SAG pushes artists beyond their limits with new HAC display

Stonewall Art Group pushes artists beyond their limits with a new Heritage Art Centre display.

With December’s arrival comes a refresh to the Heritage Art Centre (HAC)’s lobby display uniquely designed by members of the Stonewall Art Group (SAG). For over a decade, SAG members have created three unique displays for the HAC lobby throughout the year, each composed of their own artwork.

Their last display of the year will share the works of 20 artists, encompassing the themes of Down on the Farm; Past, Present and Future; or Artist’s Choice. The topics were drawn from member suggestions, each hoping to push the artists to trying something new.

“SAG is a safe and welcoming community that encourages members to go beyond their comfort zones,” David Mackinder, SAG administrator, said. “We want to inspire members to create something they are not used to, allowing them to grow as artists.”

Mackinder will showcase three pieces of his own this display, reflecting the past, present and future of Quarry Park. This theme allowed him to explore different scenes beyond his favourable oceans and water photos. He based his artworks around the kilns of Quarry Park capturing how they have changed throughout the years.

“My past piece –– from approximately 1995 –– shows the original burned-down HAC with our grouping of three kilns showing their age,” Mackinder explained. “My present piece depicts the first rebuilt kiln and the construction site around it, with the demolition work on kiln two and three nearly complete. My future piece shows the one lonely rebuilt kiln as well as the new plaza,” he said.

Each of his works are done with water-based oil paints on canvas and are directly inspired bu the picturesque nature of the park. 

“It is such a beautiful park we get to hang out in each week and the whole bit on the deconstruction of the kilns got me thinking to put an artist’s spin on it.” 

Fellow SAG member Debbie Lockhart-Stewart had similar ideas to Mackinder, and decided to portray the past, present and future of Quarry Park, but she focused her pieces on the HAC.

“These buildings all have memories for me,” she said while explaining the importance of the park. “When my kids were little, they went there. I visit the HAC every week at art club. I live so close that I walk the trails often — it’s just a good familiar memory-making place for me.”

Her pieces are hand drawn with oil pencil crayons and include personal touches like young family members and sunsets that remind her of times spent with friends. She loves being able to add these personal additions to her images as it motivates her to continue being creative.

“When you work on art, you just get lost in it —  I can’t even describe it. Time stands still and you come out in this euphoria, especially if the project goes well,” she added. “If it doesn’t go well, you can use this opportunity to learn from it. Sometimes I put art off because it is such a big time commitment, but when I do get around to it, I always regret not doing it more. I might be a person of very few words, but I think the art speaks for itself.”

She is also working on a fourth piece for SAG’s December display, tuning into the theme of Past, Present and Future. Her final piece focuses on her son while he was young, currently as an 18-year-old, and in the future with an AI-projected image of him.

SAG’s display will be available for viewing during HAC’s operating hours until the end of February. Anyone interested in getting involved with future displays are invited to come to their weekly meet-ups, which take place every Monday from 1 to 4 p.m. at the HAC. Artists work on their own pieces while collaborating, inspiring and engaging with other local artists. 

“The group always welcomes new members of any skill or experience level,” Mackinder added.

For more information, email stonewallartgroup@gmail.com.