Living in Aurora, Town of Aurora, Ontario » SOYRA

First Major Snowstorm Is Here in Aurora, Dressing Up For The Art

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 00:44:40 +0000

It was a long wait for the snow and we finally got it, and it is in February. May be we should call it first Sesquicentennial snow storm. It has been snowing, snowing and snowing all day and it is still snowing. I didn’t come out to shovel the snow in the morning or lunch time. Some of our neighbours did it already twice, or three times by then.

I and Matthew watched the falling snow from each window in our house today. Snow drifts formed on our garage roof and at the entrance. Our BBQ height doubled. We watched neighbours bundled up and shoveling the snow. Few minutes later their tracks were covered.

Neighbour Shoveling Snow, Snowstorm in Aurora, Ontario

We watched neighbours helping each other. A man across the street shoveled his and the neighbour’s driveway for at least one. Then in the afternoon the other neighbour came from work and shoveled both driveways.

Another man, further up the street, shoveled his and his neighbours driveway. The lady arrived on the cleaned driveway then later she came out and shovel both driveways.

A man next door shoveled his driveway and then cleaned up our sidewalk as well.

Later before dinner I came out and I only lasted for 15 minutes. Snow in front of our porch was up to my knees. Snowplow came twice and formed snow pile in front of our driveway at least 24 inches high. We are very blessed to live in such a nice neighborhood where everyone is willing to help – I watched it all day long. Then later when my husband was shoveling the snow, a neighbour with his son helped. May be this is why we never moved, it is not just the house, it is a good neighbour.

Now to change a topic a bit. Here are some pictures that show ‘dressing up for the art’. Last year during SOYRA showcase I took many pictures and not even realizing I took some color to person matching photos.

I think you can figure out for yourself looking at the following three photos, themed with red shades, blue shades and black shades.

Happy Snow Day!

SOYRA 2012, Red Wall, Aurora Cultural Centre, Town of Aurora

SOYRA 2012, Blue Wall, Aurora Cultural Centre, Town of Aurora

SOYRA 2013, Next Room, Aurora Cultural Centre, Town of Aurora

G. W. Williams Secondary School Senior Art Show, Fearless Expressions

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 02:00:52 +0000

‘Not all who wander are lost‘. I wasn’t lost that day, but I was wandering.

It was announced at the SOYRA reception last Saturday that students from G. W. Williams Secondary School have their own gallery showcase on the second floor at the Aurora Cultural Centre. I visited that room last year, and I wasn’t going to miss it this year. One small room full of art created by G. W. Williams Secondary School students.

It was like walking into painters studio where the art is created, and not the gallery. Youth is fearless I must say. The room was artistic chaos, and not in the bad way, just full of fearless great expressions. Few caught my eye, and few got on my camera.

Lori Birkbeck, G. W. Williams S.S. Senior Art Gallery, Aurora Cultural Centre

G. W. Williams S.S. Senior Art Gallery, Aurora Cultural Centre

Mario Wang, G. W. Williams S.S. Senior Art Gallery, Aurora Cultural Centre

Photo Social And Photo Shooting During SOYRA Showcase 2013

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 04:07:09 +0000

Last weekend January 26th, 2013 I attended 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

Society of York Region Artists Showcase 2013 at the Aurora Cultural Centre, A Teaser

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 03:08:50 +0000

After being grounded for a month I arranged with my family to disappear for couple of hours to see the 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

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

Town Of Aurora In Paintings, 50th Annual Juried Art Show

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 10 May 2012 05:04:20 +0000

I was glad to see more of Aurora during the 50th Annual Juried Art Show and Sale presented by the Town of Aurora in association with the Society of York Region Artists.

George Browning House, Hillary House, Aurora Cultural Centre, Train Station and Vic’s Shoe Repair among others were on display.

George Browning House, A Tuscan Villa in Aurora by Christine Valentini

Unfortunate, unfortunate and unfortunate that is, that we were not able to preserve the George Browning House, but it is fortunate that we were able at least preserve it in paintings and photography. When I spotted the Browning House in the corner I immediately thought of Christine Valentini who I got to know via emails – right on, it was her art.

I was a bit in the rush that day so I did not all the names. So if you see your painting or art here let me know your name and I will gladly add your name to your photographed art work.

The George Browning House by Samantha Jones

The Historic Hillary House by Ingrid Vija Brooks

Aurora Railroad Station by Irma Gutsch

Vic's Shoe Repair. Aurora 50th Annual Juried Art Show

Painted & Photographed World At The 50th Annual Juried Art Show, Photographed

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 10 May 2012 04:57:03 +0000

Why painted and photographed world? World because at the art show there was everything in painting and photography that there is in the world – people, nature, 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

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

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.

Something Is Missing In The Aurora Cultural Centre

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 03:32:32 +0000

Once I looked at the walls of the Aurora Cultural Centre and thought – what were these diagonal scratch marks on the wall? As a matter of fact on the both sides.

It never occurred to me that they were the missing fire exit stairs. I guess with all the renovations and safety route implementation in the building there is no further need for such stairs. So that’s missing, but there is more …

Aurora Cultural Centre, Aurora

I don’t know if it just me but The Auroran our local newspaper did not have anything interesting written up in the past weeks. Not that it is the newspaper’s fault, just nothing that really interested me. I am glad that Bonnie Tiffin was back once with her Letter to the Editor some issues back.

Perhaps the next issue will have something interesting written up (I thought) and it did.

I was intrigued by two Letters to the Editors, ‘Cultural Centre should stand on its own two feet: reader‘ by Matt Maddocks and ‘Aurora High teacher has made good use of Cultural Centre‘ by Richard Markie, Head of Drama, Aurora High School.

Two very valid letters, Matt’s letter is eye opener for tax payers and Richard’s, oh I really don’t know what to call it, but it is encouraging to know that the centre is beneficial to many of us. No doubt, I have seen for myself that our Cultural Centre is being utilized effectively.

Well, between those letters there is something missing, perhaps some Aurora Cultural Centre’s financial transparency.

Matt wrote ‘In my experience, I’ve learned that when a business starts spending significant marketing dollars, it usually means profits are up. It can also mean the business anticipates growth‘.

I would like to add ‘may be they just got a good chunk of taxpayer dollar and they needed to justify the spending; and a full-page thank you was a bad move as it angered many of us‘. But then one can only assume such thought of mine. By the way, the Letter to Editor costs nothing and some write them to thank others – a hint here.

Well the list does not end here. In the beginning of the February I was invited to photograph the SOYRA show and sale event. It turned out to be a very successful show.

Visual Arts Class of Sacred Heart Catholic High School

During the same event, upstairs in one of the rooms it was last day art show for the Luisa Capelet’s Grade 12 Visual Arts Class of Sacred Heart Catholic High School. The art work for that show was inspired by Canadian Abstract Expressionist Cesan D’Ornellas Levine. There were paintings but there was also other art objects on the display.

Visual Arts Class of Sacred Heart Catholic High School

The same could be done for the Aurora history and museum artifacts. Library is already doing it and there is no one reason why Aurora Cultural Centre can do the same, but on the permanent basis. Yes, if there is no place for the museum at least we can share spaces.

‘Trust, honesty, humility, transparency and accountability are the building blocks of a positive reputation. Trust is the foundation of any relationship.’ ~ Mike Paul

Magic On The Wall, More Of SOYRA Exhibition

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:13:06 +0000

I took many many photographs of the art on the wall that is exhibited at the Aurora Cultural Centre. It is the SOYRA’s 25th anniversary show and sale exhibit which started last week and I had this great opportunity to participate. It was great experience to be at the show as the photographer and observer.

I never was a big critic of the art before and perhaps I am not now but photographing art helps me to zoom one piece at a time and see more, never mind to enjoy it for a longer period of time. I like to pay a lot attention to the backgrounds when I photograph. It really makes a big difference.