The Aurora Art Group has been around for 15 years, and Mary McLeod has been there right from the beginning.
The Prince Albert artist is one of only two original members of the group still active today. The group is putting the finishing touches on its annual show and sale, on display today at the Mann Art Gallery.
“It’s been pretty exciting. We’ve had a lot of changes over the years, but it’s been really good, McLeod said.
‘We’re a close-knit group f friends. We paint them together and put the show on together.”
This year’s show is being held at the Mann Art Gallery, as opposed to the Arts Centre, which has hosted for the past few years. It’s taking place inside the main gallery, which currently is displaying NO, I do not speak Cree by Audrey Dreaver, making the Aurora event a show within a show.
In addition to the art group members, the Aurora show will also feature two guest artists, Ben Hladun and Tom Gertz.
“Ben Hladun has so art across Canada. His work is just incredible,” McLeod said.
“It’s highly detailed.”
A former architect, Hladun is known for his intricate depictions of rural scenes.
Gertz works in three dimensions, producing fine pottery while also working on rustic found material pieces.
“Tom Gertz has awesome pottery vessels and he does amazing work as well,” McLeod said.
She looks forward to the annual show each year.
‘We spend the year painting, and it’s a time to exhibit what we’ve done all year. We get together and celebrate and eat. It’s always a good time,” she said.
The show features a cash bar, coffee and tea, and food catered by Shenanigans.
“It’s pretty exciting to see the show come together,” McLeod said. “It’s a lot of work, but everyone pulls together. It’s a lot of fun.”
The 15th annual Aurora Art Group show runs from 7-9 p.m. tonight. Tickets are available by calling 9813579 or at the door. The Aurora Art Group also includes Janice Autet, Forrest Dogger, Susan Prakash, Birgit Raduenz, Leah Joelson, Judie Relitz, Janelle Gosselin and Colleen Clunie.
A previous version of this story mispelled Judie Relitz as Hudie Relitz. The Herald regrets the error.
