Art Exhibits

Over the past few years Guscott has developed a passion for writing which evolved into the creation of several children’s stories inspired by her children and grandchildren. As an already established artist, she decided to combine the two art forms with the result being the writing and illustrating of a number of delightful children’s books that have been well received and enjoyed by many friends and family members. Guscott believed the project could be taken a step further by creating an art exhibit based on both her children’s stories and many popular stories from the past several decades.

 

Guscott has always created art with the hope that it will bring happiness to others. “I anticipate that those who view my show will share in the joy that I have experienced when creating it. I simply want to share that joy through my own original stories, poems, and artwork, as well as through my artwork inspired by the stories, nursery rhymes, poems, and songs that are already loved by children, parents, and grandparents alike.”

Her reason for creating the show was to appeal to the young and the young at heart making it a nostalgic trip down memory lane for the entire family. She hopes that guests will have a renewed appreciation for a favourite childhood story or nursery rhyme, and the enjoyment of seeing new stories brought to life.

Guscott explains, “My children’s books are a labour of love inspired by my children and grandchildren. Family and friends are finding pleasure in sharing them with their children and grandchildren. I am pleased to have created an event whereby everyone can experience the joy and innocence felt by children, especially in these often difficult and troubling times.”

 

When asked about art and why it is important to her, she said, “Art is a wonderful form of expressing emotion and interpreting the world around me. I create based on that which catches my eye or my heart. Art doesn’t tell how I feel; it shows. It can be useful when I need to express emotions and feelings or when I need clarity, and allows me to create something new that will add value to my life. Art can be a record of that life, a sort of visual diary. Art can be controversial, political, spiritual, or it can simply be a lovely image. Art has an effect on how I feel and think, when I engage with it as a viewer standing in an art gallery or as a participant in its creation.”

 

Guscott has been creating visual art for over 25 years beginning exclusively in painting with watercolours and then branching out to oils, acrylics, graphite, and charcoal. She began writing during the stay-at-home days of the pandemic, which is when many of the artworks and stories were completed for her children’s books. Guscott explains how the painting process is enjoyable for its meditative aspects and the satisfaction and joy it brings upon completion. When it is appreciated and enjoyed by others she is inspired and encouraged to continue.

 

Why should you come and see the show? According to Guscott, “Many viewers of the show will likely experience a feeling of nostalgia as they wander through the gallery seeing stories, songs, and nursery rhymes that they haven’t thought of in years represented within the artwork hanging on the walls.

 

The show is about the joy that can be experienced through seeing and hearing newly created stories, as well as revisiting stories that may have brought us joy throughout our lives. It combines moments of pleasure from our past with our present lives. It is about experiencing a few moments of happiness in an often demanding and hectic life.

 

People are intrigued, and often surprised, by how deeply and powerfully they are able to connect to art. Art moves and inspires us, and frequently it simply entertains us. It is my hope that the people of the Callander and North Bay communities and surrounding areas, as well as visitors to the gallery from farther afield, will share the enjoyment that I have experienced in creating this art exhibit. Take a break from the busyness of life, and let your imagination run free for just a little while. Be a kid again!”

 

Join us on Saturday April 5th to take a trip down memory lane. The show will remain on display until Saturday May 3rd.

 

The operating hours for the Museum and Art Gallery are Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 – 5:00pm. We are located at 107 Lansdowne St. E. in Callander in the same building as the Callander Bay Heritage Museum. Please find us on Facebook for more information (@callandermuseum), phone us at 705-752-2282 or email us at museum@callander.ca. We hope to see you there!