VIDEO: Artists deliver funds for Meals on Wheels

Art enthusiasts and collectors wandered between sculptures and landscape paintings while meeting Lower Mainland artists at the West Fine Art Show over the Mother’s Day weekend.

Taking place at Glass House Estate Winery, a family-run vineyard and boutique in Langley, the art show aimed to raise money for Langley Meals on Wheels.

Now in its 29th show, spanning 17 years, the long-running event brought together 19 artists, with 25 per cent of art sales donated to the charity.

“It was gratifying to welcome more than a thousand visitors who enjoyed meeting with each artist under the musical umbrella of musicians and guitarists John Gilliat and Rossi,” said Langley artist and West Fine Art Show president Brian Croft.

During the opening evening on Friday, May 8, art show president and treasurer Shawn Siak presented Meals on Wheels executive director Shannon Woykin with a $2,000 cheque for the charity.

During the show, art sales amounted to $20,000, with 25 per cent going to Langley Meals on Wheels.

“We’ve had just a wonderful time,” said Croft. “Excellent show. Everybody’s had a fun time and the weather was perfect.”

The show has become familiar to many visitors over the years, particularly because of the venue at 23449 0 Ave., where artists say the setting has helped create a strong following.

“It’s always been good here, mostly because of the place,” said local artist Joyce Trygg. “We’ve been showing here for a few years, it’s really great.”

Trygg has participated in the show for about a decade and appreciated how the event is about more than selling artwork.

She described painting as “a very solitary activity,” making weekends like this an important opportunity to connect with other artists and the public.

“Even if you don’t sell a lot, it’s nice for people to come and say, ‘I love that,’” she said. “It makes you feel like you’re part of a group.”

Trygg works from a home studio near Fort Langley, close to Thunderbird Showpark, and has been painting most of her life.

Her work often focuses on animals and nature, inspired by the farmland and open space surrounding Langley.

“Living in and around Fort Langley with farms and trees and fields and animals, it’s hard not to like that.”

She also donated one of her paintings to the show raffle benefiting Meals on Wheels, continuing a tradition of supporting charities through her art.

“An artist once told me, when I was starting out, that don’t ever fall in love with your paintings. The purpose is to have them be out in the world.”

Meals on Wheels volunteers staffed the welcome desk throughout the weekend while speaking with visitors about the organization’s work in the community.

Volunteer coordinator Angie Ward said the group currently has about 380 active volunteers helping deliver meals and wellness checks.

“I love my job because I started out as a volunteer,” Ward reflected. “They inspire me every day.”

She described how the volunteers often become an important point of connection for clients.

Alongside Ward was volunteer Kim Sullivan, who joined the organization during the pandemic. She continues to deliver meals twice a week and helps pack food orders in Aldergrove.

Walking through the show for the first time, Sullivan said she was struck by both the atmosphere and the willingness of artists to support community causes.

“For today to walk around and see what the artists do, that’s been really impressive,” said Sullivan.

Ward agreed.

“Seeing the talent and that the artists are willing to share their talents, to help us do what we do for the community. It’s very nice to see,” said Ward.

Among the artists exhibiting this year was returning artist and former Vancouver Canucks goalie Richard Brodeur, known to hockey fans as “King Richard.”

Brodeur described himself as an expressionist painter whose work ranges from children playing hockey to landscapes and portraits.

The playful scenes of children playing hockey are inspired by his own childhood in Quebec, reflecting memories of backyard rinks and street games growing up.

“We played everywhere. My dad used to do a backyard rink. We played on the street. We played. That was religion for us.”

He added that moving between different subjects and genres of painting keeps him creatively engaged.

“Every genre has a different feeling and a different way of thinking before you paint.”

Brodeur said art became a lifeline after years of struggling with depression.

“Art saved my life. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t my art.”

After 10 years with the show, Brodeur keeps returning because of the people.

“You become friends,” he added. “I enjoy the people and that’s why I’m here.”