Three talented artists from the Langley Association for Community Living’s Bridge Art Studio have been given the opportunity to showcase their work on a large scale at Loft Studios Gallery.
Their 2016 art show, running March 17-26, will be the first gallery show for David Cairns, Helen Daley and Ricky Placek, who create artwork at Bridge Art Studio as part of LACL’s programs for people with special needs and developmental disabilities.
Jennifer Walton, a supervisor at the studio, says the show gives well deserved recognition to the artists’ work.
“A lot of them do artwork for the pleasure of doing artwork, but a lot of them also do it to sell their artwork,” she explained.
“It’s just another opportunity to showcase and to give pride to their work. They are very excited, they’re so proud and everyone here is so proud of them.”
The three artists were hand selected by Wendy Jones, owner of Loft Studios Gallery, who contacted the LACL after seeing some artwork displayed at the Arts Alive Festival two years ago.
Last year was the first time Jones partnered with LACL in a gallery show.
“The opening reception (last year) had probably 60 people, so we thought that was a fantastic response,” Walton said.
“We are so excited for these three artists to have the opportunity this year. We are also very thankful to Wendy to have this chance.”
Each of the artists featured at the 2016 show have their own unique style. Cairns’ landscape and nature paintings are influenced by those of Bob Ross and Thomas Kincaid.
Daley uses a more detailed approach, painting landscapes, wildlife and still life.
And Placek creates whimsical sketches and paintings that show off his unique sense of humour.
Although this is the first gallery show for Cairns, Daley and Placek, this is not the first time they have publicly displayed their work. All 25 artists at Bridge Art Studio have opportunities to show off their creations through the Arts Alive Festival, the Vancouver PosAbilities Inclusion Art Show and the Langley Community Farmers’ Market.
Join the artists at Loft Studios Gallery (20458 Fraser Hwy.) for their opening reception on Wednesday, March 16 from noon to 2 p.m. Regular gallery hours are Thursday to Saturday from 12 to 4 p.m.
For more information, or to purchase art by the artists, visit www.langleyacl.com, call the Bridge Art Studio at 604-534-8611 ext.228, or email the studio at clubhouse@langleyacl.com.
From top: Artists David Cairns, Ricky Placek and Helen Daley will be showing at Loft Studios Gallery later this month.