RESIDENT ARTISTS

To view a slideshow of work by resident artists please click here

The Kelowna Visual and Performing Arts Centre Society invites you to visit the studios and galleries of the following artist tenants at the Rotary Centre for the Arts:
 

Cherie Hanson
Cherie Hanson's artwork has appeared at the Kelowna Art Gallery, The Art Ark, The Alternator, The CNIB art auction, in Artscape, Artwalk, The Laughing Moon and as book illustrations. She is currently exploring digital techniques in creating her artwork; one of her digitally-altered photographs received an award of merit at a TONAC juried art show. She is also well-known in the drama world, having written, produced, directed, and costumed plays for over 20 years. In 2002, Cherie placed third in poetry at the Surrey Writer's Conference competition.

www.cheriehanson.com

Julia Trops
Julia was born in Calgary Alberta. After a failed attempt at university, she decided to join the military in search of self discipline, which she found in great abundance. After 12 years in the Canadian Air Force, living in almost every province in Canada, and tours of duty to Europe and the Middle East, she retired in 1997 and completed her Fine Arts Degree with Great Distinction. Julia works mainly with the figure and searches for new ways of its expression. She also teaches figure drawing and accepts commissions. Julia strongly believes in the integrity of education and knowledge and its application and influence in the creative process.

www.juliatrops.com

Janice Fingado
Janice was born and raised in upper New York state, attended Rochester Institute of Technology, and with her late husband travelled and lived in many areas of the world - see the map in her studio with all the pins. She took her first course in silversmithing in 1967 in Zurich, Switzerland, developed her knowledge of gemstones while living in Brazil, with more courses in England and Arizona - where she also attends the International Gem Show each year to select exciting and interesting stones, fossils, and pearls which become her one-of-a-kind designs. She offers a six-week Basics Course in silver and stone setting.

www.janicefingado.com


Tari DiBello
Inspired by her worldly travels, DiBello's works are reflective of her eccentric personality, views and unconventional approach to life. As a professional ice skater, publicist and promoter, DiBello developed a cosmopolitan view of the world and its inhabitants. Painting for over forty years, she is an accomplished artist who continued to find time to paint and sell her work, even while working abroad. DiBello relocated to Kelowna in 2000, with husband Tom (winemaker of CedarCreek Estate Winery), where she hung up her skates, in exchange for her paintbrush.

Now, painting full time for well over 7 years, DiBello has found solace working with a palette of bright, bold acrylics - incorporating organic materials and 3- dimensional elements mounted onto the canvas. Her focus on colour and texture in her most recent work is inspired by her travels to Cozumel, painting landscapes of vast open shorelines, reflecting brilliant hues of sapphire.

www.misstari.com
 

Mal Gagnon
Mal Gagnon was born in Vanguard, Saskatchewan and received his formal art training at the Alberta College of Art in Calgary, Alberta majoring in Advertising Art.  His popular detailed painting style has led to many private and corporate commissions among which include mining companies, financial institutions, insurance companies, golf courses and wineries. His passion for art and the Okanagan are evident in his many paintings that depict the beautiful scenery and exciting places of the Okanagan Valley.

www.malgagnon.com

Ponderosa Spinners, Weavers & Fibre Artists
The Ponderosa Spinners, Weavers & Fibre Artists Guild has over 50 members and have been in existence as an association for 29 years.  Some of the Ponderosa Spinners, Weavers & Fibre Artists Guild members were involved with KVPACS since its beginning.

Contact:  Kirsti Jarrett at (250) 764-0767
 

Potters Addict Ceramic Art Centre - Bonnie Anderson
Potters Addict is dedicated to the advancement of pottery, sculpture, clay art and related decorative techniques.  Their team wants to create public awareness, especially with children, through teaching the therapeutic, creative, fun, entertaining and educational value and possibilities of working with clay.

Bonnie Anderson, well known artist and owner of Potters Addict Ceramic Art Centre, studied at the University of Calgary where she triple majored in painting, printmaking and ceramics.  All of Bonnie’s works are manufactured and sold in her small gallery at Potters Addict.
Bonnie tries to stay away form the “Traditional Styles” of ceramics, and enjoys creating funky Raku products.  Picasso and Matisse have been a great source of inspiration for Bonnie and are reflected in much of her work.  Women are the main themes in most of Bonnie’s work and women with a good sense of humor are those who purchase it.