Two of the Nanaimo area's more noted artists are taking their work south this weekend.
Painters Nixie Barton and Grant Leier will step into the spotlight at the Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery in a special four-day exhibit and sale that marks a new direction for the gallery.
Rather than its usual focus on a mix of established and emerging local artists, the gallery is staging a show specifically focused on just two higher-end painters exhibiting new work.
"This is a departure for us but it will be such an honor to have these two great artists displaying and selling new work in the gallery," curator Leona Petrak aaid.
"The ever eclectic twosome will bring some of their juiciest pieces to dazzle the local audience," Ladsymith Arts Council studio artist and writer Sherry Bezanson added. "As professional full-time artists, waiting for the new work has everyone excited.
Bezanson said Leier's work is mixed media on canvas, or wood, and features his signature brilliant colour and engaging themes.meanwhile, Barton is working with acrylic and encaustic.
"I am revisiting figurative work from thirty years ago but with a dark twist, you may even see for yourself," Leier said. "Nixie is working in encaustic and mixed media on paper, investigating landscape based imagery with domino motifs and sewn embellishments."
Barton and Leier have shown nationally and internationally. Leier is best known for his magical and nostalgic work that has its roots within his illustrator background. Barton describes her work as having "a wonky sense of composition", with colours and strong patterns. Both artists include found objects in their work that entice the viewer.
"It is an honour to have two great artists displaying and selling new work in our gallery", said Petrak.
The show opens with a reception starting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 23 and runs until April 26.
For more, visit bartonandleiergallery.com.