Refraction: Queer Artists of the Sunshine Coast opened June 1 at the Arts Centre, Sechelt, to record numbers of visitors at its reception. The show involves the work of eight Coast artists, or nine if you count the artistry of curator Anna Nobile. Every medium was represented: Janet Tufnall’s fabric art hung alongside photos from Craig Cochrane, and paintings by Marilyn Marshall, Morley Baker and Lore Schmidts. Shey Smith’s gorgeous copper red ceramics showed well with Sandra Corbett’s fine woodworking and Kim Hadley’s organic material creations.
Many of the paintings on display emphasized the physical and sexual aspects of LGBTQ life (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer). Despite the superior quality of the work on show, it would have been good to view other aspects of LGBTQ lives rendered in art. Queer artists have children, run businesses, go on vacations together – surely other aspects of their lives could be celebrated as well as their sexuality.
The photography of Craig Cochrane captured the attractive, costumed persona of burlesque performers in a series of inkjet images on photo paper. Clearly he understands and loves his models, but it was almost a relief to view his forest waterfall image – as sensuous as it was – as it demonstrated another aspect of his keen eye. Lore Schmidts is another case in point. The prolific oil painter depicts beautiful bodies in his work. Unwrapped is a striking example, or check out Dorm Day. Yet in a concurrent show, Simply Warehouse, that took place from June 3 to 5, Schmidts exhibited a series of emotionally charged paintings depicting the loss of a loved one that revealed a greater depth to his life.
Marilyn Marshall also depicts bodies – hers are powerful, slightly distorted, yet real. Morley Baker, as an abstract artist, is on to a lighter, brighter theme. Orange Jeep was one of my favourites.
There will be another chance to celebrate this show during the Pride Week reception on Wednesday, June 22 from 7 to 9 p.m. The second reception for Refraction features live music by Nathan Stryjack and Christopher Neufeld. It’s free at the Sunshine Coast Arts Centre, 5714 Medusa St., Sechelt. Two of the artists will also be giving workshops. On Saturday, June 11, at 1:30 p.m. stop by the Arts Centre for A Stitch in Time with fibre artist Janet Tufnall. And on Saturday, June 18 at 1:30 p.m. you are invited to Dream Weaver with basket maker Kim Hadley.
Pride Week on the Sunshine Coast has grown over the past two years into a series of events that welcomes gay and straight, young and old. You Don’t Have to be Queer to Read Queer Lit is at the Gibsons Public Library on Wednesday, June 15, 6 to 7:30 p.m. This event is open to all to read an excerpt from a favourite LGBTQ author – there are books on display at the Gibsons and Sechelt libraries.
On Sunday, June 19, from noon to 4 p.m., share Sunday in the Park with Pride, a free, family-friendly afternoon picnic with food, games, workshops, a Neil Young jam under the trees, and prizes for best-dressed pet and best-behaved owner. Meet at Davis Bay Pier at noon for the Little Pride Parade to Mission Point Park.
Want to be more involved? To volunteer for any of these events, contact [email protected]
