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Well-known artist to headline Kamsack museum’s Artists’ Days

The Power House Museum in Kamsack is preparing to host its first-ever art show which will focus on the works of Kamsack district artists and then be followed by a workshop being led by a former resident who has made a name for himself as a portrait a

The Power House Museum in Kamsack is preparing to host its first-ever art show which will focus on the works of Kamsack district artists and then be followed by a workshop being led by a former resident who has made a name for himself as a portrait artist.

            At least 15 Kamsack artists have agreed to show their paintings or photography at the art show at the Ukrainian Catholic Hall on July 9, and Russell Thomas of Fort McMurray, Alta., a former resident who will be among the artists showing works, will be leading a workshop for 20 persons at the museum the next day.

            “The Kamsack Power House Museum is very proud of our museum with the collection and preservation of artifacts depicting the history of Kamsack and area,” said a release from the organizers of the Artists’ Day.

            “We also believe that we are a part of the bigger picture of the community,” the release said.

            “In January of every year, the program/event committee brainstorms ideas for events that would pertain to our mission statement and satisfy our community connection,” it said. “To that end, we would like to celebrate present day artists of Kamsack by sponsoring Artists’ Day in support and recognition of the amazing talent that lives amongst us.”

            The show of art work, including paintings, drawings and photography, will be displayed in the Ukrainian Catholic Hall and many of the items will be priced for sale, it said.

            As of last week, the following district artists have agreed to show pieces of their work alongside the works of Thomas: Sharon Rudy and Annette Purchase, photography; Brenda Andrews, fibre art; Austin Guenther, sketches; Sarina Paluck, acrylic and pencil art, and Brenda Kondratoff, Roger Moore, Marilyn Lachambre, Shaylene Zolkewich, Dustin Wilson and Jim Marsh, paintings. In addition several KCI students have indicated they will be contributing to the show.

            Admission to the show is $5 and refreshments and desserts will be available during the day.

            On the second day only 20 persons who will have registered by July 5 will be able to attend a painting workshop being led by Thomas.

            Thomas will bring all the supplies needed for this day, the release said. ”Expect the day to be a fun time combined with learning painting secrets.

            Persons may register by contacting Darlene Brown or Betty Dix or by going to dnownow@sasktel.net.

            Born and raised in Kamsack, Russell Thomas, son of Charles and Loraine, is a “prolific wild colour portrait artist,” who has lived in Fort McMurray, Alta. for over 20 years.

His signature style is said to be able to capture both people and animals in a way that has attracted fans from across Canada.

Russell has said he has found a way to marry his creative passion with his desire for helping communities. Over the last three years, he has done dozens of live paintings at charity events throughout Alberta, raising tens of thousands of dollars. His painting of Darby Allen, the Fort McMurray fire chief, went viral after he painted it while on evacuation with his family in Calgary in 2016. It helped inspire almost $100,000 in donations to the United Way.

Russell said he is excited to be returning to his hometown with a selection of works, including the portrait he did of Bruno, a homeless man who lived in the Kamsack area more than 30 years ago.