Pears by D.A. Dunford (l) and Cheryl Mount (r)

(l - r) Marie St. Germain, "Autumn Storm"; Jen Morgan, "Three Shirts"; Gayle Dempsey, "Laundry"

(l - r) Clare McElroy, "Adam and Steve"; Marie St. Germain, "Blowing in the Breeze"

(l - r) Marilyn Brooks, "Mermaid's Laundry Service"; Ashlea Smith, "Sunday is Laundry Day"

Fashion & illustrations by Mai Aru; Paintings by Agnes Aru

"The work in this show is all about Muskoka where I was first brought as a babe-in-arms, and where I have gratefully spent a part of every summer in a life-long love affair with the area. The work comes from the heart, and from many years spent on Keewaydin Island and in the Milford Bay area of Lake Muskoka.

While living by large bodies of water, I'm made aware of and feel the influence of the strong horizontals seen in the far shore across a lake, or from the horizon line itself. There is a feeling of release in this distance and a sense of real space, having a calming and centring effect that also seems to give a feeling of peace and well-being. I hope to reflect this contemplative mood in some of my paintings and oil pastels."

Gail Read, "Hunter's Moon"

Opening Reception: Audrey performs to the music of flautist Virginia Markson

Opening Reception: Gayle Dempsey, Audrey Jolly and Muskoka-Parry Sound M.P.P Norm Miller

Opening Reception: Gayle Dempsey and Pat Fairhead

A guest at the opening reception

Gallery owner Gayle Dempsey gives her opening remarks

Gayle Dempsey's Opening Remarks:

"I am particularly grateful to Pat Fairhead and our "learning community of painters/artists" - my friends - for the encouragement to dream the dream and the support to see it through. I met Pat several years ago at a Royal Canadian Academy of Arts exhibition in Toronto. My partner Gary Froude and I, Ernest Annau and others had been dreaming a dream about a centre for arts and education in Muskoka. When Pat moved to Muskoka we reconnected and the dream was rekindled. Through her guidance and friendship we have built a "learning community" - a community of friendship and and support and a safe place to explore our creativity. Through the kindness of my friends and Wayne Dempsey and crew, the Gallery part of the dream has manifested. I am so thrilled to be part of this learning community and our first exhibition in this awesome space."

Pat Fairhead (centre) gives her opening remarks

Pat Fairhead's Opening Remarks

"Gayle has spoken to you of her dream and now I want to tell you about the Gallery so far, as we are in the initial development.

First, this gallery is here because of Gayle Dempsey, and under her golden eye, ever expanding heart, continuous patience and love of the arts, it will flourish. Now, ideas so far; some formulated, some in transition, and we are open to ideas and suggestions that come from this community. The energy is here and we will gladly accept help.

So, here is what we want to do:

• Establish a fine art gallery here in Port Carling
• Show work both two and three dimensional from the artists and artisans of this community, and the work of established people
• To be known for fresh new work at reasonable prices, and the work of established artists that you will obviously have to pay for!

We have brought together an Advisory Board, headed by Gayle and including Per Jensen, Gary Miron, Jen Morgan and myself. We will invite artists to show here as well as accept applications from others, generally oversee the exhibitions, and do the best we can with this beautiful place.

A few words about our first show:
Mainly, this is the work of the group who have been meeting at the Port Carling Memorial Community Centre for the past two years. They are the most challenging group I have ever worked with. When you get the lid off an unfulfilled desire, the energy pours out. I am so pleased and grateful to be part of this process.

How has this happened? I am teaching the basic and traditional skills of drawing and painting, colour and composition. Each person is encouraged and supported to use these skills to pursue their own personal expression of ideas. The resulting work is highly individual, all different and producing a personal adn recognizable style.

I invite you to look carefully and enjoy this work. Please give them your support. You may be able to say, "ho - I bought that painting years ago when prices were so reasonable!" This group is going to keep on moving, and remember - you saw it first at Muskoka Place Gallery!