Sidney’s art community is preparing for a vibrant celebration of nature as the ArtSea Gallery hosts a new exhibition, The Wild and the Cultivated, from August 8 to 14 at Tulista Park. This unique event will feature three talented local artists who each explore the natural world through their own creative lens.
Visitors to the Sidney ArtSea Gallery Show can expect to see a rich mix of pottery, jewellery, and paintings. Each artwork offers a personal interpretation of nature, blending wild beauty with the peaceful charm of cultivated spaces. The show is free to attend and open daily, giving everyone a chance to enjoy and even purchase original artwork.
Sonia Lesage, a skilled ceramic artist, will present a collection of earthy pottery. Her pieces reflect the quiet elegance of the West Coast. Each bowl, cup, and vase is made not just to look beautiful, but also to be used and enjoyed. Her work brings the calm, natural feel of the coastal landscape into everyday life.
Dot Murray, the creative mind behind Busted Button, brings something special to the show. Her handmade jewellery features dried flowers and natural materials collected from local surroundings. Each item tells a story, capturing the colours and textures of gardens, fields, and forests. Her pieces are delicate, unique, and rooted in the spirit of the land.
Adding bold color and emotion to the gallery walls, painter Arabella Young will share her vibrant collection. Her art celebrates both the untamed wilderness of Vancouver Island and the carefully tended blooms from her own garden. With each brushstroke, she brings to life the harmony between wild landscapes and human care. Her work connects viewers to both personal and shared experiences with nature.
Together, these three artists offer a fresh and personal take on what it means to live close to nature. Their styles are different, but their connection to the environment ties everything together. The title The Wild and the Cultivated reflects this balance. It reminds us that beauty can be found in untouched wilderness and in well-tended spaces.
The Sidney ArtSea Gallery Show is more than an art event. It’s a chance for the community to come together, meet the artists, and support local talent. Each artist brings years of experience and a strong connection to the landscapes that inspire them. Their work is deeply personal and filled with care.
Visitors can expect a calm and welcoming space to explore. Whether it’s the smooth texture of pottery, the sparkle of a flower in a pendant, or the rich colors of a painted canvas, every piece offers something new to discover. The show invites people to slow down, look closely, and feel a deeper bond with the natural world around them.
The ArtSea Gallery is located at Tulista Park, a peaceful area by the water that adds to the overall experience. Many visitors enjoy walking in the park before or after viewing the show, making it a relaxing outing. The gallery is wheelchair accessible and open every day of the event, making it easy for everyone to attend.
The Sidney ArtSea Gallery Show encourages people to see the beauty in both the wild and the cultivated parts of life. Whether inspired by forests, gardens, or coastlines, each artwork reflects a piece of the place we call home. From August 8 to 14, this show will offer a meaningful and uplifting experience for art lovers of all ages.