Visual artists and writers who have been showcased together for more than a month at Rainforest Arts finally met in person March 2 to celebrate the Convergence: Images + Words exhibition.
The show paired local writers with visual artists, tasking them with creating a responsive piece inspired by a work of art. About 40 artists and writers gathered at the gallery to share readings of poetry and prose.
Artist Diana Durrand, whose mixed-media piece There Was No Need to Wait Alone inspired the poem Anticipation by Vicki McLeod, said she was ‘completely overwhelmed.’
“It’s so nice to know that the work you do is shared with somebody at that depth,” Durrand said after hearing fellow poet Nadine McInnis read McLeod’s poem.
Rainforest Arts gallery manager Stephanie Allesia emceed the event and thanked organizers Daphne and Art Carlyle, Durrand and Craig Spence for their efforts.
The readings, which are displayed alongside the artwork that inspired them, were recorded and will be posted on the Rainforest Arts website. They will also be shared on the Rainforest Arts Facebook page.
Each contributor received five art cards featuring their Convergence image on the cover and the corresponding writing inside. The cards are also available for purchase at Rainforest Arts, located at 9781 Willow St. in Chemainus.
Convergence: Images + Words runs until March 22.
