NEWS RELEASE
CRAIG GALLERY
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The Artists of Georgian Bay is the fifth book, and at 120 pages, the largest, in a series published and designed by independent publisher and graphic artist Andrea Hillo. Previous titles in her regional art book series include The Artists of Algonquin, The Artists of Muskoka, The Artists of Haliburton Highlands and The Artists of Kawartha.
The Artists of Georgian Bay presents more than 320 stunning examples of the work of 41 contemporary artists who live or travel to the area to draw inspiration from the raw beauty of its landscape and its abundant wildlife.
The book includes a foreword written by renowned wildlife artist Glen Loates, as well as reproductions of some of his internationally recognized art. Robert Bateman, whose work was included previously in the series, provided a tribute to Loates’ talent.
Area Honourary Artist George McLean, also is featured. Of special interest is a tribute to Orillia area artist David Beckett who passed away before the book went to print.
Cover art is by artist Arnold Nogy. Former community newspaper editor and publisher Leonard Pizzey, who has collaborated with Andrea Hillo on all of the books in the series, served as copy editor and also wrote the introduction. The final page offers a dedication by the publisher to another dearly missed artist friend, Mendelson Joe.
An official book launch will be held on Sunday, Sept. 8, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Craig Gallery in Meaford. Numerous artists from the group of 41 will be at the launch to sign books including Glen Loates and George McLean. Books will be available for purchase at the launch.
Starting Saturday, Sept. 7, until Tuesday, Oct. 8, the Craig Gallery will be exhibiting some of the works by the artists in The Artists of Georgian Bay book. The Craig Gallery is located at 4 North Sykes St., Unit 1, Meaford. www.craiggallery.ca
Artists featured in the book are: Dave Beckett - Tribute, Tony Bianco, Harvey Bodach, Barry Bowerman, Karen L Bowen, Cathy Boyd, Phil Chadwick, Philip Craig, Gordon Drysdale, Jay Favot, Carina Francioso, Christyn Grampola, Deb Grise, Alexandra Gronfors, Dwayne Harty, Mark Hope, David Huber, Debra Lynn Ireland, Kenneth Kirsch, Glen Loates, Deborah Masters, Alexandra McLaughlin, George McLean, Shannon Craig Morphew, Chris Morton, Lee Munn, Arnold Nogy, Duncan Neganigwane Pheasant, Lu Robitaille, Carole Rodrigue, John Stopciati, Brent Trach, Richard Vander Meer, Margarethe Vanderpas, Jessica Vergeer, Ivan Wheale, Jan Wheeler, Derek Wicks, Kent Wilkens, Wendy Wingfelder and Nancy Yanaky.
"Few people in my experience (I, too, publish songs, poems, postcards) are blessed with the gene to venture especially in the service of homegrown artists’ produce," said Mendelson Joe, a singer-songwriter, guitarist, painter and activist.
"Fewer have the gift to work co-operatively with a vision, and purpose not to mention the necessary energy to follow through the publishing process with marketing hustle. Andrea Hillo is unstoppable," said Joe.
"It is a handsome, professional publication that fills a need — and even fills spaces where many readers may not have known they had a need. Your books on area artists are important contributions to Canadian culture. I salute you,” says author and journalist Roy MacGregor.
"It is good to see a new generation put its heart and talent into this place that has stirred so many hearts," said Robert Bateman, an artist and naturalist. "Thank you so much for The Artists of Haliburton Highlands. The book just oozes with talent.“
"I am very grateful to Andrea Hillo for her thoughtful and beautifully designed presentation of my artwork in The Artists of Kawartha. The same care extends to all the artist's work, making for a dynamic collection of visuals sure to please the eye of all who turn its pages." Michael Dumas - Artist, Naturalist
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