About Algoma Art Society
The Algoma Art Society is the oldest Visual Art Group in the City of Sault Ste. Marie, since it’s inception on January 16, 1948. Our membership consists of visual artists working in Watercolours, Acrylics, Oils, Pastels, Yupo, Encaustics, Collage and Photography.
We are a non-profit organization whose aims are to promote local exhibitions, competitions, workshops, classes and lectures; provide access to prominent artists; to arrange for annual sales of members’ work and to support, encourage and develop the talent and ability of local artists by providing opportunities for them to become more proficient in their field.
Over the many years this organization has been in existence many prominent artists have been associated with us including members of the Group of Seven. Algoma Art Society members traveled on many outdoor painting excursions with F. H. Varley, A. J. Casson and A. Y. Jackson.
Featured Artist
Gerri Proulx
BIO
My artistic journey began about twenty years ago when I began creating mosaics with china and glass. I took a course at Sault College and began collecting all of the glass and china that I could find. I also bought old windows and wooden forms to mosaic. I sold many pieces in a mosaic gallery in Creemore, Ontario called Maplestone.I had always been a fan of collage and after ten years of mosaics I decided to start again with this art form. It allows for more artistic freedom due to the limitations of working with china. I have taken courses in Toronto, Haliburton and Manitoulin Island to hone my skills. Collage is a very free form of artistic expression. Once I begin a new piece I can go in any direction I like. If I am not pleased with my progress I simply cover it up with gesso and start again. A mistake can easily be covered up. It is a very forgiving process!
I am a big fan of whimsy. I like bright colours, abstract shapes and anything that would make one smile. I collect old greeting cards, newspapers, tissue paper, magazines, old books, rice paper. Sometimes I create an image on canvas but I also use wood, cardboard and various shapes. There is no limit to what can become a working surface or substrate for a collage.During the pandemic I made personalized post cards that I sent out to my friends. I also make bookmarks which I give out to clients at the Friends of the Library bookstore. My collages come in all sizes and in many designs.It gives me great pleasure to create and I hope that it brings pleasure to those who view it.
