Even though I may not have an artistic bone in my body, I still love the chance to experience some good art.
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This weekend, I set out to experience some local art at the museum.
The Lloydminster Museum and Archives hosts rotating exhibits with something new every month or two.
The museum is one of my favourite places to visit, the building is beautiful, the staff are knowledgeable and there’s so much to learn.
This most recent exhibition features art by Oliver Holtby, a Barr Colonist. His family came with the original colonists, and he was a very artsy fellow.
Holtby was often sketching landscapes or uplifting spirits with music from his violin. He honed his skills and continued painting. He even sketched on the backs of envelopes or receipts utilizing any scrap paper that was available.
Holtby passed away at the age of 92, he was essential to the community’s cultural development.
I was amazed to see how detailed the paintings were. I was most surprised by an incredibly detailed sketch of a hand. It looked even more realistic than my own hand does as I look down at it now.
Holtby drew scenes around town and there’s some rough sketches before his final pieces. I’ve experienced a lot of different moments in my life, and I don’t think I could describe nearly any of them in detail. For Holtby, it almost seemed easy to recreate these stunning land-scapes and moments.
I’m not sure if it’s the way my brain works or not, but I can describe a scene in words, but I could never draw it out. My artistic skill stops at stick figures and poorly drawn buildings.
I highly recommend anyone with some time on their hands and $8, to go to view the museum and its exhibit. You’ll certainly learn something new, and you’ll get to experience some beautiful paintings that will transport you to a bygone era.
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