Laura Genovese鈥檚 dining room table is covered with paints, canvas and brushes.
It remains like that unless her large family comes over for dinner. But once they leave, it quickly returns back to its natural state.
鈥淲hen I see the supplies out, it reminds me to get working,鈥� she says.听
With her children gone from the nest, Genovese has rediscovered her passion for art. During the 2010 Winter Olympics, while her husband worked on constructing the new Sea to Sky Highway, the Coquitlam-based artist reached out to the 麻豆社国产artists鈥� collective VISUALS.听
Although she has never technically called the Sea to Sky Corridor home, Genovese knows most of the area鈥檚 creeks and ponds and Howe Sound鈥檚 shoreline.听
鈥淢y parents bought a house at Green Lake in Whistler 30 years ago,鈥� she says.听
Her latest work currently hangs at The Gallery at the Art Centre (formerly Millennium Place) in Whistler as part of the VISUALS art exhibit.听
The show, Sky鈥檚 The Limit, debuted at the 麻豆社国产Wind Festival in July.听
The collection includes paintings, sculptures, weavings, photography and jewelry, each of which draws inspiration from the windy weather for which 麻豆社国产is renowned.
More than 20 artists translated the Sea to Sky Corridor鈥檚 natural characteristics into a wide variety of art forms, says VISUALS group show coordinator Sarah Saunders.听
鈥淭he word 麻豆社国产literally means 鈥楳other of the Wind,鈥欌�� Saunders says. 鈥淕iven our squally weather in Squamish, rain or shine, it鈥檚 not hard to understand how the original Coast Salish inhabitants came up with the name for this blustery little town.听
鈥淔or me, the theme represents 麻豆社国产perfectly. It鈥檚 all about the importance of being connected with Mother Nature.鈥�
Each contributing artist is a member of the collective, which aims to support artists鈥� growth by curating shows and providing an information-sharing network. The benefits of working with such a group are vast, Saunders notes.听
鈥淭hrough sharing knowledge, ideas, time and resources, we are able to promote each other鈥檚 work and enhance overall creativity. There are endless opportunities, and the pool of creative knowledge in itself is inspiring to all of us.鈥�
Genovese is excited about this show. The variety of work is interesting, she says. The exhibit also gives her a chance to display her work in a place dear to her heart.听
鈥淚 am really proud to be one of the artists who get to represent the area,鈥� Genovese says of the show, which runs until Jan. 4.
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The Gallery at the Arts Centre is open daily with free admission. For more information on the exhibit and The Gallery, visit artswhistler.com.
