The Society of York Region Artists Is Celebrating 25th Anniversary, SOYRA Show

No, not the rain? Its January, and it is raining now. Some snow still on the ground and just on the weekend it was -14C. It is kind of hard to wander in the cold around Aurora with my camera(s) and with 3.5 year old.


I was afraid that my winter may be spent with my face against the window. However, the cold winter days aren’t so bad anymore, because I have realized rain-y, snow-y, freez-y days I can still have more of Aurora and be inside.


So if you wonder what’s up?

I got an invitation to cover the SOYRA (The Society of York Region Artists) show at the Aurora Cultural Centre. No doubt – I am nervous, but I will have Shawna Patenaude, SOYRA member and artist, on my side to guide me. It is my first show beside special family events I photographed in the past. I am going to practice the journalistic photography – this time for real. We shall see the results.

The opening reception of the SOYRA 25th anniversary exhibition starts Saturaday January 21, 2012 at the Aurora Cultural Centre, 1-4 pm. The exhibition will run until February 5th, 2012. The art of 62 SOYRA members, past and present, will be shown on all levels of the Aurora Cultural Centre building.

SOYRA was founded in September 1987 ‘to provide a forum for artists of all levels to exchange ideas, opinions and assist each other in the advancement of their artistic goals. This is achieved through art shows, field trips, study groups and instruction by recognized professional artists‘, SOYRA.

I am encouraging to visit and explore the world of art at the centre and meet the artists. I always loved art, just it took me a long time to figure out that I did; and I am very thankful for the digital camera technology because as simple as the paint brush is, or a pencil, or even crayon is, I would never be able to work it.


Here in Aurora my eyes opened when I saw solo exhibition by Shawna Patenaude (emerge into light) at the Skylight gallery (Town Hall) back in the October 2011 (Skylight Gallery, Emerge Into Light, Definitely Captivating & Worth Discovering). Also, I have realized now that knowing an artist creates special connection between you, art and the artist. Try it for yourself, the exhibit starts January 21, 2012 at the Aurora Cultural Centre.