Bilton gallery is breaking new ground
06/18/08
BY MARK WEBER
Red Deer Express
From its start last fall, Bilton Contemporary Art has aimed to bring something unique and challenging to Red Deer’s flourishing art scene.
Dedicated to promoting emerging and mid-career artists, the gallery exhibits local, national and international artists in a number of aesthetics and mediums.
They’ve clearly had a local impact, landing first in the Favourite Art Gallery category of the Best of Red Deer.
“We’ve had a lot of really good feedback since we’ve opened,” explains Anita Bhadresa, executive director and curator of Bilton Contemporary Art.
“The response has been fantastic – mostly that it’s so nice to have a space like this in Red Deer.”
When she travels abroad, Bhadresa and her family enjoy visiting art galleries and it was that passion that helped bring Bilton Contemporary Art into existance.
“Galleries are inspirational places to be and we wanted to open a space like that in Red Deer.”
For Bhadresa, opening Bilton has been a fun creative outlet on a personal level.
“I’ve been playing piano for a long time, so this is a different focus within the arts. It’s been stimulating and challenging.”
Manager Deb Anthony has been onboard for a couple of months now at Bilton. Grateful for landing the favourite gallery designation, she said one of the goals now is to further spread the word about what Bilton has to offer.
“I like what we’re doing here, and I’m enjoying the response.”
She’s also looking forward to the summer months and tapping even further into the arts community.
“I like that this is a professional commercial gallery and a community gallery as well. What I also like is that when you come in, you know you are in a gallery, and in the world of art.”
Sometimes visitors to art galleries can be distracted because the site is connected to another business. Bilton, however, has a relaxed, peaceful atmosphere.
“This is what I expect when I go to any of the bigger centres – to walk in and you are with the art. You have that presence – the art and the artists.”
Anthony said the gallery is already booked through to next June.
Variety is the defining word for what lies ahead in terms of exhibits, and both women are excited to introduce the spectrum of works to the public.
“I think there is an artist appropriate for every season,” said Anthony.
Meanwhile, Bhadresa said Bilton Contemporary Art is balancing the sensibilities of being both a public and a private gallery.
“I think we need to support visual arts in all capacities from kindergarten kids who want a place to show their work and can be inspired for their future endeavors to professional, international artists who also need a venue to show their work,” she said.
Currently, Bilton is hosting Aperçu – A Survey of paintings from 1991 – 2007 by acclaimed local artist David More. The exhibit runs through Aug. 9.
“His roots are here, so a lot of people really relate to him immediately,” said Anthony “He’s well known in the community, and not just in the art community. He also has that international aspect to him, and is so knowledgeable in the field.
“He’s also so connected to what he does – he has a gentle grace about him and that comes across in his work.”
Bilton Contemporary Art is located at 4B, 5809 - 51 Ave. Call 343-3933 or visit www.biltoncontemporaryart.com.
mweber@reddeer.greatwest.ca 309-5459
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