Visual buffet

June is a big month for artists and art lovers in central Newfoundland.

Not only do the new blooms of flowers and greenery provide an endless supply of inspiration for those who use a brush, camera or potter's wheel, it is also the month when the Central Newfoundland Visual Arts Society shows off their wares.

The group is having an exhibit at the Gwendolyn Cooper Art Gallery in the Gordon Pinsent Centre for the Arts for the next four weeks.

While the work is on display already, an official opening will take place on June 9. The show consists of three dozen original works completed by CNVAS members.

The 2009 CNVAS Youth Art competition will also be held that evening, when winners will be announced at 7 p.m. at the gallery.

Immediately following that event, the group will hold its annual general meeting.

Vicky Knee, public relations director for CNVAS, said people who are not yet members are encouraged to visit the exhibit, attend the awards and even sign up as new members.

You do not have to be an artist, she said.

"You just have to like art," she said. "We have members who have never painted anything or created anything, but they support us. That is the neat thing about it. A lot of people do become involved with the actual artwork when they become members."

Membership does have benefits, Ms. Knee said.

In addition to receiving four newsletters a year, members also have the option to attend workshops the group facilitates annually.

"We have had soapstone-carving workshops in the past," she said. "We have done batik art, and printmaking is a big thing. Generally, the executive selects three workshops to be done throughout the course of the year. Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council are sponsors of our group. They provide a certain amount in subsidies so we can produce our newsletter and offer the workshops. The workshops are at a very high level of expertise."

The next workshop will be held on June 19, with renowned Newfoundland artist Julia Pickard presenting a session on en plein air, or painting in the outdoors.

CNVAS has been in existence for 30 years and presently boasts over 100 members.

In the late 1990s, the group was involved with a number of mural projects, which saw 15 local youth research, develop and design historical murals.

Last month, CNVAS was awarded a place in the NLAC's Hall of Honour in recognition of their contribution to art in central and the province as a whole.

Ms. Knee hopes June will be another great month for the group.

"We are hoping people will come out and support the exhibit and group," she said.