Eston art show will highlight Western Canada beauty spots

By Verna Thompson

Eston’s Heritage Art Gallery will be showcasing work by local artist Audrey McEvoy starting on Thursday, May 22 at 7:00 p.m. with a meet the artist reception at the Prairie West Historical Centre’s Evans House.

Titled Inspirational Paintings the show will highlight some 20 to24 paintings of places of natural beauty found in Western Canada from Manitoba to Vancouver, “places that look absolutely wonderful,” McEvoy told The Voice.

She said she paints what takes her fancy, recreating on canvas the beauty and atmosphere of what she sees “as best as I can.”

Born and raised in Eston, McEvoy lived in Saskatoon and Edmonton for a short time, returning to Plato to farm with husband Brian,.

As a child, she enjoyed doodling on paper but she didn’t start to paint until the early 70’s, only to quit to raise a family.

She says that “the scenic outdoors and painting came together as our children became more independent.”

Painting with several ladies in Eston led by another local artist, the late Vernette Armstrong, kicked her painting from an interest into a passion.

She now splits her time between the farm at Plato and her home in Parksville, B.C. where she continues to paint landscapes from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.

“So many inspirational spots – so little time!” she quips.

Inspirational Paintings will be on display at the Gallery until Friday, June 20th.

The show is a project of the Prairie West Historical Society.