We celebrate more than just the performing arts at the Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre in Camrose.
The Camrose performing arts centre also hosts artists throughout the year in the main lobby. These showcases are open to the public, giving artists a chance to connect with the community, while enhancing the space.
Curated by Jane Cherry, one of the centre’s board members, we typically showcase an artist for about one month. From Nov. 15 to Jan. 9, 2025, artist Steve Mitts’s work is being showcased.
“My paintings are all about the development and process of an idea. It starts with a concept, and I keep layering it with light and value,” he explains. “Then the form is revealed, but it must work with the characteristics of the mediums and structures I provide. Only then can it develop within the composition.”
This showcase also provides some behind-the-scenes looks at his process and some of his earlier pieces. It’s both educational and inspiring.
Steve’s work explores the mixing of mediums, uniting painting and woodworking. His paintings have always explored his passion, the themes of the Renaissance.
Steve’s paintings are strengthened with segmented old wood allowing his ideas to come alive in a unique way.
“Wood provides a new concept for which the image is held, it is geometric and structured, but still allows the subject to be identified and purposeful,” explains Steve.
Since graduating with an BFA from the University of Calgary in 1994, Steve Mitts has been a professional artist.
In his early career, as well as having his work in exhibitions in galleries, he presented his work in various publications and caught the attention of the Historic Hotel MacDonald in Edmonton. The Hotel MacDonald selected Steve’s work, which led to a six-year solo exhibition of his paintings.
His artwork then took him to Ontario where he worked on ceiling murals as well as countless projects and commissions, one involving the production of over 40 paintings. He took time away, over the last six years, to focus and develop new paintings and concepts which he is now proud to present.
We’re glad to have Steve’s work in Camrose at the Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre and we invite you to visit our gallery to see the magic of his art!
