Submitted. The Abbotsford Arts Council announces its next show at the Kariton Art Gallery: Memories of Minter, featuring a collection of pieces in photo art by Sandra McMartin.
Memories of Minter memorializes the beauty of that which once was one of the most beautiful gardens in the world: Minter Gardens, located at the foot of Mt. Cheam in Rosedale, BC.
Sandra McMartin photo
Since opening its gates in May 1980, Minter Gardens had been a popular destination for gardening enthusiasts of all ages. However, in more recent years, the attraction felt the pressure of declining tourism and a changing climate.
Together, these factors significantly impacted the long-term viability of operating an outdoor destination garden, and the Minter family decided to close the 32-acre show garden on October 14, 2013 (from mintergardens.com, June 25, 2013).
In Memories of Minter, Sandra McMartin captures many moments of beauty and diversity at this former landmark destination in the Fraser Valley.
Although she has owned a camera for most of her adult life, McMartin has only been using one as a tool for personal expression for the last few years. McMartin’s photography has won awards in the Canadian Association of Photographic Art (CAPA) Print Competition, the Lions Gate Celebration of Nature Competition and the Northwest Council of Camera Clubs Audio Visual Competition.
Memories of Minter will run from April 4 to April 29 at the Kariton Art Gallery, located in Mill Lake Park at 2387 Ware Street. The gallery’s hours are Tuesday to Friday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday to Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sandra McMartin will be present at an opening reception on Sunday, April 6, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Non-perishable food donations for the Abbotsford Food Bank will be accepted at the Kariton Art Gallery throughout the exhibition. For additional information, please contact the Abbotsford Arts Council by phone at (604) 852-9358, by email at abbotsfordartscouncil@gmail.com, or visit our website at abbotsfordartscouncil.org.
About the Abbotsford Arts Council
Established in 1972, the Abbotsford Arts Council acts as a resource for local artists while promoting the vision, creativity, and energy of the Abbotsford community through the arts. The Abbotsford Arts Council consists of members, volunteers and directors representing diverse artistic, economic, and cultural interests of community members of all ages. Nearly 70 local arts, heritage and culture organizations receive support under the umbrella of the Abbotsford Arts Council, and the talents of hundreds of local artists are showcased by the Abbotsford Arts Council each year at the Kariton Art Gallery and Boutique, the Envision Financial Coffee House Concert and Concert in the Park Series, the Arty Awards and the Christmas Artisan Gift Fair. To learn more about the Abbotsford Arts Council, visit abbotsfordartscouncil.org.
