Here at Airdrie Public Library (APL), we count ourselves fortunate to be one of the few places in our growing city where artists have a significant amount of free space available to show their work.
Our last exhibition, selected pieces from Bert Church, W.H. Croxford, and St. Martin de Porres high school art students, is a good example of how this dedicated space provides a venue for local artists.
Libraries, often just thought of as repositories for books, are welcoming spaces to showcase local culture.
Of course, Alberta being in the west, we are especially interested in Western culture, which is why our next artist exhibit in the Main Space is apropos.
Airdrie’s Dan Morvillo is a western landscape artist whose work has a strong and colourful focus on the magical vistas that flank the foothills.
Banff and Kananaskis country take centre stage in his vibrant acrylic paintings, featuring such iconic landmarks as Lake Louise and Mount Rundle, along with stunning depictions of mountain wildlife.
Morvillo had duelling passions for aviation and art as a young man.
One led to a career as an aircraft mechanic in the Canadian Forces and to a private pilot’s license, but the other was always at hand.
His love of aviation inspired depictions of aircraft using both watercolour and pen and ink – many of which are displayed in museums and private collections across Canada.
Morvillo, who attended Wexford Collegiate School for the Arts in Toronto, feels a strong connection to his art.
“Sometimes, when I visit places where my art work is displayed, I see these ‘old friends,’ and the feeling and bond comes back,” Morvillo said.
Western Canada provides the artist with plenty of inspiration, he said, which he beautifully captures on canvas in acrylic for this exhibition.
Morvillo’s show runs from May 6 to the end of June.
For more information on APL’s programs and services, visit airdriepubliclibrary.ca, call 403-948-0600 or stop by and get your free library card.
