Local artist showcased at municipal library through July
By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
John Watson Photo
Through the month of July, local artist Dianne Govrox is displaying and selling some of her works at the Strathmore Municipal Library.
Govrox said the exhibit is the culmination of several years’ work, much of which has been made from sustainable or recycled materials.
“The exhibit in Strathmore has a few pieces that I have been doing over the years. My latest are the underground series, which shows the different layers that the planet has,” she said. “In those paintings, I’ve used materials … like seashells and I do colors to enhance the picture and make it look like it would be underground.”
The idea, she added, is to get viewers thinking about the environment, and their own impacts on it.
“I just want to get people aware that we have a planet to take care of, and that things like watching our carbon footprint [are] important,” Govrox explained. “It’s very easy to go to the … craft store and pick up materials, but it is just as easy to go and reuse materials. That’s what I’m planning to do for all my future paintings.”
Another series on display showcases icebergs which were created with glow-in-the-dark paint. The series is meant to convey a message of environmental stewardship, similar to Govrox’s underground series.
The third series which features in the display are pieces made using epoxy resin that are designed to look like cross sections of geodes. Govrox added they can also serve as tables.
Govrox explained her original plan was to open a standalone gallery to display and sell her art, but was unable to do so due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Instead, when the opportunity arose to display at the library, she jumped at the chance.
“The opportunity came to me to do one show at the library, so I thought ‘I’m going to try it.’”
Govrox has also announced 20 per cent of the revenue generated from her sales will go back to supporting the Library.
The exhibit will be on display, as well as each piece being on sale until July 31. Govrox did not specify which, if any, of her art has sold since the launch of the exhibit, and will tally both her revenue, as well as her donation at the end of the month.
The Strathmore Municipal Library was contacted, though did not directly comment on the exhibit as the coordinator was unavailable and unable to be reached.