The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

VISUAL ARTIST Elizabeth Berry returned to the Princess Street Gallery in Habour Island, last Wednesday, where she’s been showcasing her work for the past sixteen years.

In its most recent exhibition, the gallery featured paintings done on location by Ms Berry, a Toronto based artist. Last winter, Ms Berry visited the island and painted local village scenes, the harbour, boats, the ocean and figurative work of school children. Ms Berry said she looked forward to connecting with people who know and love Harbour Island through her paintings.

“The familiar images such as the roosters, hens and chickens, the children in school uniforms and Sunday dresses. The fishermen, the village streets and ocean. I have many stories to tell about my inspiration; the beauty of Harbour Island, the children, the ocean and beach, the gardens and village scenes,” she said.

Charles Carey, Princess Street Gallery Owner, told Tribune Entertainment, even though Ms Berry’s work has been showcased in the gallery since its opening, they have never had an opening with Ms Berry.

“We always talked about having an actual opening show, but never did it. So we thought this would have been a great time to feature her with an exhibit opening, since the island is busy around this time. March is always a busy month on the island due to the Easter season. And there are families that are visiting from abroad on their Spring Break, so this is a popular time on Harbour Island,” said Mr Carey.

Ms Berry is one of the most talked about artists in the Princess Street Gallery, said Mr Carey. “People say they love the colours of her work. Her pieces capture life on Harbour Island: the children, the cottages, the ocean and the many personalities are relatable to people who visit,” he said.

Ms Berry said many of her paintings are done in oil on stretched canvas. Others are done in water-colour on quality water-colour paper. She said her pieces are unique because while she doesn’t draw, she paints in shapes. She described her paintings as “whimsical and spontaneous”.

Giving a brief on her background and relationship with the Princess Street Gallery, Ms Berry said: “I have been returning to Harbour Island from Canada each January and February for 25 years. My work has been on display at Princess Street Gallery for many years. I was a teacher and editor before attending the Ontario College of Art in Toronto.”

“I studied water-colour and drawing under top Toronto artists. I took part in the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition in the 80’s winning best in water-colour, two years in a row. Posters International discovered my work and did over 30 reproductions that were distributed world wide. I travel to European countries: Italy, France Greece and England to paint on location. In August I painted in the Canadian North.”

With at least 30 paintings hanging on display at the gallery, and 30 paintings unframed, Ms Berry said the exhibit will continue for the month of April. This show can be seen on Ms Berry’s website www.elizabethberry.com under the gallery album entitled; New Works 2013.