by Corey Matsumoto

Skylight Art Studio & Supplies is an exciting new venture of David Perun. The bright, spacious studio space at 4482 Marine Avenue (downstairs from the bowling alley)is open to children of all ages for art classes, and to adults for art jams. The mission of Skylight Art Studio is to provide children and adults professional quality art materials and instruction in techniques to develop their artistic expression.

As the name suggests, art supplies are also an importanty aspect of the business. To accomodate both business models in the same space, Dave has structured the store hours to eliminate art lesson distractions by restricting open hours to 11am–1pm. Among the great selection of art supplies is the availability of canvas by the foot for custom frame dimensions.

David Perun’s art training includes a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Quebec in Montreal with a major in sculpture and a minor in printmaking. He spent 14 years as a Property Master in Vancouver’s film industry working on props for over 30 hollywood productions. He and his family discovered and moved to Powell River in 2005.

Perhaps one of the best aspects of Skylight is the wide open space and the ease of accesibility and interaction. During art jams, particpants are welcome to use paint or clay (all supplies are provided—just bring your painting clothes). Visit www.skylightart.ca for the weekly time schedule and for information about birthday party bookings.

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5th Avenue Studio and Gallery openned this summer at 4712A Marine Avenue. The Gallery hosts the work of two artists, Janet Blair and Donna van Eeghen.

Janet, originally from Barrie, Ont. moved with her family to Montreal during the Second World War where she grew up in the shadow of the Musee de Beaux Arts. Janet attended drawing and painting classes at the museum and then majored in painting and sculpture at Concordia University. Janet went on to run a successful gallery in Old Montreal for several years. She moved to Powell River in 1997 and hasn’t looked back. “Powell River has been kind to me and I hope my local murals reflect this.”

Donna, born in Powell River, was a local potter for 25 years and involved in the art scene for over 30 years. She hosted one of the first art exhibits in Powell River to showcase the work of local artists in 1978. She is president of the PR Fine Arts Association and past secretary of the Arts Council. “I waited all my life to discover the joy of colour. I consider myself a ‘naive outsider’ as I have never taken painting lessons and prefer not to be slotted into a genre.” Her work reflects her love of the ocean, “I love living here, where I can look out my window and see its immense and changing beauty.”

  Janet and Donna invite everyone to come down to the gallery to visit.