Local painter debuts

Posted Jan 5, 2012 By Richard Turtle

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Stirling artist Belinda James has her first public showing at the Stirling-Rawdon Public Library art gallery through the month of January.

Richard Turtle, Stirling EMC

Stirling artist Belinda James has her first public showing at the Stirling-Rawdon Public Library art gallery through the month of January.

EMC Lifestyles - Stirling - After a dozen well-received shows in 2011, organizers at the local art gallery have already hung the first show for 2012 and, says gallery co-ordinator Liz Coxwell, the quality of work created by local artists continues to impress.

But the explanation is a simple one, she says. "We just have so much talent here."

And for January, there is an abundance of colourful work on display at the Stirling-Rawdon Public Library art gallery, including the first public showing of more than a dozen works by local artist Belinda James.

A mother of two young children now in elementary school, James works from home where she says much of her painting is done in acrylics. "I like bright colours and I like big," James says of her time spent at the easel. And with the current show including several large pieces, many radiating a youthful exuberance and serious sense of play, she appears to be having fun with it.

Organizers also enlisted the help of fellow artist Maureen Zahorbynsky, who has had previous showings, to complement the paintings of an emerging talent with not quite enough finished work for a full show. Zahorbynsky, who retired to Stirling from the Barrie area, is a member of the local Group of Eleven and meets regularly with her cohorts to share their work and company at the historic train station. Zahorbynsky's work, primarily in watercolours, features a striking breadth of styles and techniques as well as subject matter, suggesting several uniquely talented artists.

The works mix well together offering a bright and lively collection with pieces ranging from the whimsical and stylized to the stark and surreal.

The library features work by local artists with several photographs of past displays as well as a guest book visitors are encouraged to sign and offer their comments.

Also featured in the foyer display case this month is the handiwork of Dee DeSnoo. Check it out at the library during regular hours.