Chemainus Art Group members are masters in the art of being good community citizens.
The group has been donating several pieces from its Christmas art activity to locations in Chemainus, Ladysmith and even Nanaimo.
The Christmas art activity raises funds for the volunteer art group. Participants pay for the art boards and create an art piece, which in the past was exchanged among members. This year, Jetta van Westen had the idea to gift the artwork to the community.
“It’s kind of a project we drummed up,” she said. “I just thought the world needs a bit more generosity right now.
“And if it brings more appreciation for our art, why not?”
The three locations in Chemainus displaying some of the group’s art include: the Chemainus branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library, the Visitor Centre and the Chemainus Health Care Centre.
Art donations have also been made at the library and Visitor Centre in Ladysmith plus the Kiwanis Village in Nanaimo. At each location, staff has been excited to receive and display the art.
“Some of the locations only have a little bit of space they can offer up,” added van Westen.
But each place made it work to accommodate the art to brighten up their facilities, even with some protocols to consider.
The art group consists of about 60 members, mostly over the age of 45, and have kept in contact throughout COVID mainly by Zoom.
There are some professionals in the group and complete novices who are simply lovers of art.
“Our paintings are a wide spectrum as well,” said van Westen. “We had 15 paintings to work with that were donated by members.”
New members are always welcome. This is the 53rd year of the volunteer group.
For art group information or to become a member, visit www.chemainusartgroup.com.
