Thrilled to Share My Latest Exhibit at Heron Rock Bistro

I’m excited to invite you to visit Heron Rock Bistro, one of my favourite local spots in the heart of James Bay.

This place holds a special meaning for me—it’s where I had my first date with my partner and where we continue to celebrate many of life’s milestones. So when the owner personally invited me to exhibit my work here, it felt like a perfect match.

Beginning Saturday, May 24th, and continuing through the season, a curated selection of my West Coast collection will be on display. The pieces range in size and price and are designed to capture the natural beauty of our coastal surroundings—available to enjoy whether you’re a local or just passing through our vibrant neighbourhood.

Come for the art, stay for the incredible food and welcoming atmosphere. Heron Rock truly is one of the gems of Victoria—I’d love for you to experience it for yourself.

Warmly,

Mara

2025 Spring ShowThe Spring Art Show is recognized island-wide as a superior exhibition and sale of original paintings, sculpture, clay, glass, fibre and textile arts, jewellry, metal and wood. The 2025 Show will open to the public on April 26, 2025.

The Point of View Challenge is a yearly event involving members of SPAC and the Sidney Camera Club.

Each fall, the Camera Club sponsors a competition that kicks-off their membership year. From the member-submitted photographs, the Camera Club votes for the top ten qualifiers which are then presented to SPAC members who, in turn, vote for one winning image.

SPAC members use the winning photo as inspiration to create their own interpretation of the subject in their chosen medium: painting, pottery, woodworks, fabric, glass, etc. 

The artwork is on display during the months of April and May at the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney.

Creations are available for sale, so visit this exhibition if you are looking for a unique piece of art!

This year I created a 3D piece and I enjoyed creating it so much!

Victoria FCA  SPRING SHOW 2025 Theme
Visual art has the power to move us and the works we create often inspire, provoke thought, bring joy and spark introspection. However, art is more than a product, it is an action. Driven by a need to communicate with others, the motivations and methods used are as infinite as the ways we choose to express ourselves.

But what drives us and why? Are they social commentaries, a form of self-expression, an impression of a particular event? Or perhaps created to evoke a particular feeling or to encapsulate a brief moment in time? More specifically, what ignites your imagination, who/what inspires you to create?

With these prompts in mind, we invite you to show us how you capture the world. Our Spring, 2025 exhibition is open-themed and will feature two-dimensional pieces in multiple genres and styles – from the photo-realistic to the fully abstracted – in a variety of mediums as per established FCA guidelines. 

Please note:

This open-themed exhibition is juried and classed as a ‘Qualifying’ show for signature status, will showcase recent works by Exhibiting FCA, AFCA and SFCA members in good standing of the Victoria Chapter and may be hung salon style. It is in-house, at ArtSea, and online.

BLOOM
March 20 - April 13, 2025
Opening celebration Sunday, March 23, 1:00 to 3:00 pm

Come join us for the 16th annual Bloom Show! It’s a magical escape from winter into a world of wonder. This year, the show is judged by the talented artist Donna Rose Law, whose beautiful piece is featured on the show poster.

The exhibition starts on Thursday, March 20 and runs until Sunday, April 13, 2025. There’s an opening reception on Sunday, March 23 from 1 to 3 pm, with JR & the Bad Ox Band, providing live old-style country music that "crosses over to 50's and 60's classics."

Come meet the artists, enjoy the show, and check out all the new items in our Gift Shop. Beginning with the Bloom show, our Spring hours are Thursday to Sunday, noon to 4:00 pm

Another rotation

this time around I went with pop art

something big bright colourful and a an incredible price during the duration of this show.

This term I have West Coast and orca paintings- at incredible special prices solely for the duration of this show.

If you haven’t yet, visit Heron Rock Bistro and meanwhile you taste the best food in town enjoy local art.

Opening Reception Feb 22, 1 to 3 pm

170 Goldfinch Road, Colwood

SNEAK PEEK CELEBRATES THE CREATIVITY OF ALL OUR MEMBERS, FROM

BEGINNERS TO PROFESSIONALS!

THE FIRST 60 SUBMISSIONS ARE FEATURED -

Stilllife: Art to Seize the Moment

Jan 31st to March 30th, 2025
Opening Gala: Feb 1st, 2-4 pm

For this exhibition, artists were invited to explore STILLlife in all its meanings and possibilities. While the classic concept of STILLlife can bring a carefully arranged scene to mind, the exhibition goes beyond tradition and embraces fresh interpretations of stillness. It celebrates how art can capture life and evokes the power and poignancy of being still.

I have submitted two very introspective pieces. Pure Vulnerability and Blind Justice.

(you can find more information and details visiting the shop- artworks on canvas - nudes)

Show Dates:  January 15 to February 23

Submission Deadline: January 11

Intake:  1-4pm, January 12

Pick Up: February 21

Contact Arts & Culture Colwood Society ~Art Gallery~

170 Goldfinch Road, Colwood, BC V9C 3M8
Jan 16th to Feb 16th, 2025

This Juried show in the ‘season of love’ will celebrate poetry’s connection to the visual arts with an exhibition of your 2 and 3 dimensional original artworks inspired by poetry or song lyrics, from any era, famous or unpublished, or your own, that expresses love and longing. Your interpretation is welcome. It does not have to refer to romantic love.

And I am thrilled t share I received my Acceptance email and my piece “What's left behind” has been juried in! and will be part of this incredible exhibition.

Jan 5th to April 2025

This community favourite brings together incredible works from local artist all at fabulous prices. This is a show that usually sells many pieces in the first weeks of the show.

I have 3 pieces from my newest collection “Into the Silky Ocean”

Located at the Juan De Fuca Recreational centre with wide hours for you to visit.

Heron Rock Bistro Dec to Feb 2025 Rotation

Extremely happy to do another rotation here because I love this place. this is where we have our first date with my partner 8 years ago and this is where I celebrated my birthday more than a few times including this year!

This rotation is all ephemeral and west coast misty!

from Dec 2025 to Feb 2025 come over and enjoy my artworks at an incredible price to thank everyone at the Heron Rock Bistro for all they do!

We have sold 2 pieces in this show!

Extremely happy to do another rotation here because I love this place. this is where we have our first date with my partner 8 years ago and this is where I celebrated my birthday more than a few times including this year!

This rotation is all ephemeral and west coast misty!

from Dec 2025 to Feb 2025 come over and enjoy my artworks at an incredible price to thank everyone at the Heron Rock Bistro for all they do!

Delighted to share with you that once again we will have a rotation of our works decorting the beautiful rooms at th Fourth Street Welless located at 9710 Fourth St #101, Sidney BC

if you were ever considerig Massage Therapy get in touch with Lisa

We have SOLD one of the pieces there so we replaced it with “Reverie” May 13.

Opening Public Gala: Saturday, 16 Nov, 2024, 2-4 pm
Show Dates: 15 Nov-24 Dec 2024

One gift virtually everyone can wish for others at this time of year is peace and joy. How do you, as an artist, pass on your joy? What does peace mean to you, and how can you convey that sentiment?  Is joy a colour, a landscape, a portrait, a symbol, an animal, a song, a story?  Is peace stillness, a sound, a simple palette, a grounding, a scent, a practice, a poem, an unshakable belief— how can you impart that? 

Sooke Arts Council

2043 Church Road

November 13 to December 22

I wait all year for these shows! This season, I’ve poured my heart into creating a wonderful selection of giftable art, with pieces for everyone. From the cutest mini canvas artworks to locally sourced live-edge wood finished with resin, driftwood sculptures with copper feet, and hand-crafted cedar bases—each one is ready to hang on your tree, brighten up a wall, or even bring movement as a mobile, making a lovely year-round accent for any room.

While I do have a few pieces featuring cardinals, most are inspired by the West Coast, capturing the beauty of our beaches and wildlife that we all hold dear. Each piece is truly unique and would make an incredibly personal and memorable gift.

Hope to see you at the show and share this festive collection with you!

Delight in seasonal gifts and fine crafts by local artists Kerry O’Gorman, Heather Maciak, Wendy Picken, Sherry Robb & Mara Szyp.

DETAILS

Start:

December 13

End:

December 19

Show Times: 10am – 4pm, daily

ARTSEA GALLERY IN TULISTA PARK

9565 Fifth Street
Sidney,BC Canada

Once more I am thrilled to be showing my most eclectic abstractspieces at this favourite spot.

Come over for a bite to eat and enjoy my art and who is to know you fall in love with one of these pieces!

Gifts & Wishes

Wednesday, November 6, 2024 10:00 AM
Saturday, December 14, 2024 4:00 PM

Arts & Culture Colwood Society
170 Goldfinch Road Victoria, BC, V9C 1Y3 Canada (map)

Running from November 6th to December 14th, 2024, Gifts and Wishes is one of my favorite shows of the year, and I’ve poured my heart into creating a collection of giftable art with something for everyone. From 14×14 inches canvas pieces to live-edge wood art finished with resin, driftwood sculptures with copper accents, handcrafted cedar bases, and new and astonishing bright and colourful prints, each piece is ready to bring joy—whether it’s hung on your tree, brightens up a wall, or brings movement as a mobile for any room. Or in a rustic frame!

While I have a few pieces featuring cardinals, most are inspired by the West Coast, reflecting our love for the beaches and wildlife that fill our hearts. Every piece is truly one of a kind and would make a meaningful, personal gift this holiday season.

I can’t wait to share this special collection with you—hope to see you there!

Hosted by Arts & Culture Colwood

This community favourite brings together incredible works from local artist all at fabulous prices. This is a show that usually sells many pieces in the first weeks of the show.

I have 3 pieces that are loved by many of my followers.

Located at the Juan De Fuca Recreational centre with wide hours for you to visit.

in the photo you can see "Half Dreaming" and "reflections" both available for sale

and "Solace" is there too!

Group of Independent Artist Showcasing their works together in rotating locations

This show has 6 pieces of mine

All for collecting

September 8 and ongoing for 2 months.

Another incredible show at Alexander’s Coffee Shop

I love this place

I love the story

I love the owners

I love the many many years they have been supporting local artists and I am blessed to be yet again here with them!

Friday October 4th to Sunday November 10th. 

Gallery Hours of Operation: Fridays-Sundays 11:00-4:00

Opening Event: Saturday October 5th

What keeps you up at night? What scares you? What excites you? What art expresses your inner landscape that is accessed in the intimacy of the nighttime?  We can travel to a different world in our dreams at night and awaken our imagination. For this exhibition, we are looking for art of any medium, 2d or 3d, realism or abstraction that expresses art from the dark: of the night and from our depths.

and I will have a 3D artwork that was juried in for this excellent show and some paintings and driftwood and live edge and greeting cards on the beautiful gift shop at the gallery! and ill be working Oct 6!

A collaboration of Sooke Arts Council and

Sooke Writers' Collective for a unique art show

featuring art created in response to poetry.

I hav created a ethereal piece to Mark Smith's poem "We'll do not work today"

This piece has SOLD

JULY 10TH - AUGUST 3RD

The Art Show hours: Wed/Thurs/Fri 10am -3pm & Saturday Noon - 4pm

Location: 170 Goldfinch Road, Colwood

Featuring our many Visual Art Members; this show will bring diversity and unique engagement for the public to enjoy! This show brings opportunity for new member artists and returning member artists to bring their art to engage with the public.

Community Art Shows featuring our local artists, brings to us a storytelling medium to convey feelings, concepts and experiences that invites the audience to journey through a range of feelings from wonder to reflection. Every piece or art in this collection invites the viewer to relate to, consider and absorb messages that are present.

Join us for this community connected experience!

Mara wil be doing a demo, painting at the gallery July 13, 2 to.4 pm

As part of this community art show there will be a memorial section of artwork featuring Andrea England, who passed away recently. Andrea was a beloved visual artist known to many on the South Island. A special tribute to her by her husband will take place on July 13th & July 27th at 1:30. (30 minutes long)

The Art Show hours: Wed/Thurs/Fri 10am -3pm & Saturday Noon - 4pm

Location: 170 Goldfinch Road, Colwood

Location

Show Dates: July 10 to Aug 18 (6 Weeks)

Gallery: 2043 Church Road, Sooke, BC

Gallery Phone: 250.642.0208

Hours of Operation:

Wed - Sun, 11am to 4pm

The Sooke Arts Council is a registered not-for-profit society funded by the BC Arts council and the District of Sooke.

InspIration: A meditation in mindfulness, as in wherever you go, there you are. Or, the spirit of “local”, of community, people and heroes, of the land that sustains us.

Pieces of Me: A Story of Self delves into the intricate layers of human identity. Through various mediums such as painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media, this show offers diverse perspectives on what it means to be an individual in today’s complex world.

Each piece in the exhibition serves as a fragment of the artist’s inner self, expressing their unique experiences, beliefs, and struggles. From introspective self-portraits to abstract representations of personal journeys, “Pieces of Me” invites viewers to reflect on their identities and consider humanity’s multifaceted nature.

Showcasing a range of voices and narratives, our richness of diversity while also highlighting the common threads that connect us all. Whether exploring themes of culture, gender, race, or spirituality, each artwork contributes to a larger conversation about the complexities of self-discovery and acceptance.

“Pieces of Me” is a visual feast for the senses and a profound exploration of what it means to exist as individuals in a world where identity is constantly evolving. It challenges viewers to look beyond surface appearances and engage with the deeper truths that unite us. Through art, we can uncover the many pieces of ourselves and embrace the beauty of our shared humanity.

“Rupture”

Our JDF (Juan deFuca Art Space) showcases many of our member Artists art work. This continuous Art Show is featured courtesy of West Shore Parks & Recreation near the Main entrance of the Recreation Facility.

All art work is available for sale by contacting the artist. On a quarterly basis the show is re created with new artists work and continuing artists with new work.

We hope you will come and see the beautiful art in this space!

Pieces participating in this exhibition

Lost (Juror’s Choice Award winer by Artpod Gallery)

Show: June 25 - July 1, 2024

Opening Reception Tuesday, June 25, 3:00pm - 4:30pm

Fortune Gallery ~ 537 Fisgard Street~ Victoria BC Canada ~ 12- 5pm daily

Two of my newest artworks were accepted to participate on this show.

Art is where we make meaning beyond words but, much like stories, art is dialogue often focusing on who, what, where and when. Like all good tales, the works we create, even the most abstracted, offer so much more upon closer ‘reading’. Prompting us to engage – to connect the dots, to think about the hows and whys – art works reveal themselves the more we look.

See how our artists are driven to create; what sparks their imagination and how it informs their work. Which locations speak to them – is it a particular spot at a very particular time of day? Who and/or what motivates them to express their ideas? With these prompts in mind, let us show you how we connect and capture the world in visual form.

A fun day for everyone. It will offer live music featuring local artists and students, the ever popular vintage car displays, bouncy castles, face painting, art and craft market and much more.

Cordova Bay Day will be spread over 5 venues: Haro, IDA Pharmacy, St David’s Church,(where you will find us!!!) he Cordova Bay Elementary School and Mattick’s Farm. A packed programme is promised to appeal, including information tables from Scouts Canada, Saanich Fusion FC, St John’s Ambulance, Scotia Bank, Saanich Parks, Saanich Police, Saanich Fire, Compost Education Centre and many more. A variety of hands-on activities for children such as face painting, balloons, Cub Car Racing, knot demonstrations, contests, popcorn, prize draws and many other surprises. New for this year will be an invitation to all children to arrive on their bicycles for a “best decorated bike contest”. Another exciting addition will be a demonstration by the Victoria Dancing Circle at Cordova Bay Elementary School and a performance by the Cordova Bay Ukulele Group.

Excited for this show! I have selected 3 pieces that indeed SHINE!

Two of my favourite gold abstracts and a people’s favurite “Our Secret Place”

Arts & Culture Colwood Society

Juan De Fuca Rec Centre ~ Art Space

March 3, 2024 and for 3 months

1767 Island Hwy, Victoria BC

During open hours

Another rotation the time to welcoming Spring!

I will have 3 pieces that will invite you to escape without moving!

Stay tuned for more details!

ABOUT FACE

....................

Art Show and Sale: April 10 to May 5

Sooke Art Council Gallery

Inspiration: The face of beauty in the people around us, in the face of things, in your face (self-portrait either literal or as an

abstraction) OR what are you facing? Face, not only as a part of the head but consider facial expression, countenance, identification. To stretch the concept for those who don’t do portraiture – many people see faces in physical objects – it’s called facial pareidolia.

Gallery: 2043 Church Road, Sooke, BC

Hours of Operation:

Wed - Sun, 11am to 4pm

Mary Winspear Centre • 2243 Beacon Avenue, Sidney, BC

Saturday April 27th 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday

April 28th 10 am to 4 pm

We SOLD 1 Large oil painting & 3 3D pieces and greeting cards!!!

What an exquisite delight! This exhibition holds a special place in my heart, as it is among my favorite events on the island. This year promises an extra layer of enchantment, as it marks the debut of my fusion of 3D sculptures alongside my beloved 2D paintings. I’ll be showcasing four captivating paintings in the main gallery, with an additional two gracing the gift shop. Amidst the myriad of artwork from remarkably talented local artists, my creations will shine brightly. It’s a singular weekend affair, yet brimming with unparalleled magnificence. This marks my second consecutive year participating in this venerable tradition, spanning an impressive 71 years of artistic excellence. You simply cannot afford to miss it!

I'm excited to share that I'll be participating in the upcoming show, "The Wonder of Water," hosted at the stunning Artpod gallery in Metchosin. Nestled in a picturesque rural village surrounded by cafes, a micro-brewery, art studios, historic sites, farms, parks, and trails, it's truly a magical place. I've been juried in with two of my beloved marine abstracts. I invite you to visit the show and experience this enchanting location for yourself!

The address is 4495 Happy Valley Rd, Metchosin, BC. The show runs from Friday to Sunday, 11 am to 4 pm each day.

Start April 12th to May 26th

Gala April 13th 2 pm

GUEST JUROR Samantha Dickie

The Point of View Challenge is taking place once again this season. Thanks to the Sidney Shutterbug Camera Club, we had a wonderful selection of photos to choose from. By popular vote of SPAC members, this year’s inspiration work is “Peggy’s Cove“, by Sharon L. O’Brien.

Now begins the adventure! Artist’s mission is to craft a masterpiece inspired by Peggy’s Cove. The interpretation might diverge from a direct replication of the scene. Certain elements of the photo could resonate deeply, triggering unique thoughts, emotions, or memories. The artist’s creation will be showcased alongside others at the Mary Winspear Centre throughout April and May 2024.

March 27 to April 13

170 Goldfinch Rd.

Featuring works from our Goldfinch members.... Opening March 27th at the Goldfinch Arts and Culture Centre.

I will have two 3D Driftwood artworks showing

Sadly I neve got the members only invitation to submit artworks on canvas but Sheryl invited me to submit 3D to not missed the embers only show as I have been a member for years.

this new art gallery is beautifu so I am very glad to be part of this show!

I am so pleased to announced his year I have been paired with Best Western Plus Emerald Isle Hotel located at 2306 Beacon Ave, Sidney BC

This year I have 8 pieces showing there and I cannot wait for you to visit their lobby and the stairs and find them!

March 15th till April 15th 2024

Dont mis our of this wonderful Art Event!

I'm thrilled to announce that from April 6th to May 3rd, I'll be presenting a collection of my smaller oil on canvas pieces capturing the splendour of our stunning West Coast. The venue for this showcase is The Place, within the Fairfield Gonzales Community Association, nestled at 1330 Fairfield Rd, Victoria BC V8S 5J1. It's an opportunity to immerse oneself in the beauty of nature's coastal wonders through my artistic lens. I look forward to sharing this experience with you.

I am so happy to announced I will be the Featured Artist at the Sooke Art Gallery for the month of March

Sooke Art Council

2043 Church Road, Sooke, BC

Excited and honoured

We will have canvas originals, driftwood artworks, resin pieces, watercolour original matted and greeting cards waiting for you!

Special prices during this event.

Starting March 9th we will be having a new rotation of amazing new and colourful abstract paintings

Not Fitting and Falling , Acrylic on canvas , 20x16 inches

Through the Waves, mixed media on canvas, 24x18 inches

Jade & Gold (award winning) mixed media on canvas, 20 x 16 inches

Turmoil , oil on canvas, 24x18 inches

Fractured , oil on canvas, 24 x 36 inch

Resilience , mixed media on canvas, 20x 16 inches framed

Keller , oil on canvas 14x 11 inches

located at 4136 Wilkinson Rd, Victoria, BC

Swing by for a drink and a bit to eat and enjoy local art!

PS: their cheesecake is amazing!

Sooke Arts Council

Gallery: 2043 Church Road, Sooke, BC

Art Show and Sale: February 28th to April 7th

Mystic Falls in Winter… of course, representing winter.

French Beach - Representing Autum

and

Little White Flowers - Representing Spring

Rotation of artworks each 3 months December 2023 to March 2024

1767 Island Hwy, Victoria, BC V9B 1J1

During open hours

Another wonderful rotation for this exclusives how for Coast Collective members now members of the Arts and Culture Colwood.

For the rotation starting December 2023 till March 2024, I carefullyI chose two seascape pieces that have been the favourite of many viewers and so I decided to showcase them here for you to see and they are both the last available pieces for purchase as well, “Somewhere in between” oil on canvas 20x16 inches & “Through the water, wave” 18x24 inches

Last updated Feb 27 2024