Art in the Shuswap
"The Sleeping Land" by Jean Christie (Photo contributed)
By Celia Dyer
The Sorrento Seven: L to R: Lil Whitehead, Sharyn Olfert, Suzanne Dansereau, Jean Christie, Glenna Hayes, Nancy Alison and Bonnie Bacigalupo. (Photo contributed)
I came to the Shuswap from Ontario as a new teacher in 1990. I arrived in the hurly-burly of summer and it was not the quiet wilderness I was expecting. Sometime, somewhere in those early years, I bought an art card of a painting called “The Sleeping Land” by Sorrento artist Jean Christie. I still cherish that card because Jean’s brush had captured the serenity I had imagined. It helped me to feel at home.
Looking back on this busy Shuswap summer, it’s easy to be impressed by the quality and quantity of artistic endeavour in our creative community. Highlights included the Blind Bay Painters show and sale in June, the Blind Bay Hall Arts and Gifts show in July, and the Summer Pottery Sale in August.
Art this good in a small community doesn’t magically appear at events like these. Decades ago, Jean Christie was at the heart of a vibrant art scene that set the stage for the diversity and excellence of art we enjoy today.
Jean Christie (L) and Nancy Alison (R), co-founders of The Sorrento Seven, continue to inspire the Shuswap creative community. (Photo by Celia Dyer)
One of the first groups to encourage the potential of local artists was the Blind Bay Painters, whose home was the Blind Bay Hall. They began in the 60s and over time gained an enviable reputation as a gathering of accomplished artists. The group welcomed artists of all levels of experience and their sessions inspired a thriving art culture in our community.
Jean and several of her artist friends founded a group called The Sorrento Seven. The group included, at different times, Nancy Alison, Bonnie Bacigalupo, Jean Christie, Suzanne Dansereau, Judith Dodington, Glenna Hayes, Marjorie Herchak, Sharyn Olfert and Lil Whitehead. The main purpose was to create opportunities to showcase their work. They wowed art lovers with their shows for several years. Jean notes that “The Sorrento Seven was the backbone for our painting. Preparing for a show makes you work hard. And to be an artist, you have to do the work.”
Her longtime friend and fellow artist Nancy Alison concurs: “The group provided great incentive to get work done. We got along really well; we worked on our own and came together for shows.”
Another forum for local artists like Jean and Nancy was the venerable Shuswap Lake Festival of the Arts which was held every summer for over 30 years starting in the early 80s. The festival spanned 10 days and included everything from painting to pottery, fibre art, sculpture and photography. There were daily performing arts presentations, a children’s day and multiple venues for the public to enjoy the show.
"Sparkling Winter Day" by Nancy Alison (Photo contributed)
The Festival distinguished itself as an adjudicated exhibition that dedicated a portion of its profits to bursaries for aspiring artists. Every year, a piece was selected by a jury to become a part of the John Edgar Patterson Collection. For many years, the winners were displayed in prominent businesses like SASCU. It was a continual reminder of the outstanding talent flourishing in the Shuswap.
A recent visit with Jean and Nancy yielded insights that transcend a simple historical overview of art in the Shuswap. Age and health have kept them from their canvasses for a while, but their artistic souls are alive and well.
Both became productive artists once they found time in their busy lives. Jean worked as a Registered Nurse in Northern BC and raised five children with husband Doug before moving to the Shuswap. She says she started painting seriously “when my youngest was old enough to not eat my paints”. Nancy says that moving to the Shuswap in retirement allowed her to embrace her desire to paint more fully.
When asked what fuels their passion, they both highlight nature and the human spirit. Light, shadow and time of day spark Nancy’s creative spirit. “I saw the most amazing clouds the other night. They were mauve and peach and the edges were bright yellow. They begged to be painted.” Jean sees a moment in nature and thinks: “Maybe no one has seen this yet; I should paint it.” Both comment on the importance of generosity amongst artists. “It’s so vital to share skills with others”, says Jean.
Nancy says that she had never shown her work before coming to the Shuswap. “I barely showed it to my family. But the group created an energy that allowed everyone to advance.” The indelible memory of chatting with Jean and Nancy was the warmth and respect they still hold for one another. They are two exceptionally talented artists the Shuswap can be very proud to call our own. Mostly though, they are two lovely humans who represent the best of who we are.
