By Thomas Hagey – Editor, Now Media News – Arts & Entertainment
EXTRA! EXTRA! EXTRA! … Breaking ARTS NEWS!
Local Artist Scheduled To Hang Alongside Two Canadian Art Icons This Summer
If passion for fine art, design, and inspired execution is a crime, then Cambridge artist Bill Schwarz is guilty on all fronts. And, if hard work and artistic integrity puts him in the company of notable others who are critically acclaimed and internationally significant… well then, perhaps it is fitting that they all hang together. And the hanging itself should be held publically.
We are talking about the refreshing, important, and developing style of local artist Bill Schwarz literally hanging on the walls beside the iconic works of Frederick Horsman Varley (founding member of The Group of Seven) and Homer Ransford Watson, Canadian artist, Doon, Ontario [1855-1936].
Homer Watson was a friend of Oscar Wilde who visited the Homer Watson Home several times… they exchanged letters regularly. In addition, Queen Victoria (yes, of Britain) added one of Watson’s paintings (The Pioneer Mill) to her Collection.
Frederick Varley’s connection to this exhibition is that in 1948-49 he taught at the Doon School which was in Homer Watson’s House, now the Gallery.
Schwarz: An Overnight Success In Just Four Decades
After placing first in an art competition when he was five years old, Schwarz was forever possessed by his artistic vision. (Fast forward forty years!) Bill started his first formal drawing class on Tuesday, January 16, 1996. Now, some 17 years later, on July 14, 2013 [the Official Opening date], he will be one of four artists whose art was chosen for the 23rd Annual Homer Watson House and Gallery Exhibition.
Pride And Congratulations
It is with great pride that Bill Schwarz readies himself for the upcoming show. The opportunity, he admits, is at once, a surprise, a delight and a most humbling experience.
“It would be a great honour merely to be mentioned in the same breath as Homer Watson and Fred Varley, but to be included in the same show, at the same time is fantastic,” says Schwarz. “I only wish they were still alive so I could have the pleasure of meeting them,” he added.
Schwarz is a rare bird himself. His level of professionalism as an artist has grown in leaps and bounds over the past two years. He’s focused, prolific and terrific.
Recently, an accomplished western painter, Robert Genn, commented on Schwarz’s work: “Bill’s [sic] shapes are nicely balanced and integrated, the colours are sophisticated, making for a fine abstract design that connects on various levels. In other words, the buildings are just the vehicle for great design.”
Great design, indeed!
Bill, you’ve come a long way, baby … but there are miles to go before you sleep. Keep your head up, your pallet ready, your brush poised—and don’t stop painting.
Congrats! Good luck on this tremendous gallery show!
Get To Know Bill Schwarz
Bill Schwarz’s work will be featured during the 23rd Annual Watson Exhibition. It runs from June 29th to August 17th at Homer Watson House & Gallery.
It will feature the works of:
Homer Watson – Doon artist
Frederick Varley – founding member of Group Of Seven
Cambridge artist Bill Schwarz
Toronto artist Barry Smylie
Bill Schwarz: Exhibition Dates: June 29 – August 17, 2013
Opening Reception: Sunday, July 14, 2013 – 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Artist Talk Event: Saturday, July 20, 2013 – 1:00 – 3:00 pm
