs from May 8 to July 6. Heather will give an artist’s talk at the show’s reception on May 10 from 2 to 4 p.m.
Inspired by a Paul Portelli sculpture of a sparrow topped with a Victorian hat, Heather set out on a year’s exploration of painting her version of a variety of birds wearing different hats. The result is a series of 21 works which answer the questions, “What bird, which hat, in what situation?”.
Heather’s birds are delightful, full of candor and humour. She says, “I have always enjoyed whimsical humour – humour that’s innocent, maybe a bit silly, where nobody is the target, and that makes people smile or chuckle and simply raises our spirits for a moment or two.”
Bright colours bounce off the walls. Patterns and quirky details engage. In full performance, birds strut. They squawk. Playful interactions abound within the busy flock of different birds.
Heather has always been involved in the arts. She earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of British Columbia in voice and performance. This led her to a 10-year career of music theatre and concert touring.
Unsuited for a life on the road, Heather relocated form B.C., to Ontario. She returned to school to earn a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto. She taught elementary school for several years at Castleton Public School before launching out on her own to teach piano, singing, public speaking and presentation skills. It was during this time that she began to paint.
The late John Stubbs, a founding member of the Colborne Art Gallery, was both Heather’s spouse and first art teacher. In those early years, she painted with egg tempera. Now she paints with acrylics and mixed media.
Heather continues her music involvement as a member of the Oriana Singers Choir in Cobourg.
However, painting has become her greatest love. She says, “It gives me great joy to have come full circle, joining the community of artists at the Colborne Gallery that my husband helped to bring into being.”
New works from the other 10 artists of the co-operative are also on display.
The Colborne Art Gallery is located on the Apple Route at 51 King Street East, Colborne. Gallery hours are 12 to 4 p.m., Thursday through Sunday, or by appointment.
All artworks are for sale and admission is free.
Further information about artists, gallery news and exhibitions can be found at www.thecolborneartgallery.ca
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
