GEORGIAN BAY—’The Artists of Georgian Bay’ is a beautiful, hard-cover book of 120 pages with 320 examples of the work of 41 artists. The official book launch took place at the Craig Gallery in Meaford on Sunday, September 8and many of the artists featured in the book were there. The small gallery was packed with many books being sold and signed by the artists in attendance. Glen Loates was continually in a crowd, clamoring for autographs.
Andrea Hillo designed and published this book of artists, but it is not her first. She has been creating beautiful books of art for the past 12 years. In 2012, she came up with the idea to create a book of the artists of Algonquin. To hear her tell her story is to listen to a remarkable series of serendipitous events leading up to these magnificent books which are a delight to the eye. An example of good fortune with her first compilation was when she said to one of the artists in the Algonquin area, ‘If only I could get Robert Bateman to write the foreword for this book.’ ‘Oh, I know Bob, let me ask him for you.’ And, just like that, she had an enthusiastic Robert Bateman’s full support of the book (along with his penned foreword).
‘The Artists of Georgian Bay’ is Ms. Hillo’s fifth such book. “This one was done a little differently,” she explained, “because of the vastness of the area, and the fact that many artists come to vacation in this area, I’ve included some artists from the States and other parts of Canada.” This book includes a foreword by renowned wildlife artist Glen Loates, whose work is also featured. There’s a tribute to Mr. Loates, by Robert Bateman and a tribute, by the publisher, to Orillia-area artist David Beckett, who sadly passed away before the book went to print.
A book of Georgian Bay artists would be remiss if it did not include Manitoulin’s own Ivan Wheale and Duncan Pheasant. Rest assured; they are in the book. “What can I say, just to be included with these fantastic artists is a feather in my cap,” said Mr. Pheasant, “the book is great, and there I am amongst them, very honoured indeed.”
Several artists who frequent Manitoulin Island and whose work is often seen at the Perivale Gallery are featured in this book as well – Mark Hope, Jay Favot, Barry Bowerman, Lee Munn and Cathy Boyd. Ms. Boyd, of Midland, was happy to be chosen and included with many renowned artists. “I think it’s good for my portfolio. It’s an honour to be asked to be in the book. You know, you work so hard to reach a certain level, and if you’re good enough to be in the book, then that in itself is a compliment.” Ms. Boyd would have liked to attend the book launch in Meaford, “But, it’s too far for me to drive,” she explained. “I go up to Manitoulin two or three times a year and that’s a heck of a long drive!” she added with a laugh.
‘The Artists of Georgian Bay’ is available at the Perivale Gallery and from any of the artists featured in it. A stunning art book as this would make a wonderful Christmas present for that art lover in your life.
by Margery Frisch
