The joy of art shows

Cloud Magic

Acrylic on canvas

4 x 6 feet

Barbara Muir © 2018

Three years ago I was in one of the most enjoyable art shows
of my life -- in an unexpected venue -- no not Florence, Paris
or New York City -- but Niagara Falls. The directors of the
Water for Life exhibition -- Angelina Herrera and Antoine Gaber
did a marvellous job, and so did the curators at the Niagara Falls
History Museum, in Niagara Falls, Canada.  My painting was
displayed beautifully with all of the other gorgeous work
in the show. It was a great and proud event where I reconnected
with artists I'd shown with before in Florence, Italy at the Biennale
like Steffie Wallace, and Wessel Huisman, and met new artist
friends like Gabrielle Fischer Horvath.

The team -- all of the artists and 

organizers in a group shot

Visitors to the gala opening, with
my painting on the far wall.

The main attractions of Niagara Falls are the beautiful waterfalls -- the
Canadian and the American falls are visible from the Canadian side. 
They are impressive -- magnificent, and wonderful symbols of everything
we love about water.   

And what was the inspiration for my work? Before the pandemic we
visited Nova Scotia every year. We own a 100+ year old schoolhouse
in that province, and when we're there I walk on our favourite beach
by the ocean every day.  I am always overcome with joy seeing the
beauty, hearing the sound of the waves, taking in the rich colours -- and
the view. 

We all need water to live, and for people like me being near
water, and seeing it is inspiring, and life affirming.  We so miss
being in our other home province.

Back in Toronto now we go to a gorgeous, huge park on the west end
of the city as often as we can.  It is the closest we can get to the ocean
feeling. On the edge of Lake Ontario Steven, my husband, and I feed
the birds.  And the geese, ducks, swans and seagulls know the sound
of Steven's voice. They swim and fly in from far out on the lake when
we arrive to see him, and to let him feed them. During the pandemic
these park visits have been so vital to helping us stay positive and hopeful.

Have an enjoying your past, envisioning your future, and delighting in your present day.