I was born and raised in Montreal where I pursued a love of painting, modern dance and writing at the Musee des Beaux Arts, the Saidye Bronfman Centre and Concordia University. 

After completing a BFA I moved to Toronto, studied mime, read poetry and continued to paint and exhibit while raising a family. 

In 1996 I returned to university, earning a MFA in Visual Art, 1998, at Vermont College, Norwich University. 

My long-standing interest in the visual art of writers led to the creation of the Pteros Gallery.  During 2001 - 2005 the gallery presented over thirty exhibitions, readings and poetry book launches and proudly represented poet-artists Bill Bissett, Jim Christy and Joe Rosenblatt. It also sponsored and organized the installation of the Gwendolyn MacEwen Park Memorial (September, 2006).

I continue to paint and write about art. My works are included in Trinity College (Northrop Frye building) and many private collections across Canada.

Artemis by Virginia Dixon

 

We at Gallery ArtPlus are proud of the work we sell, inquire about our payment plans when considering a piece of art and take advantage of our FREE delivery service.

 

Gallery Hours: Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm; Saturday and Sunday by appointment

New Exhibit for the Winter

Revisiting our Artists - Valerie Kent

VALERIE KENT B.Ed., B.F.A., M.F.A.,O.C.T. is an experienced artist and teacher who paints in studio and en plein air. She studied at Ecole des Beaux Arts, Concordia University, University of Iowa, St. Francis Xavier University, York University, University of Toronto, Ontario Institute of Education. Valerie paints in watercolours, acrylics, oils and mixed media. She presents workshops and courses to art societies and at colleges throughout Ontario. In summer she leads art river cruises in France and land trips to Italy. Her artwork is in many collections worldwide and is represented by commercial galleries including Gallery Artplus in Belleville, Ontario. She writes articles for art publications and enjoys doing art demonstrations on television shows.

 

Artist Statement 2011 - Valerie Kent: I strive to communicate with my viewers. May our mutual artistic appreciations, pathways and artistic experiences join us together in renewing our sense of inspiration in all that is great about painting and paintings.

 

See below for one of her paintings on display right now in our gallery:

 

Sun Kissed Falls by Valerie Kent

 

We at Gallery ArtPlus are proud of the work we sell, inquire about our payment plans when considering a piece of art and take advantage of our FREE delivery service.

 

Gallery Hours: Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm; Saturday and Sunday by appointment

New Exhibit For the Winter

Revisiting Our Artists

This winter we have a new theme for our Gallery. We will be bringing back pieces we have displayed before, while integrating a few new items as well. We are calling this exhibition 'Revisiting Our Artists' as that is exactly what we will be doing. We will be rotating the gallery on a regular basis, but most of the items will be returning artwork. If you have a favourite painting you have seen here before let us know and we can try to put it on display for you. Come warm up in our gallery and take a journey with us to 'Revisit Our Artists.'

 

For a sneak peak of a few of the items on display please see below:

Blithe by Laurie Near

Forest In Yellow by Brian Lorimer

The East Bank by David Alexander

Red Red Rose by Edward Carson

 

We at Gallery ArtPlus are proud of the work we sell, inquire about our payment plans when considering a piece of art and take advantage of our FREE delivery service.

Gallery Hours: Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm; Saturday and Sunday by appointment

Arts & Crafts Hall Table

By Scott Chivers of Century Craftsman

This piece is a Century Craftsman original design. It is built from Tiger Maple and Walnut. The top of the table features hand cut, thick Tiger Maple veneers that are substantially thicker than a standard veneer, allowing the piece to be refinished if desired. The veneers are hand cut and are book matched to ensure that the grain is mirrored across the surface of the piece. The veneers have been placed on Baltic birch substrate which lends the piece further strength and durability. The base is made of Walnut and features Tiger Maple inlay and keys. The angled cut of the keys is mirrored in the angle of the base and adds to the Asian influence that can be found in the piece. The table has been finished in a hand rubbed varnish and is waxed with non-toxic finish. Unlike a piece that has been lacquered, it will not emit harmful fumes and is suitable for individuals who are chemically sensitive.

 

We at Gallery ArtPlus are proud of the work we sell, inquire about our payment plans when considering a piece of art and take advantage of our FREE delivery service.

Gallery Hours: Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm; Saturday and Sunday by appointment

The Craftsman

By Scott Chivers of Century Craftsman

Now open for twenty years, Century Craftsman builds quality furniture using the traditional methods of construction which stand the test of time. Century craftsman is dedicated to the traditional construction methods, superb quality and meticulous craftsmanship for which Mission furniture is renowned. They continue this tradition of combining quarter-sawn white oak, cherry and walnut with the timeless designs introduced at the turn of the century by Gustav Stickley. Each piece is handcrafted, numbered, dated and signed by the craftsman. Century Craftsman builds authentic pieces, designed to become collector's items a century from now.

 

We at Gallery ArtPlus are proud of the work we sell, inquire about our payment plans when considering a piece of art and take advantage of our FREE delivery service.

Gallery Hours: Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm; Saturday and Sunday by appointment

Mission Bookcase / Display Cabinet

By Scott Chivers of Century Craftsman

This piece is a Century Craftsman original design and is made from quarter-sawn white oak. This traditional method of cutting results in wood which does not shrink in a way that causes joints to loosen over time. All wood will shrink and swell over time, however by using quarter-sawn wood, it will shrink and swell in width, not length and thus not affect the stability and strength of the joints. The piece features beautiful ebony inlay. The doors feature pieces of antique glass and a sunray design inspired by those found on the windows of the Gamble House in Pasadena, California. Designed by architects Greene & Greene, it is a stunning example of the Arts & Crafts school of Design. The piece has been furnished inside and out. The back is also furnished, making it possible to position the piece in the middle of the room. It has been finished in an ahand rubbed varnish and waxed with a non-toxic finish. It has not been lacquered, and will not emit fumes which can cause problems for people who are sensitive to chemicals. This piece can also be made to order with different dimensions and can be custom built to fit your needs.

 

We at Gallery ArtPlus are proud of the work we sell, inquire about our payment plans when considering a piece of art and take advantage of our FREE delivery service.

Gallery Hours: Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm; Saturday and Sunday by appointment

Check out our Holiday Gift Guides on Facebook for some great gift giving ideas! We have available a selection of items for every budget! Click on the links below and they will take you to our album on Facebook displaying details of the items available to you. These include:

Gifts Under $10

Gifts Under $20

Gifts Under $50

Gifts Under $100

We at Gallery ArtPlus are proud of the work we sell, inquire about our payment plans when considering a piece of art and take advantage of our FREE delivery service.

Gallery Hours: Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm; Saturday and Sunday by appointment

Visit us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/galleryartplus) for your chance to enter our “12 Days of Christmas” Contest. From December 6 – 12 (excluding weekends) we will be posting a new question on Facebook daily. These questions will be about Gallery ArtPlus itself or different exhibits we have held. If you “like” our question on Facebook your name will be entered into a draw for that day to win the daily prize of a $10 gift card to Gallery ArtPlus. If you answer the question correctly your name will be entered in the draw twice, doubling your odds of winning that day. It’s an easy way to win a bit of extra money during the Holiday Season. Simply visit our fan page on Facebook and you could win! Snowman by Anja Hertle

During the mid-sixties, Paul Steels was exposed to the pleasures of the art world during his undergrad at the University of Windsor participating in drawing, art history, and sculpture classes. Now semi retired ,after a 31 year teaching career, Paul and his partner Betty-Ann started an adventure called “Forest Originals.” Together, they took hands-on courses with Dave Lyon, formerly of Warkworth, at his business, “From The Roots UP”. Steels has always had a fascination for the unique beauty of natural grain and faults found in wood products. They both admire and aim to enhance the beauty of natural grain, knots, worm holes, and other imperfections found in the wood they turn. Their finish of choice is Circa 1850 Tung and Teak oil, providing a protective, waterproof satin sheen that enhances the natural beauty of the wood they use. Paul and Betty-Anne make various bowls, candle holders and platters. Each project begins as a rough chunk of wood, shaped by a chain saw then turned to a desired shape while the wood is still wet. Drying takes up to a year or longer before final turnings on the lathe can be completed then the work is sanded before several applications of tung and teak oil are applied to finish the piece.

You can find Paul's latest work in our gallery boutique which is open Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm & Saturday's 11am - 5pm - Pssssssssst. These are great Father's Day gifts.

Medium elm bowl by Paul Steels - great Father's Day gift - $85

Medium Manitoba Maple bowl by Paul Steels - great Father's Day gift idea - $85

 

Large oils, colourful bold abstracts, plein air and florals can all be found in our latest exhibit "Bright, Bold & Beautiful", featuring the work of Pamela Carter, Martina Escudero-Wolf, Brandy Gale & Gudrun Gallo. The show will continue until Saturday June. 25th so be sure to visit the gallery before it ends. To view the paintings in the exhibit click here and for more information regarding the art and artists call 613 961 1977 x 231.

We at Gallery ArtPlus are proud of the work we sell, inquire about our payment plans when considering a piece of art and take advantage of our FREE delivery service.

Gallery Hours: Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm; Saturday 11am - 5pm; Sunday by appointment