What began as a handful of artists forming a committee in 1988, Malaspina Art Society (MAS) established the Malaspina Exhibition Centre (MEC) and has blossomed into a membership of 134.
MAS is a non-profit organization incorporated under the BC Society Act on January 7, 1991. Its purpose, among many things, has been to stimulate and encourage artistic growth, creativity and appreciation of visual arts in the growing community of Powell River.
Just as it began, MAS still holds monthly exhibitions in the Vancouver Island University Powell River campus lobby. It also participates in many shows around the community.
Everyone is invited to enjoy many year-round events such as the Chocolate Festival Art Show, Powell River Film Festival art show, Expose Yourself Erotic Art Exhibition, Blues Festival art show, Powell River Studio Tour, the Blackberry Festival art show and the Sunshine Coast Cultural Crawl.
In partnership with Powell River Academy of Music, MAS offers art classes for children and twice annually hosts weekend Artist in Residence painting workshops led by internationally renowned professional artists. In addition, new last fall and now an annual event, there is the Trash Mask Exhibition and Contest. With this event anyone in the community can participate, create their own trash mask, and be part of the exhibition and contest, perhaps winning one of three prizes, or at the very least, having a barrel of fun.
MAS artists work in a wide range of mediums including: drawing, painting, photography, fabric arts, collage, print-making, digital art, glass art, ceramics and sculpture.
MAS board meetings, held on the first Monday of each month at Quality Foods boardroom, are led by a volunteer group of artists with the same mandate and drive for artistic expression and growth as the organization’s founders. With the continued support of Powell River Arts Council, Vancouver Island University, local galleries and artists, MAS continues to be a pillar of the community.
MAS shares the vision of a public gallery for Powell River. By securing more funding, more members joining, bigger shows and more venues, visual arts will be an even greater part of Powell River’s cultural diversity.
Anyone wishing to learn more about MAS is welcome to attend its annual general meeting, 7 pm, Monday, March 5 at Rodmay Hotel Rainbow Room or visit its website.
