The ArtFolks of Sechelt on the Sunshine Coast, British Columbia

These cybergalleries of paintings are an answer to the perennial question asked, "who are you and where are you going?" These creative works enable us to get a glimpse of the honesty and authenticity displayed in every stroke of paint. Peek into the multicoloured swirls of Cleo's imagination or the colour corralled by Teresa's carefully outlined forms. Dip into a world defined by the people most important to Lee who has gone from 'Elvis to genius' in such a short time. Ronald J. has settled into his heritage with unique wildlife portraits that have no counterpart in contemporary

art. Amanda is just beginning to break loose on bigger canvas using vibrant hues she mixes herself. Jen, who is able to play with form and texture in a wonderful way, is on her journey to fully expressing her talent.

Three professional artists volunteer each Monday in the Art Center Studio. Heather Waddell is dedicated to process painting or focusing on the act of painting rather than the outcome. Carmen Gerhig is devoted to artistic excellence. Gordon Munro brings a wealth of understanding to every session.

Ron loves to paint. He uses photographs but his pictures are portraits of the creatures in the wild rather than the traditional wildlife format. His paintings have a freshness and immediacy that are often lacking in more academic work on the commercial market. He has been supported in the past by a grant from the Sechelt Indian Band. His concentration and hard work make it imperative that he have a place he can paint in the company of his peers with the support of professional artists.

Lee draws continually. Now he using his gift for applying the right colour at the right time to make inspired canvasses of the people and places most important in his life. In the past he was fascinated by cultural icons such as Elvis. With encouragement and support he has done a powerful portrait of himself. People find his work challenges their concept of what is art as they read into his work their own emotions and unrealized feelings.

Before joining the Art Folks, Cleo hadn't revealed her special outlook on the world around her. Because her mother is an artist, she feels everyone can be creative. Look for domestic animals, buses, and flowers encased in glowing colourful rectangles that resemble works done by famous abstract expressionist painters.

Jennifer has loved expressing herself through art as long as she can remember. She is experimenting with different styles and themes. She is able to sketch people in a lifelike manner. This artist will be exciting to watch as her technique and knowledge grow.

As she sits down to compose her unique acrylic paintings, Teresa often smiles to herself with contentment. She has a great colour sense and mixes each one with precision. There is a sense of rhythm and harmony in her work. She is able to apply discipline and is rarely frustrated. Her favourite subjects are cats, flowers, mushrooms with dots for texture.