Art Shows & Exhibitions 2024

  • Connections and Collaborations 2

    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

  • Peace & Joy Squared

    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? 

  • Small Works Art Sale

    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!

  • Heron Rock Bistro Art show

    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

    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!

  • Artist on Residence 2024

    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.

  • Juan De Fuca Rec. Open Space

    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!

  • Oak Bay Learning Centre

    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.

  • Alexander's Coffee Shop

    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!

  • Sleepless by ArtPod

    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!

  • Poetics by Sooke Arts Council

    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

  • Community Art Show

    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 Art Show

    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" ArtPod Art Gallery

    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”

  • Summer Open Space

    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)

  • Victoria: Summer Show

    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.

  • Cordova Bay Day Celebration

    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.

  • "Shine" Art Show + Sale

    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”

  • Spring Art Show

    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

    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

  • 71st Annual Arts and Craft Exhibition and Sale - SPRING SHOW 2024

    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!

  • The Wonder of Water - Art Show at ArtPod Gallery

    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

  • Point of View Challange

    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.

  • Goldfinch Art Space Members Show

    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!

  • Art Walk 2024

    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!

  • Art at The Place

    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.

  • Featured Artist Sooke Art Gallery

    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.

  • Crooked Goose Bistro Art Show

    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!

  • "Transformations" Art Show

    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

  • Juan De Fuca Rec. Centre year round ~

    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

  • More coming soon

    Last updated Feb 27 2024

Where to see Mara’s work

  • Juan De Fuca Rec. Centre year round ~

    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

  • Art Show at The Crooked Goose Bistro

    4136 Wilkinson Rd., Victoria, BC, Canada, V8Z 5A7

    From Dec 9 ongoing for 3 months you can find 4 of my original artworks on rotation.

    The first group of 4 includes West Coast Sceneries around Mill Bay Beach, Port Renfrew and East Sooke.

    All pieces are available for purchase.

  • Photo showing entrance to the Massey Gallery and in the middle you can see “Refuge” Mara’s juried painting, depicting a boat floating within the beautiful serene reflection of the sky in the water like-mirror.

    Winter Small Works Exhibition by Art Gallery of Greater Victoria

    We are pleased to announce that the Art Rental & Sales annual Winter Small Works Show & Sale will be on display in the Massey Sales Gallery from November 9, 2023 – January 27, 2024

    And this year I was accepted!

    I hope to see you there!

    -Photo showing entrance to the Massey Gallery and in the middle you can see “Refuge” Mara’s juried painting, depicting a boat floating within the beautiful serene reflection of the sky in the water like-mirror. -

  • Oak Bay Neighbourhood Learning Centre

    Nov 19 to Jan 2024

    (we SOLD Seagulls on this rotation and we replaced it with Aurum and it also SOLD!)

    Part of the IAG ongoing art show, in this rotation The First rotation we had 4 animal artworks, all of them are framed with a white wooden border.

    2 of them sold so we replaced them with 4 unique seascape abstracts, if you love sailboats, these are for you!

    Take a walk and enjoy them!

    Neighbourhood Learning Centre

    2121 Cadboro Bay Road,

    Victoria BC, V8R 5G4

  • Art Show + Sale at Alexander's

    2385 Beacon Ave W, Sidney, BC V8L 1X4

    November 19 to December2, 2023

    My second time doing a solo show at this favourite spot of many.

    Alexander’s Coffee Bar has been showcasing local artists for over 29 years.

    This place is family owned and run and you can feel it in every detail since you walk through their doors.

    I enjoy greatly having my artwork there and from Nov 19 till Dec 2, 2023 you can have a cortado and enjoy them too.

  • Mara with her husband and behind her juried painting "Reverie"

    Federation of Canadian Artists Victoria Chapter

    So happy to announce I was accepted for the show Fall 2023 by Federation of Canadian Artists Victoria Chapter

    at the beautiful Fortune Gallery

    537 Fisgard Street, Victoria, BC

    -Mara with her husband and behind them, her juried piece, “Reverie”-

  • Wild & Wonderful Art Show

    2043 Church Road in Sooke.

    October 11 to Nov 12, 2023

    2043 Church Road in Sooke.

    I strongly encourage you not to miss the Sooke Art Council (SAC) member art show, "Wild and Wonderful." You're in for a delightful experience when you visit! These artworks are a must-see to truly appreciate.

    I'm pleased to share that I have two exquisite dreamy landscapes on display. Both come with their own handcrafted solid wood frames. "Moonlight" is an oil on canvas, framed at 20x16 inches. Additionally, "String Lights by the Pier," another oil on canvas piece, measures 18x24 inches.

    The gallery and gift shop, where you might find some of my wood items for sale as well, are open from 11am to 4pm, Wednesday through Sunday.

  • Oak Bay Neighbourhood Learning Centre with the IAG group

    Sept 12/2023 to Dec 2023

    2121 Cadboro Bay Rd, Oak Bay, Greater, Victoria, BC V8R 5G4

    If you happen to be around Vancouver Island’s heart of Oak Bay and you love art you must visit this funky exhibitions with wonderful local artists that come together to bring great art to all communities!. Make sure you find my 4 pieces!!!

  • Coastal office September rotation

    September to December 2023

    9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday

    328 Wale Rd #132, Colwood, BC V9B 0J8

    Once again I have the pleasure to be showcasing a eclectic warm selection of pieces, the pieces are all under $400 and there is a mix between oils and acrylics, gold leaf details to decorate any office or home enviroment.

    To check out the pieces you are welcome also to email me directly if you see one you love! These pieces aren’t available at my shop.

  • YYJ Airport Art Show

    July 14, 2023 to October 6, 2023

    YYJ Airport ~ 1640 Electra Blvd, Sidney, BC V8L 5V4 `

    During my 20 years living in Canada I have gone home and visited Spain & Argentina a few times. So, I have departed and returned to the YYJ Airport on my adventures. To showcase my art for travellers will be an absolute treat that I have Victoria Arts Council to thank!

  • Juan De Fuca Rec. Centre year round ~ Rotation of artworks each 3 months

    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 September 3 till December, I carefullyI chose two very whimsical 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, “Botany Bay Spirit Island in the Mist & Siwash Rock in my dreams” from the collection “Reaching for the sky” for this rotation.

  • Coastal Offices Art Exhibit

    May 16 to September 2023

    9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday

    328 Wale Rd #132, Colwood, BC V9B 0J8

    Once again I have the pleasure to be showcasing almost an entire collection of my Animal artworks, and for the duration of this show all the pieces are at a special price!

    To check out the pieces you are welcome also to visit the shop and click under the category "Animals"

  • AGGV Paint In 2023 Moss Street

    July 15, 2023 from 11 to 4 pm

    (exact location will be updated early July!)

    Third year participating at this spectacular Art Event. Over 35 thousand people walk along the beautiful Moss street from Dallas Road to the Gallery and Szyp.ca will have their booth there once again to meet you all!

  • 'Expressions' Federation of Canadian Artist Victoria Chapter

    July 4th, and runs through Saturday, July 8th, 2023.

    Fortune Gallery, 537 Fisgard Street

    The show at Fortune Gallery opens Tuesday, July 4th, and runs through Saturday, July 8th, 2023. Our show reception is Tuesday, July 4th from 6:30 to 8pm. Light refreshments will be served.

  • The Collective Wine Bar & Kitchen

    June 14 to …

    230 Cook St #107, Victoria, BC V8V 3X3

    Extremely happy to have a solo show here, the owner, a dear friend of mine and I have been talking about this for years and we are finally able to do it!

  • Heron Rock Bistro

    Jan 30, 2023 to May 24, 2023

    4-435 Simcoe St Victoria BC V8V 4T4 Canada

    This has to be one of those “yay” moments!. Working towards sharing my work with you since day one.

    March 2017 to present! If anyone would have met me in 2014 and say “this will be your life”

    I wouldn’t have believed it!

    Learning so much on the way, everyday facing a different challenge or a learning curve around another facet about being a fine Art painter.

    Is not always fun and painting!

    But there are moments like yesterday meanwhile we were walking into the @heronrockbistro that I could feel my body vibrating with happiness!!!

    So many people came into my life thanks to the outgoing show I had there in 2018!

    My first sale on a show came from the @heronrockbistro