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All previous attendance records
were broken with more than 200 attending the event. Dodge introduced
new original pastel paintings inspired by expeditions to the
Himalayas of Northern India, Kenya, Galapagos and her own backyard
here at home in the Kawarthas.
Dodge has had the opportunity
to explore the Southern Hemisphere flora, fauna and skies in
Kenya in 2005, while in the summer of 2007; she expanded her
horizons as the accompanying artist on a month long Artists for
Conservation Flag Expedition to the Indian Himalayas for the
purposes of artistic field research. In 2008 she journeyed with
her husband to Ecuador to explore the Galapagos Islands.
I have had the privilege
of meeting first hand many animals who have later become the
theme of my art. I am motivated by the impact my art has on the
emotions of individuals when they become lost in a painting as
I do so many times when meeting and studying animals in their
natural environment. I am particular in my technique in order
to capture the essence of the creatures I study and to share
their story with others who may never be able to encounter first
hand a wild creature in its natural environment. This exhibit
is a celebration of these privileged relationships, my relationship
with God our creator, my friends and my fellow creatures.
This exhibit is a unique visual
journey beginning with a never before seen display of some of
Dodges childhood drawings starting in 1964 as a 2 1/2 year
old through to sketches done as a 15 year old in 1977 of the
backyard on the farm she grew up on. As you walk around the gallery
rotunda the journey continues with groupings of paintings inspired
by each of her exotic expeditions. The exhibit ends with paintings
inspired here at home in her own backyard of rural Lakefield.
As an added enhancement, guests have the opportunity to peruse
hardcover books photographically detailing Dodge in each location.
One of the books, written by Dodge and titled Friends of
Mine...An Artists Inspiration is available for purchase.
Friends of Mine" is a limited edition of 100 hardcover
books, hand-signed and sequentially numbered by the artist.
Dodge was honoured recently
at the 2009 County of Peterborough Awards of Recognition Civic
Ceremonies as an award recipient for Leadership in Arts and Culture.
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