Gary Haggquist - Painter

The Forest Echoes at Cultus Lake is the home and studio of my favourite artist. I first met Gary Haggquist in 1993 while organizing his solo show at the Chilliwack Art Centre’s Downstairs Gallery. I was immediately captivated by his work and have been a big fan ever since. In writing of his work, Gary says “The natural world has always been my wellspring of inspiration. Memories of exploring the forests of my youth can still flood my senses with the sounds and smells of those wild places on the edge of suburbia.” Through his canvas’s Gary is able to take us with him as he explores this world in such a way that is beautiful to experience but difficult to explain in the limited space I have here. I urge you to see for yourself. Gary is currently represented by the Art Junction Gallery in Whistler and his work is also featured at Grey Area Gallery on Vedder Road.  You can learn more about Gary and see a full spectrum of his work at his new website www.garyhagggquist.com

Ted Dreidiger - Pottery

The Chilliwack area is rich with talent when it comes to potters, and a short drive out to Yarrow will take you to the home and studio of one of our finest and perhaps best known. Ted Driediger grew up in this area and has been honing his pottery skills in his studio here for the past 23 years. Inspired by the natural world around him, his love of gardening and his own drawing and painting skills, Ted produces a wide variety of pieces that are both decorative and functional. The rich earth tones of his work can be found in everything from the teapots and mugs, the functional serving dishes and sushi sets to the lovely large vases, plates and bowls. Ted tells us he is inspired also by the knowledge that he can always “do better” and also, perhaps most importantly, by his customers, many of whom have returned time and again over the years to add to their collection.
Unlike some artists who ship their works to other galleries and stores to be sold, Ted has always maintained a personal contact with the people who purchase his pottery. “Meeting with the people, helping them to choose the pieces, and having them take my work into their homes gives me a special sense of fulfillment. For me that completes the creative process.”
Ted has been a regular participant at the Arts Council’s annual Christmas Craft Market and as well holds his own studio show and sale each June and November. The studio, located on Yarrow Central Road just west of the #3 Road intersection is open to the public daily. You might want to call ahead just to be sure he’s there. Ted Driediger 604-823-6961.

Photographer - Stephan Baker

I found the silver lining in a cloud of frustration a couple of weeks ago and it reminded me again what it is that I love about Chilliwack: I can always find something (or someone) special that I didn’t know was here. The frustration had come as I made my way from store to store in search of Chilliwack postcards. I had assumed these would be readily available, but no! Any number of Vancouver or Whistler scenes but not one of Chilliwack! Finally, an inquiry at the Artisan led me to local photographer Stephan Baker and in short order, I had both a delightful assortment of original Chilliwack postcards and a new addition to my list of talented local artists. ~ Anita

Stephan’s focus with his photography is the natural beauty of British Columbia with a focus on the Fraser Valley. Stephan has been taking award winning photos for over seven years, and through his own initiatives has published a coffee table book showing off the beauty of Chilliwack and its surrounding area. Stephan’s aim is to capture nature as “it is” and to create awareness of the beauty that surrounds us in the Fraser Valley.
Stephan also has other products available which include cards, bookmarks and large prints. For more information about Stephan and the products he offers please visit his website: www.stephanbakerphotography.com

Grey Area Gallery

The newest addition to the gallery scene in Chilliwack, Grey Area Gallery, is a spacious contemporary display space that rivals big city galleries with it’s eclectic pieces featuring both established and emerging Canadian artists. Included in thegallery are works by two of our favourite local artists, Gary Haggquist and Vincent Mikuska.

It is refreshing to see such exhibits here that don’t only showcase photographic-like  representations of our world but boldly explore the abstract as well.

The space and lighting are beautiful and there is some scattered seating in order that you may relax while you ponder; a nice place to hang out for a bit on a rainy Chilliwack afternoon.

A wonderful benefit to having this open and funky space  is that it is available for rental for wedding receptions, corporate functions and presentations and even as a film set location.

If you are thinking of hosting an exclusive function that requires a secluded, high-style environment, contact proprietors Jacquie Simpson and Louisa de Vette  who describe their new gallery as “ a great venue to exercise our love for Art by participating with the Chilliwack arts community in offering a space to exhibit the works of local artists and a place of purchase for art collectors. We also feel pleased to be bringing in artists of other communities that have caught our attention for their unique and contemporary style of painting.  We represent over 40 artists in BC as well a couple of Alberta newcomers and look forward to the future as our search takes us across Canada  in search of great work as well as a larger scope of art forms from pottery to sculpture to wood works.”

Grey Area has an all new collection of paintings filling in their Winter Show highlighting Lyle Schultz profiled in Galleries West Magazine. Early into the new Year they will be hosting an evening of beautiful and unique jewelry from a Italian master Roberto Fioravanti.  Roberto will also be joined by two other artisans of his choice based on their precision of work and high craftsmanship.

Tuesday - Friday 10-5

Saturday 12-5.

Grey Area Gallery

The Simpson Building

101- 7408 Vedder Rd.

Chilliwack BC

V2R- 4E6

 

Cornerstone Gallery

Cornerstone Custom Picture Framing and Gallery at 8810 Young Road opened its doors for business on Oct.1, 2008.  This full service framing shop features a distinctive open-concept interior with an interactive framing design area and dedicated gallery space. Cornerstone Framing and Gallery offers innovative frame design service and the highest level of service and quality available.

“We are thrilled to open our doors and welcome Chilliwack to our new business. With outstanding service and our convenient location we think Cornerstone Framing and Gallery is going to be a favorite destination for the people of Chilliwack,” says Krista Butt, owner. Krista began her career in the art and framing world 13 years ago after moving to Ottawa and studying to become a Museum Technician. In Ottawa, Krista worked at the Ottawa Art Gallery and the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography where she developed her love for art and was ultimately introduced to picture framing as a career path. After moving back home to B.C, Krista has spent the last 10 years working in frame shops and galleries in Vancouver, White Rock and Chilliwack where she has lived since 2001. “Art enriches people’s lives, and personalizes our environments in a really meaningful way and as a framer, I am grateful to be a part of that process. Each piece of art or memorabilia that I frame has a story behind it, and it these stories and the wonderful people I get to meet as a result which make it exciting to come to work in the morning.”
The new store offers a large assortment of frame and matting samples, and the knowledgeable staff make choosing easy no matter what your project requires. All types of art- posters; original art; needlework; hockey jerseys and memorabilia are framed with the same attention to detail, expert workmanship and quality materials. Cornerstone Framing and Gallery also is pleased to offer in-house dry mounting, laminating and canvas transfer services with the use of the largest and most sophisticated piece of equipment in the industry.

In developing the vision for Cornerstone, we were excited to include a gallery space as a way to feature the talents of the local artists and artisans. We look forward to working together with painters, sculptors, and artisans of all types to develop our gallery and become a dynamic part of Chilliwack’s artistic community.