Living in Aurora, Town of Aurora, Ontario » Nancy Newman https://livinginaurora.ca Living In Aurora Ontario Canada Mon, 13 Jan 2020 19:51:13 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.0.38 Aurora Art Show 2013 at the Town Hall, A Lovely Evening Expressed https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/aurora-art-show-2013-at-the-town-hall-a-lovely-evening-expressed/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/aurora-art-show-2013-at-the-town-hall-a-lovely-evening-expressed/#comments Mon, 06 May 2013 01:39:48 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=10450 of unique and intriguing art on display that filled all three floors of our Town Hall.

Aurora Art Show, Town Hall


Great snack food & drinks and great choice of live music performed by Andy De Campos. Most of all great people who made this lovely event alive that evening.

The more I attended such events, more and more I feel like I am now connected with people in our community. I met and keep meeting many great people along my photographic blogging journey. I also owe big time our Aurora community for allowing me to explore and teach me how to appreciate how important is to be part of the community.

Nancy Newman, Aurora Art Show, Town Hall


Aurora Art Show, Town Hall


Mayor of Aurora, Aurora Art Show, Town Hall


I am learning. An art is a form of expression, and not just a painting or a photograph. An expression of feelings, moods and moments. We all express ourselves in a different, unique and original way and that evening was filled with all that.

I will repeat, we all express our selves in different way. Some through words and some through painting or playing a guitar or singing.

Aurora Art Show, Town Hall


Aurora Art Show, Town Hall


I now recall how Matthew felt going to JK. He was so happy to go to school but once he realized that I will not be with him in school his mood changed. He used to bring his artwork home and all it was a big black blob.

When he painted at home – there were rainbows, birthday cakes, people, carrots and many other colorful objects. He still misses me and asks for home school but he matured a lot since the first day of school. I see much more color in his school work, more rainbow colors.

Every art created has meaning, some express symbolically via abstract and some tell us directly that today is a beautiful day with a blue sky on the horizon.

I posted more photos on Facebook – Aurora Art Show in Black & White and Aurora Art Show 2013 in Color.

Feel free to follow or to be my friend on Facebook and thank you to Nancy Newman for a special invitation.

Aurora Art Show, Town Hall


Aurora Art Show, Town Hall


Andy De Campos, Aurora Art Show, Town Hall

]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/aurora-art-show-2013-at-the-town-hall-a-lovely-evening-expressed/feed/ 2 Photo Social And Photo Shooting During SOYRA Showcase 2013 https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/photo-social-and-photo-shooting-during-soyra-showcase-2013/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/photo-social-and-photo-shooting-during-soyra-showcase-2013/#comments Thu, 31 Jan 2013 04:07:09 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=9847 SOYRA Showcase 2013 reception at the Aurora Cultural Centre. If you have not seen it yet, I already had my first post out few days ago. It was my photography from the show in black and white, something different.

So you know the show is still on until February the 2nd, 2013.

SOYRA Showcase 2013, 2nd Floor Aurora Cultural Centre


As mentioned before I have few more photos to share with you. However, I must admit that on that day I was actually chatting more than photo shooting the showcase. Well if you get to see your friends once a year, of course there is a lot to talk about. When I arrived home and processed my images I realized that I had a little less than expected. Well you will just have to visit the show for yourself and experience the moment.

Introduction by Nancy Newman, SOYRA Showcase 2013, Aurora Cultural Centre


I was glad to meet again Nancy Newman, Shawna Patenaude, Zorica Miric and her husband, Jennifer Blacquiere and finally to meet Linda Welch in person.

This year was another interesting year for me especially because I realized that I am starting to recognize some of the artist’s work and their styles. I frequently drop by Nancy Newman’s website just to admire her floral paintings, and the more I stare at them – the harder it is to leave the site.

Red Wall, SOYRA Showcase 2013, Aurora Cultural Centre


There is something about those floral paintings – not just the detail, or the flower’s architecture, but that fine line between the reality and painted world. If there were real flowers and you look behind them you find whatever there is, but in her paintings behind those flowers there is mystery and suspense, and our imagination filled with more flowers.

Linda Welch & Shawna Patenaude, SOYRA Showcase 2013, Aurora Cultural Centre


Then there is Shawna Patenaude. She made a life time impression on us (especially Matthew) with her paintings of apples that were showcased at the Skylight Gallery at the Town Hall Aurora. This is when we met Shawna for the first time. She continues to paint these beautiful red and delicious apples and they were on the spotlight this year on the red wall at the Aurora Cultural Centre. I think we need Shawna’s reflection in one of those water drops.

More of Shawna’s work is exhibited at the Aurora Public Library until mid March, and there is more, not just apples – Capture the Light, Explorations in Oil by Shawna Patenaude.

Zorica Miric, Her Abstract Painting, SOYRA Showcase 2013, Aurora Cultural Centre


And what can I say about Zorica Miric. We share same background – yes we are both engineers, and we share appreciation for art. The only difference is that she paints and I do not. However, we both do enjoy abstract art as well. Last year Zorica’s abstract painting was one of the first sold. This year she exhibited similar one, and when I arrived I recognized her work immediately.

Oh and there is more about us, if I am not mistaken, we are both married to engineers, but there is small difference, her husband paints and my husband does not.

So me and Zorica had abstract conversation, but that somehow changed and next we were standing in front of framed photos, category – nudity. When comes to this type of art, this is where my cheeks get painted red, naturally, no brush required.

Blue Wall, SOYRA Showcase 2013, Aurora Cultural Centre


I continued to be impressed with Jennifer Blacquiere’s art. It is so realistic that sometimes I must admit I have doubts or I am not convinced that the painting is actually a painting, but on the end I do believe her. I frequently visit Jennifer’s website gallery and if you were standing close by my side, you be hearing many wow’s. Yes her paintings come with a ‘wow‘ factor.

Jennifer Blacquiere’s Art, SOYRA Showcase 2013, Aurora Cultural Centre


Interesting enough when you meet an artist most of the time you don’t talk about their art, just life in general. So I met Linda Welch and I didn’t even ask if she paints. All I know that she does excellent organizing work for SOYRA. I corresponded with Linda occasionally via this blog, and it was finally nice to meet her in person.

Daisies by Hans Martin, SOYRA Showcase 2013, Aurora Cultural Centre


I almost forgot I had a nice chat with Hans Martin whom I met just before I left for home. We talked about art galleries and photographing art, and then we span off to talk about Ukrainians, fields, borders, the war, etc. See how easy it is to start talking about something else – very easy.

I must admit that last Saturday I had enjoyable, educational and social outing and I hope to see you all again next year.

SOYRA Showcase 2013, Aurora Cultural Centre

]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/photo-social-and-photo-shooting-during-soyra-showcase-2013/feed/ 6 Society of York Region Artists Showcase 2013 at the Aurora Cultural Centre, A Teaser https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/society-of-york-region-artists-showcase-2013-at-the-aurora-cultural-centre-a-teaser/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/society-of-york-region-artists-showcase-2013-at-the-aurora-cultural-centre-a-teaser/#comments Mon, 28 Jan 2013 03:08:50 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=9816 SOYRA Showcase on January 21st, 2013 at the Aurora Cultural Centre. I never been a very big fan of galleries, but I changed. I actually enjoy being there, but with my Canon camera friend on my side.

Yes, this is a teaser post, because there is lot more I have to show. Plus it will be in color. I always try, but the harder I try I am having technical difficulties ‘squeezing’ all the images into one post. I like to group them by theme or mood. So today my first theme is black and white and people photography.

Society of York Region Artists Showcase 2013, Aurora Cultural Centre


I used to take photos in color and then convert them into black and white, but this is not the case anymore. I take them in black and white setting when I need to. The results are stunning and I can be little more free with my camera, that is not worrying about the blur on the photos.

Society of York Region Artists Showcase 2013, Aurora Cultural Centre


The beauty about photography is that you are never done, just like with Internet, it is impossible to finish. The opportunities are endless.

Why is black and white so intriguing? I don’t know yet. I just started to experiment with it recently.

Jennifer Blacquiere, Society of York Region Artists Showcase 2013, Aurora Cultural Centre


I think next time I go to photograph the show, I will wear a T-shirt saying ‘don’t be sorry, don’t be worry, I like people passing in front of my camera‘. It is true, I don’t care if you cut me off. It makes my photography a lot more interesting.

Society of York Region Artists Showcase 2013, Aurora Cultural Centre


They were calling for overcast. Lucky me got lots of sun that illuminated the Aurora Cultural Centre rooms and hallways. Well, for some scenarios it wasn’t good because of the back-light, other times it created interesting shadows and effects.

Society of York Region Artists Showcase 2013, Aurora Cultural Centre


The show is still on until February 2nd, 2013 if you have not visited yet, and guarantee that you will enjoy it. I did and I did for another reason. I got to see few artists who I met at the show last year and during the year, got to know couple more.

Society of York Region Artists Showcase 2013, Aurora Cultural Centre


I think I have been convinced. May be I bring one or two pieces for the show next year and guess what the theme will be Living in Aurora.

Society of York Region Artists Showcase 2013, Aurora Cultural Centre


Society of York Region Artists Showcase 2013, Aurora Cultural Centre


Hopefully you enjoyed my black and white teaser post and the photo below is my favorite. Nancy Newman on the right.

Society of York Region Artists Showcase 2013, Aurora Cultural Centre

]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/society-of-york-region-artists-showcase-2013-at-the-aurora-cultural-centre-a-teaser/feed/ 6 Painted & Photographed World At The 50th Annual Juried Art Show, Photographed https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/painted-photographed-world-at-the-50th-annual-juried-art-show-photographed/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/painted-photographed-world-at-the-50th-annual-juried-art-show-photographed/#comments Thu, 10 May 2012 04:57:03 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=6852 architecture, technology, characters and abstract captured by many talented artists.

Nancy Newman, 50th Annual Juried Art Show and Sale


Three floors of art during the 50th Annual Juried Art Show and Sale hosted by the Town of Aurora in association with the Society of York Region Artists. I arrived before noon on Saturday and already 16 art pieces were sold.

50th Annual Juried Art Show and Sale


50th Annual Juried Art Show and Sale


50th Annual Juried Art Show and Sale


50th Annual Juried Art Show and Sale


At the entrance I was welcomed by Nancy Newman and given a permission to photograph the show. I told her that last time few people thought I was the SNAP lady, but she said that I can be the BLOG lady this time and I like it.

It it nice to go places where you don’t feel alone. Knowing few artists and as well being surrounded by art of artists I know, now gives me a welcome feeling. I recognized Christine Valentini name on the Browning House and I spotted few paintings by Shawna Patenaude. I got to chat with Nancy a bit and then with Zorica Miric and her husband Nenad, both artists.

Artists, Zorica and Nenad Volunteering, 50th Annual Juried Art Show and Sale


When I saw bird photos on display it made me think about all the bird photos I have. I have been asked many times to display my photography. I don’t know yet, I am not sure, I cannot perform under pressure – so for now I will just report on art and everything else in Aurora. I actually prefer journalistic photography or photography for the purpose of preserving and documenting.

50th Annual Juried Art Show and Sale


Now back to the show and the art. Yes, it was three floors of art. When I arrived, starting with third floor, I noticed the youth category for youth 17 and under.

Youth Category, 50th Annual Juried Art Show and Sale


The Optimist Club of Aurora has contributed to make the youth category 17 and under possible – third year marked.

50th Annual Juried Art Show and Sale


50th Annual Juried Art Show and Sale


From display to another display, click, click, click and click, following people (no no, not stalking). ‘Oh this is my favorite‘ – he said. I trailed behind and I saw his pick, a nest full of blue eggs with a blue feather on the side. I wonder who created this surreal painting?

50th Annual Juried Art Show and Sale


Skylight Gallery, aha, new display panels. I hope they are new and not just for the show, but let us not forget that the art does the magic.

50th Annual Juried Art Show and Sale


I was a bit in the rush that day so I did not get artist names of the art I took close up photos. So if you see your painting or art here let me know your name and I will gladly add your name under my reporting on art photo but your art work.]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/painted-photographed-world-at-the-50th-annual-juried-art-show-photographed/feed/ 4 SOYRA Successful 25th Anniversary Celebration, Celebration of Art, My Footage https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/soyra-successful-25th-anniversary-celebration-celebration-of-art-my-footage/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/soyra-successful-25th-anniversary-celebration-celebration-of-art-my-footage/#comments Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:56:15 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=5399 SOYRA) on January 21st, 2012 held an opening reception for their 25th anniversary show and sale exhibition. I recommend that if you have a chance or you are in the area please do drop by.

Photos tell a thousand words but they do not tell the complete story. The art of over 60 artists is beautifully displayed on the first and second floor of the Aurora Cultural Centre and it will be there until February 4th.

Shawna Patenaude, Artist


Wet Apple - Green, Art by Shawna Patenaude


I arrived on time and people trailed. The rooms were filling up. I met up with my favorite artist, my guide that day, and a very friendly soul Shawna Patenaude (emerge into light). This was my second time to meet with her. Shawna is also the executive secretary at SOYRA and was instrumental in setting up the exhibit rooms.

SOYRA 25th Anniversary Celebration Exhibit, Aurora Cultural Centre


The opening reception was going to start in about forty five minutes so I had lots of time to walk around and explore, and of course to take photos of the paintings and artwork. Sometimes I wish I could operate paint brush like an artist – it is a skill and great talent and unique to each artist. But after all I am happy that at least I can operate my camera.

Herbert Pryke (Fall Reflection) and Zorica Miric (Red Connection)


Two paintings were sold and the show wasn’t even opened yet. Coincidentally one of the paintings sold, Red Connection, was by Zorica Miric who exhibited the same painting at the Skylight Gallery at the Town Hall, and I blogged about it back in November last year, Chores at the Town Hall, Skylight Gallery On The List Always. Another face to face encounter.

The other amazing painting sold was by another great artist Herbert Pryke, Fall Reflections.

Isaac Petch House by Jennifer Blacquiere


Something else caught my eye in the corner of the Red Gallery. Something I see all the time, the Isaac Petch House by Jennifer Blacquiere. At first I thought, a photograph? I never seen so much detail captured in the painting. Just the brick itself, the vine and the grass. Everything about this painting was so real.

Too bad that we will be saying a good-bye to the real thing anytime soon – Isaac Petch house is up for demolishing. That reminds me I should follow up on the log Petch house that has been undergoing restoration since last summer.

SOYRA New Logo


I never heard about SOYRA before so I wouldn’t know about the logo. I guess it was time for the makeover, and for another 25 years or more SOYRA will have a new logo, the swatch wheel in the O. Personally this is a very nice and elegant logo, not overwhelming, and definitely represents SOYRA members.

Nancy Newman, SOYRA President


I also got to meet interesting people, including Nancy Newman, President of the Toronto Watercolour Society (TWS) and the Society of York Region Artists (SOYRA), who is also a water colour artist. I visited her website and found everything she does and did in the past – very impressive portfolio.

Nancy Newman Speaking at the Opening Reception


Nancy Newman Speaking at the Opening Reception


Geoffrey Dawe Mayor of Aurora


Because of the invitation, I was much comfortable taking pictures of the opening reception. It was so nice to be part of this event, and I am amazed that for the size of the town we are, over fifty thousand people, how people still have special connections and friendships in the community.

Paintings by the SOYRA Founders


In the front podium three paintings were displayed by the original founders of SOYRA, including painting on the left by Ann Armstrong and painting on the right by her late husband. She was also at the reception.

Ann Armstrong, One of the Founders of SOYRA


Well how can I possibly summarize this great event in one post. Another blog post, and may be another blog post will follow. I will talk more about the magic on the wall and my personal observations.

Zorica Miric Looking at Paintings, Aurora Cultural Centre


Note I have submitted more pictures to be posted on SOYRA or Shawan’s Facebook, so please visit there to check for more event pictures.

Antique Wagon by Shawna Patenaude

]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/soyra-successful-25th-anniversary-celebration-celebration-of-art-my-footage/feed/ 2