From February 18th through March 18th, we are pleased to present a collection of original works by two different artists – Malcolm Callaway, from Chester, NS and Carolyn Wray from Lions Bay, BC. 

As different as the East Coast is from the West, Callaway and Wray offer their own unique perspectives through politically-provocative oil paintings to serene portraits fashioned entirely out of beach stones.

Never one to shy away from controversy, Malcolm revels in the attempt to stick it to those in positions of authority and vaunted pedestals of superiority.  This of course has landed him in the type of hot water that is oft patrolled by the likes of The Human Rights Commission, politicos, Elvis fans and the entire Catholic Church.  Undaunted by these attacks on his much-prized freedom of expression, he soldiers on in the knowledge that sooner or later someone will drive him into exile thereby justifying his fatalist vision of his life's work and raison d'être.

In truth his new show is a testament to his real persona and the realization that he is easily amused.  The seminal piece of the show – "I stand on guard for me" – is a prime example of the complete and utter contempt he has for politicians of all stripes and shapes.  This is in turn driven by the knowledge that politicians and especially this one, have nothing but contempt for the lowly masses they righteously govern.

The other pieces are but a stroll through a disorderly and fickle mind – cherry picking willy-nilly subjects and genres that have little or nothing to do with congruity. While there appears to be no sense of thematics the entire show takes as its through-line an attempt to engage the audience in a contemplation of beauty, humour and wonder.  The bottom line, as always, is this – you'll either love it or you'll hate it.  Either way, you won't be bored.

Carolyn works in a wide variety of media, incorporating natural elements and a sense of playfulness.  Her mobiles convey a sense of space and a mischievous juxtaposition of form and function while her more figurative works include stone pictures created from naturally wave-worn pebbles she finds on our West coast beaches.

Carolyn grew up surrounded by colour and lively culture as she moved from Columbia to Mexico, Hong Kong and the Philippines.  Following a successful career as a medical podiatrist, Carolyn volunteered in Peru, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.  This led Carolyn to rediscover her love of art and design.  Inspired by the colour, textures and designs of the indigenous peoples, Carolyn took a break from the medical profession and moved to Lions Bay, British Columbia to realize her life’s ambition to design and create objects that she would like to have in her own home.  She now feels proud and privileged to call British Columbia her home. 

As a sidebar, Carolyn recently was a torch bearer in the Olympic Torch Relay and will have her torch on display (as well as one from the 1936 Olympics) during the show.   Yes, of course, there’s a story there too!

Opening Reception:  Thursday, Feb. 18th, from 7 to 10 p.m.