BRITISH COLUMBIA ARTISTS  

Western Art Circle

1952 - 2002 - current?


The Western Art Circle was founded in 1952. Its Founding President was artist Mervyn Denton-Burgess. Artists known to have been affiliated with the group include John Planidin, Allyson MacBean, Jack Surridge, Gladys Lindemere, Gordon Kit Thorne, and Amelia Carr.


A Western Art Circle framing label

The Editor has a photocopy of the Third Annual Exhibition by Members' catalogue, courtesy of the Vancouver Art Gallery Library, and the City of Vancouver Archives has a copy of the 1960 Seventh Annual exhibition on file (see link below). OPUS Art Supply store lists an exhibition of the Western Art Circle, but no year is noted. Another link notes that the group was still active "after fifty years."

Three paintings were donated as prizes to the 1961 exhibition by Ed Lockey, Gladys Lindemere, and George Bates.


Exhibitions

DATE TITLE
1954? (First Annual Exhibition of Members' Paintings)
1955? (Second Annual Exhibition of Members' Paintings)
1956 June 26 - July 9 Third Annual Exhibition of Members' Paintings
1957? (Fourth Annual Exhibition of Members' Paintings)
1958? (Fifth Annual Exhibition of Members' Paintings)
1959? (Sixth Annual Exhibition of Members' Paintings)
1960? Seventh Annual Summer Exhibition
1961 Feb. ? - 26 Eighth Annual Winter Open Exhibition

References

https://searcharchives.vancouver.ca/western-art-circle-presents-seventh-annual-summer-exhibition-in-stanley-park-pavilion-june-28th-july-31st-1960

https://opusartsupplies.com/art_news/western-art-circle-notice/

Clippings

"Paintings by many of British Columbia's finest artists are now on display at the Maritime Museum in the Western Art Circle's Eighth Annual Winter Open Exhibition. There are more than 160 canvasses from all over the province. There are scenes, portraits and abstracts expressed in a variety of techniques and styles. The show continues daily from 2 to 9 p.m. through February 26. And some of the artists will be there at all times to discuss their exhibits with you. Admission charge is only 50 cents and your ticket can be used for as many visits as you care to make.

There'll also be a chance to win one of three paintings by well-known artists who have donated them as door prizes. The paintings are by Ed Lockey, Gladys Lindemere and George Bates. Drawing will take place March 2 at the first meeting of the Western Art Circle after the exhibition.

The Western Art Circle's annual open show is sponsored by the Vancouver Art, Historical and Scientific Association. Half of the proceeds from the show will go to the Maritime Museum's development fund. You can reach the Maritime Museum easily by bus. Just board Macdonald (No. 23) in the downtown area, it'll take you across Burrard Bridge to Cypress. Then walk north on Cypress to the museum."
      The BUZZER, Feb. 17 1961 Vol. 46 No. 7


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