A display of paintings by Cache Creek artist JudyLynn Davison is running through April 8 at the Kamloops Courthouse Gallery on Seymour Street West, and gives the public an opportunity to view Davison’s whimsical take on a classic novel.
The exhibit, entitled “Giggles”, takes its inspiration from the Spanish novel Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. Published in two parts in 1605 and 1615, the novel recounts the adventures of Don Quixote de la Mancha, who sets out to restore chivalry and justice to the world, accompanied by his faithful squire Sancho Panza. The novel is considered the most influential one in the Spanish literary canon, and has long been a favourite of Davison’s.
“The storyline of the paintings follows the book,” she says. The first four paintings depict main characters recast as colourful farmyard animals, with Don Quixote becoming Don QuiCHICKEN and Sancho Panza transformed into Poncho Ratza. The remaining paintings depict incidents in the book, and all are accompanied by write-ups featuring quotes from the novel and information about what is going on.
“It’s almost like a storybook,” says Davison. “I had a lot of fun painting them. We’ve lost a lot of chivalry in the world, and doing what’s right. I don’t think many people have read the book, so I thought it would be interesting for the younger generation to read about it.”
Opening night of the exhibition was March 18, and Davison says it was fantastic. “There were lots of good comments.” The paintings are not for sale, but donations can be made to the Kamloops Arts Council (KAC).
Davison, who studied fine arts at the University of Lethbridge, has always been interested in painting; by the time she was 15 she was selling a few works, as well as designing signs for businesses. “I didn’t follow through, because there was no money in it,” she notes. Now that she is retired, however, she has turned to painting as a full-time occupation. “I couldn’t do it before; it takes a lot of time.”
She became a member of the KAC four years ago, and said that any member can apply to have an exhibition of their works. “It was a mission of mine,” she says. “I thought ‘This would be fun.’”
Her love of painting inspired Davison to start The Window Gallery in Cache Creek last July. The gallery, located in the old NAPA building behind Hungry Herbie’s (across from the Community Hall) features rotating displays of work by artists from the Interior.
“I want people to be able to see people’s art,” she says. “And I would love to display children’s art from the local schools. It’s a starting point for young kids, and gives artists a way to get their work seen.
“It’s a way of me giving back to the community, and hopefully giving artists a start.”
“Giggles” can be seen at the Kamloops Courthouse Gallery weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about having artwork displayed in The Window Gallery, contact Davison at (250) 457-6693.