Join Paul Crawford as he paints an alternative art history based on the people, art and stories he has discovered over the past three decades. Admission is free but pre-registration is requested so we can make certain we have enough seats and refreshments set up to accommodate all those who are interested in attending. Free to attend. To register please call the gallery at (250) 493-2928 or email: reception@pentictonartgallery.com     

Chapter Two — Two Young Canadian Artists: At Home and Abroad — Part 1, Ronald Bladen (1918-1988) 
“A Picture is worth a thousand words…”        
1:00 pm Saturday February 18, 2023    

The first of this two part lecture will feature the work of Ronald Bladen (1918-1988), one of two artists included in the travelling exhibition, Two Young Canadian Artists: At Home and Abroad, first displayed at the Vancouver Art Gallery from January 22 – February 10, 1946 and then in Victoria where it was displayed at the Little Centre from October 8th – 20th, 1946.

We will explore the trajectories of each of these artists's careers and look at the incredible impact they both had on the art world and art history beyond the borders of Canada yet they both remain largely unknown here in Canada outside of occasionally showing up as a footnote in Canadian art history texts. In the catalogue that accompanied the exhibition Ina D.D. Uhthoff, a noted painter, art critic, educator a and friend of Emily Carr wrote the following about Ronald Bladen:

“A young artist who will go far: ‘Ronnie’ Bladen who is a native of Victoria, began to draw and paint in a manner that was entirely his own. His outlook and approach were simple, his style strong and restrained. A love of lines - beautiful and expressive – characterized his work. His canvases were virile, expressing mood. In 1936 ‘Ronnie’ went to San Francisco to study art. The work of the average Art School did not give him all he needed. He was always an individualist. He had something to express … he must express it as he felt it. He worked as a muralist in San Francisco, having several important commissions. This year he has been awarded a major scholarship to enable him to study in New York.”

Chapter Three —  Two Young Canadian Artists: At Home and Abroad — Part 2, William J. B. Newcombe (1908-1969)
“Living outside the frame…”
1:00 pm Saturday March 18, 2023

More information on chapter three and four will be released in the March/April Newsletter! ♦