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Illustrators Adorn Craigdarroch Castle

Every artist wants to share their work with the communities they live in. Not all of them have the opportunity. Events like the Christmas art show at Craigdarroch castle, in which the Island Illustrators Society participated, are crucial in the dialogue between artists and their audience.

"The Castle gets about 15,000 visitors over the Christmas period, so the work will be well viewed. Comments that I have received, mainly from staff, have been very favourable," said Karel Doruyter, President of the Island Illustrator's Society.

Above: Craigdarroch by David Smith

"All artists have their bios and business cards there. Also the visitors are given a brochure listing the work and all the contact details for each artist. In the past we have found that the exposure did help."

From December 1st, 2005 to January 3rd, 2006 the show was a fantastic opportunity for 19 of the society's members to display 27 works collectively. As they depend on exposure to make sales and gain recognition, partnerships and community connections are important for artists.

"Any community partnership is important. Any community exposure, where the artist can show their work and pass on contact information is valuable sooner or later," said Doruyter.

Above: Evening at the Castle by Clement Kwan

The IIS is an excellent example of how an arts organization can connect its members to a local audience and enrich the community with beautiful works of art. In addition to the Christmas show at Craigdarroch, the Society works hard to ensure value for members and Vancouver Island arts.

Doruyter said, "We have had a show of work at the Saanich Municipal Hall every year for the past 5 years. It has led to other commissions for members. As well, the IIS will be participating in the Centennial celebrations this year by creating special banners for the opening."

Since 1984, when four illustrators founded the IIS, it has been, "fostering and promoting a healthy environment for the art and craft of illustration." For the past 10 years the IIS has put on a theme show usually associated with an event or a building that was important at that time. In the last few years we have had "Illustrating Emily" at the Royal BC Museum,

Above: The Waveryn of Craigdarroch by Lynn Kingham

"Illustrating St.Ann's" at St.Ann's Academy, "Royal T" at the Empress Hotel, "Slow art - Slow Food" at the Greater Victoria Community Arts Council Gallery. This year one of our members approached Craigdarroch Castle.

Through all its public shows, the ISS, "enriches the community by making art and illustration available in a meaningful way." Doruyter also said that each show's theme enhances meaning for viewers and demonstrates how individual artists interpret the same subject matter differently. "It teaches the public how to look at things in a broader aspect."

So while they work towards personal and professional goals, this group of illustrators shares art, insight and beauty with our community.

More Information:
Karel Doruyter, President of the IIS
kareld@telus.net
www.islandillustrators.org
www.craigdarrochcastle.com

Story by Christine Hart

Jan 1, 2006