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How the Hearth is moving forward

From our silver linings edition
A pastel sketch of the forest
The Hearth is featuring pastel drawings inspired by The Spirit of Bowen Woods during COVID-19 by Paul Deggan. The feature is part of Artists in our Midst.

The Hearth is adapting programming and events and embracing new technologies while doing so, under the Phase 2 guidelines of the BC Restart Plan recently announced by BC Premier John Horgan. While specific timelines for each phase have not been provided yet, the guidelines give us framework for what conditions we might expect for the future of arts and cultural programming. We are hopeful and optimistic that we will be able to gather for cultural programming as a community as soon as it is safe to do so.

The Gallery @ Cove Commons will reopen soon, while following the new protocols of the Phase 2 plan, which suggests cultural spaces can reopen from mid-May onwards. In the meantime, private viewings of the current exhibition Forests of the Coast by Jean Bradbury can be arranged by appointment. Email the curator, Emilie Kaplun at curator@thehearth.ca

Artists in our Midst is a new program through the Hearth offering interviews, virtual gallery and studio visits and promotion of creative projects as a way to support our hard working artists who have been deeply affected by the closure of performance spaces, galleries and cancellation of cultural events.

Beginning this new series was a virtual tour of the current exhibition and interview with the artist, Jean Bradbury. Our next virtual offering featured a 15-day creative challenge by artist Tracy McLachlan ––a Panthera Big Cat Sanctuary fundraiser.

Currently in the works, we will offer a live online artist talk and discussion with Paul Deggan followed by another session featuring a virtual studio tour with his wife and skilled potter, Babette. Their son Tristan, who is an accomplished videographer and artist, will film the sessions. Since 2002, the Deggan family has lived on Bowen Island for part of the year. The summers for the last 40 years were spent in France. This year, it’s a little different (as it is for everyone) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Lock down” has inspired a new excitement for the Bowen woods in spring and a new body of work The Spirit of Place. Some of you may have spotted Paul sketching by the lakeside or in the trails with his signature Tilly Hat and plein air kit. With his many years of creating and teaching, Paul is a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration. This will be a fun and interactive session and may inspire more.

We invite community members to subscribe to our weekly newsletter and follow us on social media to stay connected to the exciting projects that are in the works in the art scene on Bowen. Artists are encouraged to reach out to the Hearth if they would like to be featured by contacting creative@thehearth.ca. There are also two opportunities for artists to exhibit at the gallery for upcoming exhibitions. Visit thehearth.ca for more info.