7 August - 20 September, 2026

Genevie Henderson

My intent in art is to portray beauty, magic and joy in life, necessary and essential states of mind in our changing world today. Symbolism is significant to me and has deep meaning for living my life. For example, the survival of waterlilies, the conceptual mythology of white birds, nature and women portrayed as theme all contribute to my life philosophy.

I use narratives, poems and quotes as adjuncts to my paintings to tell stories, provoke thoughts and express my views of life. It is my hope that my paintings will have deeper meaning and significance to the viewer.

My distinctive signature style is distinguished by passionate colour that in combination transforms my paintings into works with dazzling hues, images and motifs. I am intrigued with exotic costume, kimonos and tapestry. My paintings are recognizable through symbolism, stamping, markings, floating dots, and patterns that evolve into very original personal abstractions. Look closely, you may see the influence of Gustav Klimt who makes my artist’s heart sing.

My art is me, I am my art.

Quietude

Could it be that art can provide us with the power to access a place of stillness, calm and well being if only for a moment in time? Psychological studies of healing through art have supported this theory. As a retired health care professional, I have witnessed the power of art in counselling, healing and behaviour change.

As a visual artist, I can verify and confirm this concept. The art creation process is a source of meditation, healing and quiet joy. Focusing on making art is a productive emotional, intellectual and spiritual journey. In the stillness of my art room sanctuary, I experience the most precious peaceful moments as I immerse myself in the act of creating. “I am my art; my art is me.”

In our rapidly changing times, we are relentlessly bombarded with an overwhelming abundance of negative stimuli: technology, social media, political uncertainty, climate change, congested population, air, noise and light pollution. Rising mental health issues such as anxiety and depression are troubling. The search for solace, serenity and inner balance becomes even more urgent for our spirits and souls.

In this joyous exhibit of colourful beauty particularly in flowers, nature and dreams, viewing and contemplating art can fill the human need for hush and silence, transporting us to another time and place, limited only by our imagination. Through the visual and beautiful mindful quest of art in this exhibit, my hope is that the viewers’ thoughts will openly and freely take flight into a world of tranquility, peace and quietude.

“The places of quiet are going away, the churches, the woods, the libraries. And it is only in silence we can hear the voice inside of us which gives us true peace.” - James Rozoff

Kilroy J. Oldster in Dead Toad Scrolls maintains that art promotes a “profound state of peacefulness, an imperturbable stillness of mind. In stillness, a state of mental quietude, we enter the worldly womb of creativity.”

The Fibre Art Divas

The Fibre Art Divas formed as a group in 2014 to share their mutual interest in the fibre arts. They meet regularly, encouraging and supporting each other, contributing ideas, and gaining inspiration. On occasion they work on a themed exhibition together, doing so four times over the years.

The group is made up of 17 Manitoba Fibre Artists from Manitou, Oak Bluff, St. Claude, Carman, Headingley, Springfield, and Winnipeg.

Moments

The Fibre Art Divas have created a collection of nineteen fibre artworks representing the theme Moments. Each piece depicts a moment in time significant to the artist and is accompanied by an explanation.

This collection showcases a number of skillfully executed fibre art techniques, including hand-dyeing fabric, applique, machine quilting, wet and needle felting, thread painting, and embroidery. What every piece has in common is the use of stitch to tell a story.

Greta Loeppky

I’ve been told that if you have a desire to create, the skill can be learnt.

My artistic journey started by taking classes taught with Gail Sawatzky, here in Altona. The journey continued by spending hundreds of hours in front of the computer and then by taking numerous workshops with artists, which included Bonnie Roberts, Andrew McDermott and Gwen Fox, just to name a few.

I started working in acrylic paint and using different textures to create abstracts. Alcohol ink and watercolour were my next mediums of choice. In 2020, I applied and was accepted as a member of the Federation of Canadian Artists, which was started in 1941 by prominent members of the Group of Seven. I am presently an active member of the federation and chapter member.

I have had the privilege of exhibiting my art in the Penticton Art Gallery, Summerland Art Gallery, Peachland Art Gallery, Artisans of the Okanagan and Apex Ski Resort. I have also exhibited my artwork at the Summerland Waterfront Resort, where I have been the artist in residence and have facilitated workshops with the guests since 2015.

My paintings can be found in homes across Canada.

People Build Houses, Families Build Homes

People Build Houses, Families Build Homes is an exhibit of character homes in Altona painted in a whimsical style.

As a long term past resident, Altona has always had a special place in my heart. It was a wonderful place to raise a family and build lasting friendships. The houses depicted in these paintings are truly homes where people work and play together, celebrate special events, experience the ups and downs of life, and create life long memories.

People Build Houses, Families Build Homes is an exhibit of 16 houses. These houses, as the title of the exhibition indicates, were built by people, but are lived in by families. I hope you enjoy the exhibit.