Powell River’s arts scene will be bustling with activity as two art exhibits kick off this weekend, both with a mythological flavour.
In a celebratory explosion of unicorns and rainbows, Kaleidescope Collective is launching its first large-scale arts show Friday. Meanwhile, dreamy Sasquatch and fairy-tale-filled landscapes can be found at Phosphenes, a pop-up art show organized by an independent group of local artists beginning Saturday.
“There is such an appetite for art shows in Powell River,” said Phosphenes organizer and artist Meghan Hildebrand. “This is a great opportunity to get local eyeballs on our art.”
Phosphenes is being organized by Hildebrand, and fellow artists Caitlin McDonagh, Luke Ramsey and Kerensa Haynes. From Greek roots, the term phosphenes refers to the colours and shapes formed by rubbing your eyelids while they are shut.
Hildebrand said the artists picked phosphenes as the theme for the show because it fit with the dreamy, expressionist flavour of some of their work.
“There is an imaginary, magical quality connecting the artists’ work,” said Hildebrand. “For example, Caitlin McDonagh illustrates complete fairytales with such detail in a single piece.”
Over at Kaleidescope Collective, the Unicorns and Rainbows art show possesses a similar mythological aura, but with a slightly different origin story.
“I was walking down the street and saw a unicorn and rainbows poster in the trash,” said Kaleidescope artist Stefan Fogerty, also known as Catnip. “Later, when we were talking about a theme for an art show, the idea for a unicorns and rainbows theme popped in my head.”
That found unicorn poster now has a place of honour in the washroom at the artists studio.
“Unicorns have a magical quality that speaks to childhood wonder and freedom,” said Kaleidescope artist Adam Cramb. “We wanted to use unicorns and rainbows to show we are an inclusive space where artists aren’t constrained.”
The show features artist contributions by the collective and wider community, including children.
“We wanted this to be a fun introduction to us and our space where people would feel welcome,” said Kaleidescope artist Tamara McIntee.
The Unicorns and Rainbows art show includes a DJ as well as what McIntee calls “eclectic rhythms” from her band, Raw Womyn. The three-day show launches at 4:44 pm on Friday, November 20, at Kaleidescope Collective on Marine Avenue. For more information, readers can go to facebook.com/events/615772695192472/
Phosphenes art show launches at 6 pm on Saturday, November 21, with a reception and record listening party at 4624 A Willingdon Avenue. For more information, readers can go to facebook.com/events/
1705435329686592.
