The Artists of Georgian Bay is the fifth book, and at 120 pages, the largest, in a series published and designed by independent publisher and graphic artist Andrea Hillo. Previous titles in her regional art book series include The Artists of Algonquin, The Artists of Muskoka, The Artists of Haliburton Highlands, and The Artists of Kawartha.
The Artists of Georgian Bay presents more than 320 stunning examples of the work of 41 contemporary artists who live or travel to the area to draw inspiration from the raw beauty of its landscape and its abundant wildlife. The book includes a foreword written by renowned wildlife artist Glen Loates, as well as reproductions of some of his internationally recognized art. Robert Bateman, whose work was included previously in the series, provided a tribute to Loates’ talent. Area Honourary Artist George McLean also is featured.
Of special interest is a tribute to Orillia-area artist David Beckett who passed away before the book went to print. Cover art is by artist Arnold Nogy. Former community newspaper editor and publisher Leonard Pizzey, who has collaborated with Andrea Hillo on all of the books in the series, served as copy editor and also wrote the introduction. The final page offers a dedication by the publisher to another dearly missed artist friend, Mendelson Joe.
An official book launch will be held on Sunday, September 8, from 1 –4 p.m. at the Craig Gallery in Meaford.
Numerous artists from the group of 41 will be at the launch to sign books, including Glen Loates and George McLean. Books will be available for purchase at the launch.
Starting Saturday, September 7, until Tuesday, October 8, the Craig Gallery will be exhibiting some of the works by the artists in the Artists of Georgian Bay book.
The Craig Gallery is located at 4 North Sykes St. Unit 1, Meaford.
Artists featured in the book are:
Dave Beckett – Tribute, Tony Bianco, Harvey Bodach, Barry Bowerman, Karen L Bowen, Cathy Boyd, Phil Chadwick, Philip Craig, Gordon Drysdale, Jay Favot, Carina Francioso, Christyn Grampola, Deb Grise, Alexandra Gronfors, Dwayne Harty, Mark Hope, David Huber, Debra Lynn Ireland, Kenneth Kirsch, Glen Loates, Deborah Masters, Alexandra McLaughlin, George McLean, Shannon Craig Morphew, Chris Morton, Lee Munn, Arnold Nogy, Duncan Neganigwane Pheasant, Lu Robitaille, Carole Rodrigue, John Stopciati, Brent Trach, Richard Vander Meer, Margarethe Vanderpas, Jessica Vergeer, Ivan Wheale, Jan Wheeler, Derek Wicks, Kent Wilkens, Wendy Wingfelder, and Nancy Yanaky.
Canada’s leading forces of art and culture have played considerable roles in the success of The Artists Books series by Andrea Hillo. They include renowned artists Robert Bateman, Glen Loates, George McLean, Michael Dumas, Dwayne Harty, artist/musician Mendelson Joe, and acclaimed author and journalist Roy MacGregor, all of whom share her deep respect and love for nature, wildlife and the great Canadian outdoors.
