– by Barry Mathias –
Red Tree Gallery has just celebrated its tenth anniversary. “Its success is a tribute to the members of this vibrant cooperative,” says Kathleen Lightman, one of the four original founders of the group. Situated in a small commercial centre at picturesque Hope Bay, the Gallery is a ‘must see’ for visitors, and a constant attraction for the residents of Pender Island.
“We operate throughout the year,” says Kathleen. From June to September we are open every day 10 a.m – 4 p.m., and from October to May we open Wednesday to Sunday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Gallery is known for the high quality and variety of the works it exhibits. The artist Diane Kremmer, whose intricate paintings won honorable mention in the International Juried Exhibition of Miniatures in Quebec is a long-time member of the co-op, while abstract painter James Wyper whose prints are distributed internationally, is the more recent.
The Gallery is an Aladdin’s cave: rich, acrylic abstract paintings by Judy Walker, and colourful acrylic landscapes and perceptive animal sketches by Hedi Kovacs, share space with unique poetic art pieces by Terry Chantler and delightful painted glass items by Susan Tait. There are two exceptional photographers: Dianne MacDonald and Eve Pollard, beautiful textiles by Mira Petrie and original jewellery by Jaime MacLean. The feature artist for August is Kathleen Lightman whose delicate silk fusion pictures are breathtaking.
Kathleen Lightman and the other three founding members, with the help of the B.C. Co-op Development Corp. (no longer in existence), learned how to set up an artists’ co-op. “It took us a year,” Kathleen says, “and our aim was to have a gallery within five years.” They began as a small group of between five and six who exhibited at seasonal shows. “Then a group of local Pender people built the Hope Bay complex, and in our fifth year we were able to acquire this attractive space and form The Red Tree Gallery.”
Everyone is allotted equal space in the gallery and each month one member becomes the feature artist. Occasionally, a guest artist is invited, and space is shared; a hanging committee ensures equality of wall space. A percentage of all sold items helps to run the gallery, and there are annual membership fees. They do not sell outside work on commission. “We have disproved two myths,” says Kathleen: “that organizing artists is like herding cats; and that co-ops don’t last.” She refers to the members’ “generosity of spirit.”
For ten years the Artistic Co-op has flourished. All members have equal importance and exhibit their work on an on-going basis. “Everyone serves in the gallery and shares the administrative duties,” Kathleen explains. “We take turns on the Board and, as well as building up our skills, each member brings different strengths to the organization.” The gallery welcomes applications for membership from talented artists.
Hope Bay provides docking facilities, an excellent restaurant, and has a number of fascinating small businesses. August would be an ideal month for a memorable visit to Red Tree Gallery. Make it happen!
