Kitchener – On November 14 and 15, 2009 art lovers are invited to attend Box 09, a unique event which showcases fairly priced, original fine art created by local artists.

This two-day event, held at the old Boehmer Box Factory on the corner of Duke and Breithaupt Streets in Kitchener, features the work of seven artists: Cathy Farwell, Fatima Garzan, Irina Likholet, Darlean Morris, Michelle Salter, Erik Sansom, and Denise Strong. A percentage of all sales finalized during the show will be donated to The Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation (KWCF). Rosemary Smith, CEO of The KWCF will be guest curator this year.

Box 09 highlights the rich diversity of artists who are all members of The Crit Group. Their paintings, drawings, prints, photography, and sculpture range from beautifully rendered representational work to iconic pop pieces to energetic abstractions. “The Box 09 artists are extremely excited about our inaugural show and sale. We think Box is unique; a ‘made in Waterloo Region’ kind of event!” says Cathy Farwell, one of the artists and coordinator for the event. “Our vision recognizes the importance of reaching out to build strong, mutually beneficial relationships within the larger community, consistent with our Region’s spirit of collaboration.”

The artists:

Waterloo sculptor and mixed-media artist Cathy Farwell’s most recent body of work involves painting on chemically patinated copper surfaces, inspired by a love of the garden and things natural.

Fatima Garzan, from Waterloo, uses the dynamics of the geometrical force in her paintings and prints to explore the joy of being in a continual present and a tribute to the concept of “living in the moment.”

Kitchener painter Irina Likholet employs light to emphasize her love and dedication to representational art and to embrace its best features when speaking the traditional language with new insights about the modern world in her artwork.

Darlean Morris, from St. Marys, views nature with an eye on pattern and movement, light and shade, all in a balance with outer and inner meaning. Her work gives the viewer a glimpse into the world of abstraction, a visual language of colour, texture and form.

Michelle Salter’s mixed-media drawings search for insight and understanding in the ideas of rediscovery and process, thereby uncovering new potential in their application. Underlying her work is the questioning of what defines art and style. Salter lives in Stratford, Ontario.

Stratford’s Erik Sansom creates paintings that spring from his 30 years of experience as a nationally and internationally read cartoonist. His bright, bold paintings look at life through a funhouse mirror as he seeks to entertain his audience with imagery culled from their collective baby boomer youth.

Denise Strong, from the K-W area, finds inspiration for her paintings in both the natural world (especially Northern Ontario’s rugged beauty) and in abandoned buildings, where slowly nature is reclaiming what humans left behind.

Adds Farwell; “It’s an inspirational time to be involved with the arts! We hope the community will visit Box 09 and share in the excitement.”

On Saturday, November 14 and Sunday, November 15, 2009 Hours: 1:00 -5:00 pm
At the old Boehmer Box Factory. On the corner of Duke and Breithaupt St, Kitchener, ON. Free parking at Duke St. parking lot across from the main entrance