GORE BAY—The artists that have gone together and have their works on display at the Harbour Lights Artisans Gallery and Studio at the Gore Bay Harbour Centre say that its location is conducive to creativity and benefits all those who work out of the building.
“The Harbour Centre has always been a hub for artists,” stated artist Helen Siksek. “And Linda (Willson) has put together artists from various spectrums of art to open this gallery. I’m very happy to be part of this,” she said at the grand opening of the gallery-studio this past Saturday.
“There is just about every kind of art and items here, from jewellery, pottery, paintings, to books, and even chocolate and preserves,” said Ms. Siksek.
Christie Pearson Anderson said, “Linda (Willson) spearheaded all of this, and we are located in this beautiful location. I don’t think some people realize how beautiful the Harbor Centre building is on the inside.”
“This is a wonderful building for artists,” stated Ms. Pearson Anderson. “This provides a tremendous opportunity and provides great exposure for the artists here.”
In welcoming everyone to the grand opening Ms. Willson said, “I’m humbled to have all of these artists and their works in my midst and to showcase all of your work.”
While visitors had the opportunity to meet some of the artists on hand at the opening, they also had the chance to sample some delicious food and listen to music provided by Jane Best.
The artists on hand whose works are on display in Harbour Lights include Ursula Hettman with her jewellery and clothing line, pottery works of Antje Hettman, Dejan Kouvacev and his woodworking, Christie Best Anderson with her beautiful watercolour paintings, Ms. Willson and her husband Chuc’s display of Our Garden products, along with quilts, weaving and knitting, Cheyenne Barnes’ beautiful acrylic paintings, painting works and jewellery by Helen Siksek, and the photography of Bob Blaney.
Ms. Willson told the Recorder, “I had the opportunity of being an artist in residence and fell in love with this location. From there I hatched the idea of asking other artists if they would like to get together in a little co-operative in this studio. Last winter I had been contacted by the artists who had been leasing the space here previously (who have moved to Providence Bay) as to whether I would be interested in the space. I said yes.”
“This is a dream come true for me,” said Ms. Willson. “So I contacted other artisans about having their art on display here, together. We share the costs, space and responsibilities in the shop. We have a really great team of very talented artists; everyone gets along and everyone brings different things to this venture.”
