New artwork is hanging on the walls of the McMillan Arts Centre, just in time for the start of outdoor piano season at the arts centre's community garden.
Forest Bathing: An Immersive Celebration of Trees is a new exhibition by Kelly Corbett, Helen Utsal and April Lacheur, according to a news release by the MAC.
It brings together three Vancouver Island artists who share a deep-rooted love for the natural world. United by their reverence for trees but distinct in their artistic voices, these “tree huggers” invite everyone to step into a gallery transformed into a lush, soulful forest.
With almost 40 original paintings, the exhibit offers a visual experience akin to forest bathing — soothing, grounding, and rejuvenating. Each artist presents a unique interpretation of the forest, from vibrant abstractions to serene landscapes.
Come for the art, stay for the connection. Enter to win a free art print or take home a one-of-a-kind live edge mini painting. Meet the artists at the opening and share in their creative passion for the forest that inspires them. Let nature surround you — indoors.
Nature Re-Imaged was created by Mavis Pareis, who comes from from an academic and professional background in biology and psychology.
Over the years, there was no training other than a couple of informal, short term classes. Retirement, then returning to B.C. prompted the beginning of an exploration of a variety of mediums.
This was primarily through the observation of artist demonstrations of materials and techniques. Mavis’ collage work makes use of a variety of images and materials. Many of these use selections from photos (usually nature in origin) taken by her sons, primarily on Vancouver Island.
Sea Dreamer is a new art exhibit by by Emma Paveley, which invites viewers into a vivid, immersive world shaped by the power and beauty of the Pacific Ocean.
Featuring large-scale oil paintings of waves, this exhibition captures the movement, energy, and changing light of the sea.
Paveley paints with bold colour, fluid brushstrokes and invites a meaningful emotional connection with the viewer and their own experience with the sea.
Rooted in the wild beauty of B.C.'s west coast, Paveley’s work reflects a lifelong longing for the ocean — a dream realized through paint.
From towering surf to delicate sea foam, each piece conveys a reverence and fascination with the rhythms of water. The result is a collection that feels immense and powerful, like the sea: a sensory experience of salt, storm and sunlight.
All three exhibitions will be at the MAC until June 28.
The MAC's piano will be brought outside for the summer season, and put to great use for a Strawberry Social and Piano Party planned for 11 a.m. on June 10 at the MAC Community Garden.
The Neville Bowman Quartet will play a concert at the arts centre on June 21 at 7 p.m.
The quartet features Bowman on piano and vocals, Brian McMahon (bass and saxophone), Cara Mcleod (vocals) and James McRae (percussion).
Tickets are $33 at are available online through the MAC box office.
Brazen Poppy Bakery (402 - 554 Island Hwy E) has opened the new Brazen Gallery, which features revolving art exhibits by local artists, in partnership with the MAC.
The MAC is located at 133 McMillan St. in Parksville.
