Learn to see with new eyes

FOGO ISLAND - When you drive through Seldom, Fogo Island the immense size of the Wesley United Church is an art piece in itself. If the church could talk it would tell many stories of Fogo Island.

The church was built in 1910 and it closed its doors in 1996. Now the Shorefast Foundation has transformed Wesley United Church into an art gallery.

On Nov. 9 Thérèse Frère of Beauce County, Quebec held her own art exhibit there.

Ms. Frère came to Fogo Island some years ago and fell in love with the natural beauty of the place and the people. Her journey first started in Change Islands and she was then told about Fogo Island.

"I have been painting all over in Newfoundland and somebody told me about Change Islands and Fogo Island and I decided to come here," said Ms. Frère. "When I arrived here I said I am not going anywhere else-this is like painting all of Newfoundland. I am close to everything and I have a chance to concentrate in one spot and that is why I came here."

Ms. Frère is now 82-years-old and said she is not really sure when she first came to Fogo Island because she doesn't count the years now.

"It was a few years ago that I came and I came to see the place and I loved it and I loved the people and it was quite welcoming," said Ms. Frère. "It was cold and raining like it is today."

On her first arrival all the restaurants were closed and she ended up at the Decker's house.

"We were very welcomed and they kept me over night," said Ms. Frère. "Then I started painting and painting and I continued coming and coming and this is my fifth time here. I love painting this Island. I fell in love with this place and there is beauty everywhere."

In her lifetime she has tried many different types of mediums, but one teacher while she was attending the School of Art in Ottawa took them outside to paint.

"One teacher took us outside to paint and that gave me the idea and the preference to paint outside in my location," said Ms. Frère. "I paint right outside on location-it is the only way I can get the spirit of the place and I find that is the most important things to paint."

Joining Ms. Frère at the art show was up and coming artist Mark Adams who displayed some of his work but did not attend. Mr. Adams is a third year student at Sir Wilfred Grenfell College and works in painting, drawing, photography, serigraphy, video, graphics and other mediums. There was information provided by the Shorefast Foundation and of his art he said:

"In a better part of my work, I find that I'm constantly explorative between imagery provided by popular culture and imagery provided in the heritage of Newfoundland and its contemporary culture. Simply put, I am someone who is imaginative and realistic in the process of marking art and I believe it shows in the final images that I make," said Mr. Adams.

His work reflects his hometown on Fogo Island and the surrounding areas.

"I am also very fascinated with the ruins of human civilization, because we are able to learn so much from the work of lives behind us, be it an old piece of art, a shed or a simple bowl," said Mr. Adams. "I draw a lot of my inspiration from the work of artists like Christopher Pratt and Jon Wilkinson, who create very desolate, architectural spaces in their own work. I find I can relate with their work because it leaves one to just imagine and wonder about so many things in lie. Unlike many I know, I find comfort in these empty spaces and potential for so much to happen."

Ms. Frère said she is staying in Fogo Island for now because her work there is never done.

"I have to leave it to other artist to come also," said Ms. Frère. "To show the place with different spirit. This is what makes this place interesting and it brings multitudes of people to come and see it."

Ms. Frère love for Fogo Island and its people will forever be with her and she said she loves the place, the people and she is very well accepted, treated and secure.

"I don't have to worry about anything," said Ms. Frère. " This is my second home it is a very special place for me. We don't see things anymore. Learn to see with new eyes, the beauty of Fogo Island."

Starting on Nov. 14 the exhibit will be open to the public from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Fridays and 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. on Sundays at Wesley United Church in Seldom, Fogo Island. For viewings you can make appointments by calling 709-266-1083.