Unart Uncommons

SEPTEMBER 22ND – NOVEMBER 4TH, 2023
Toni ONley Gallery

FEATURED ARTISTS:

Exhibition Artists: Lee Bale, Dave Cantine, Karen Cantine, Bob Dmytruk, Ray Harper, Mary Joyce, David Kleinsasser, Lynn Malin, Sharon Thompson, Sylvain Voyer, Wiz Wensel, & Marlena Wyman

Article Written by Paul Crawford

           For nearly a decade now, a gathering of artists has been taking place in Edmonton each Saturday, their collective presence standing as a testament to their seasoned experience and artistic maturity. This isn't a congregation of young, naive novices; rather, it's an assembly of individuals who have meticulously honed their craft over time. Bound together by a shared love for unabashed artistic expression, they convene in local cafés, where tables are pushed together, transforming the space into a hub of creative energy.

At the heart of this group lies a significant contingent of esteemed senior artists, their bond solidified by a notable common thread – many of them were once students of Dave Cantine's influential painting classes at the University of Alberta. This affiliation traces its roots back to the 1970s, a period when the foundation of their artistic journeys was being skillfully laid.

Gathered around these tables, bags are unzipped, and a carefully curated assortment of items emerges. These objects, once scattered across the tabletop, become subjects of exploration. They are arranged, rearranged, stacked, and dispersed in a symphony of creative thought. Amidst the chatter, jests, and hearty laughter, the narrative of their interactions unfolds.

At the core of this tightly knit group of friends lies a central figure who is fondly referred to as the "colour master." As time has passed, a natural evolution has given rise to distinct roles within this collective. There is the enigmatic "trickster," a catalyst of transformation, and the adept "joiner," weaving bonds between seemingly disparate elements. The "virtual virtuoso," the "lens," the masterful "dyer and weaver," the chronicler of community history, the passionate "activist," the visionary "designer," the captivating "animator-orator," and a guardian of nature - each member brings their own unique essence to this dynamic tapestry.

Their camaraderie is palpable, resonating through laughter, the playful manipulation of objects, and the free exchange of ideas. Conversations span a spectrum—gossip and confessions about health intermingle with reflections on art and creative processes. And as the day draws to a close, they disperse, each infused with a renewed vigor to face the challenges of their individual studio work.

But what unites them in this ceaseless activity? What thematic undercurrent guides their endeavors? What sustains their bond, and what invisible forces draw them together week after week? The questions abound: Was there a selection process, a membership test? Did a manifesto serve as their guiding light? The answers lie within the anecdotes, the laughter, and the shared creative drive that bind these artists in their quest to cheat death from the clutches of their daily artistic endeavors. ♦