By David Bizzo, Community Contribution
At the opening exhibition Deck the Walls – Reflection of Time, I spoke with several attendees who were adding to their collections of works by certain artists featured on the gallery walls. Local artists are decking out the gallery walls of Sunbury Shores in St. Andrews, New Brunswick, throughout the month of December.
The exhibition presents a diverse menagerie of artwork by both emerging and established artists. The range is remarkable, spanning assemblages, felt sculptures, quilting, South Asian fabrics, ceramics, photography, and prints. Etchings and linocuts sit alongside traditional watercolours, oils, and acrylics, while more unconventional mediums, such as wrought iron, jewellery in various styles, and even an AI-generated interactive short video by David Norris, showcase the breadth of creativity on display. For a small resort town, this level of artistic diversity is truly eye-opening.
With prices modestly set—most under the sought-after $500 limit—this is an accessible entry point for both seasoned art collectors and first-time buyers. Importantly, 35 per cent of each sale supports the operation of this first-class community art gallery and its workshops, meaning that purchases benefit not only the artists but also the facility itself.
Among the many works, a needle-felted whale mounted on driftwood by D. Lynne caught my attention, sparking a conversation with an older woman who felt compelled to touch the piece. I encouraged her to do so, believing that art is not just visual but also tactile.
Colour also played a strong role in this exhibition. Susan Greenbank’s trio of small acrylic paintings on board, entitled Winter Sunrise, radiate warmth, while Lyn Burge’s organic alcohol ink works on yupo paper evoke summer gardens bursting with reeds and vibrant explosions of colour.
Ted Michener, a classic visual expressionist and caricaturist, introduces a nautical theme through his miniature oil paintings. Meanwhile, my own abstract landscapes, inspired by the Van Horne Trail and Ministers Island, are showcased in the back gallery alongside Anthony Welch’s intricate etchings and haunting prints. One standout piece in this space is Helen Elizabeth’s linocut Night at Kerrs Lake, which exudes a foreboding yet magnetic allure.
Another highlight is Wayne Eddy’s hand-forged ironwork, exemplified by his Fireset—a practical and beautifully crafted set of fireplace tools.
Robyn Kern’s oil-on-panel depictions of farm animals are another standout. Her series of three small images demonstrates brilliant execution, particularly in the striking black-and-white portrait of a horse’s head.
Sherry Campeau adds a 3D element to the show with her painted oar, Water Dragon, while Sheri Larsen’s mixed-media piece Raven with Skull in the Spooky Forest makes a stark yet powerful statement of simplicity and ingenuity.
Overall, Deck the Walls – Reflection of Time serves as a fitting prelude to the gallery’s fresh vision for 2025. Whether you’re an art collector or simply an admirer, this exhibition is an invitation to support local artists and celebrate their work. Let’s make an effort to engage with our vibrant artistic community this holiday season—whether by purchasing, admiring, or spreading the word.
