For the month of March, Arts Mosaic presents a solo exhibition by Virden’s very own brilliant artist and instructor of the practice, Cody McPhee. The exhibition opens March 8, with a reception set to begin at 6 p.m. where you will hear a musical performance by Virden Ukulele Club.
McPhee grew up in Neepawa, Manitoba. Early in life he became interested in art, winning numerous drawing awards throughout elementary school. While taking art classes at Neepawa Area Collegiate Institute, he was introduced to watercolours and clay.
After high school McPhee attended Brandon University where he studied history and English literature as well as fine arts mainly in drawing, painting, and art history. There he earned a degree in education.
McPhee and his wife and two kids live in Virden where he teaches at Virden Collegiate Institute. His classes include geography, history, art and he coaches basketball.
As an artist, he primarily works in pencil and charcoal, but has also moved into acrylic and oil painting, murals, and graphic design.
McPhee fits his own art practice into a busy life.
“I have decided to call this show ‘Find the Time’,” he says. “This isn’t a clever or thoughtful title, it is simply because, despite art being such a large part of my life for so long, other facets of life have become more important, and I find myself only making art when I can find the time.
“For this show, I have selected a sample of work that I feel best represents the different media and styles that I work in as well as my interests and heroes.”
STATION ACTIVITIES
The spring painting workshop for kids will explore beautiful tulip fields, painting with acrylic as the medium of expression; and ‘umbrella rainy day’ painting using watercolours, with instructor Opeyemi Olukotun. It is free however, donations are accepted. Young children under 10 must be supervised. Register in person or call 204-748-3014, spaces are limited.
The chess club meets Fridays after school and includes free lessons as needed.
Shoppers will find handmade artisan items at Mosaic market. The Station art and activities are located in the CPR Historic Centre on 6th Ave. S. in Virden.
Opeyemi Olukotun is Station Gallery Assistant
