Raymond Middlemiss, the “Walking Poet,” opened La Cabana Gallery just one year ago, without fanfare. It has quickly gained a reputation as one of the premiere venues on the Sunshine Coast, hanging work by outstanding BC artists.
The walls have been graced by work by such eminent and established painters as Britton Francis, R.B. Wainwright, Jan Poynter and Lez Niepo. But Middlemiss takes particular pleasure in discovering the Coast’s emerging artists and showcasing their works as well.
Melissa Tulloch’s classically-styled works caught his attention, and La Cabana was the first gallery to display – and sell – her paintings. Now Middlemiss is encouraging her to explore abstract expressionism and even sculpture. Wire sculptures of horses now grace the rear walls, and the abstracts are catching the attention of discerning collectors.
It is quite startling to see Steve Quattrocchi’s strikingly stark black and white landscapes on La Cabana’s walls and realize that this legally-blind musician is a remarkable painter as well. Showcasing Quattrocchi the artist, providing a venue for Quattrocchi the musician and a sales outlet for his newly-released CD gives Middlemiss considerable pleasure and satisfaction. “I love originals,” he says, “This whole gallery is devoted to originals. And I love the local artists because they are also originals.”
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Middlemiss also loves an exclusive. The gallery has already expanded out of its original showroom and into an adjacent ell where artists represented solely by La Cabana Gallery are presented. Helen Broadfoot, whose outstanding war child series, “A Show of Respect” – termed “oil painting for peace” – has travelled the world drawing attention to the young victims of war and privation, is now showing her original paintings in La Cabana’s “Alley.”
As part of La Cabana’s first anniversary celebrations on Saturday, November 24, Middlemiss will be unveiling Broadfoot’s newest work – exclusive to this gallery.
La Cabana Gallery is named for Middlemiss’ high school sweetheart and late wife, a victim of cancer at the age of 30. He still smiles fondly as he recalls their time together, and notes that he wrote a book in her memory.
In its second year of operations, Middlemiss plans to host authors’ readings and live music events in the newly developed “Alley,” and possibly act as a sales outlet for local musicians’ self-produced CDs. An new on-site framing service recently opened on an upper level within the gallery, and is expected to expand its production in the coming year.
La Cabana Gallery, 5679 Cowrie Street, Sechelt. Phone 604.885.0233. www.lacabanagallery.com
Gallery Hours: Mon – Sat, 11 – 5 pm.
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