Tucked out of sight on the shore of Esquimalt Lagoon, is a rather unassuming building, which comes alive with creativity and culture the moment you step inside.
Managed by the Arts and Culture Colwood Society, the Goldfinch Arts Centre is fast becoming a destination for anyone wanting to explore their creative side or get lost in thought admiring the talents of local artists.
“We're really trying to become an arts hub for the community,” said Sunny Ba, arts program coordinator. “We don’t want to be ‘fine artsy’ and intimidating … we want to be more accessible to everyone – beginners to all sorts of skill levels.”
Currently, the volunteer-run arts centre is hosting an exhibition showcasing the up and coming talent from Ecole Royal Bay Secondary School.
Completed by artists in Grades 9 through 12, the Echoes & Emblems exhibition showcases a variety of mediums, including painting, drawing, ceramics, digital art and photography.
"We gave them the space so that they can have this experience of having their works displayed," said Ba, who notes this is the second exhibition curated by the school.
The students' art work is on display until May 4, with the gallery open to the public Thursday through to Sunday, 12 to 4 p.m.
With 260 society members bursting with ideas, Ba says activity will be "ramping up" at the centre this year.
Exhibitions have already been planned throughout the year, says Ba, with four member shows scheduled and a series of professional artists showing their work over the summer. The society also plans to offer more classes at the centre, from oil painting, water colours through to flower arranging.
"We want to keep busy with lots of activities, that are friendly for everyone," Ba said.
The next member show in July is titled ‘Don't judge a book by its cover’. “People are going to submit pieces inspired by their favourite books … it will be their interpretation of what the cover should be.”
In September, the society will host its fourth annual Lagoon Arts and Culture Festival, for the first time at the Goldfinch location.
“Now that we have this space, we really want to bring people to the art centre … that’s going to be a great event,” says Ba about the Sept. 13 festival.
The Goldfinch Arts Centre is located at 170 Goldfinch Rd. Free parking is available on site and the building is accessible. You can also access the building on foot or by bike from Lagoon Road or Anchorage Avenue.
For more information and to keep up-to-date with all the Arts and Culture Colwood Society news, visit the website: www.artsandculturecolwood.ca.
