New exhibition coming to Alton Mill Arts Centre

“Inside the Hive” to showcase encaustic and cold wax art

By Zachary Roman

Caledon residents will “bee” able to see a unique new art exhibition this month.

“Inside the Hive” is a new exhibition that opened on October 5 in the Headwaters Arts Gallery at the Alton Mill Arts Centre.

It's showcasing the work of artists Kim Kool and Karen Brown, both of whom work in the encaustic and cold wax mediums.

Over 60 of the artists' works will be on display.

Kool and Brown have a close connection to the Alton Mill Arts Centre, since they both create and teach out of a studio there.

Encaustic paintings are created by mixing beeswax with pigments in various forms, and they've been created for a very long time.

“Examples of encaustic paintings have survived from the Roman empires and are still as vibrant and colourful today as they were when they were painted,” said Brown, who grew up on a farm in the countryside. “It's not art until it becomes personal. That personal quality of life and art are what I am striving for. I want my life to reflect the best of me and my art to be an expression of who I am.”

Kool discovered encaustic painting when she was delivering a weekly social recreation program at a women's prison. She said it was a serendipitous occurrence.

“The moment I dipped my paintbrush into that first pot of wax, I knew that my life was about to change,” said Kool. “My love for encaustic painting has only grown since then and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to paint and teach throughout the province.”

Brown said as part of “Inside the Hive”, information about the lives of honeybees will be shared, considering that they're “collaborators” in the artists' work. Brown and Kool's artwork includes everything from smaller pieces like keepsake boxes and art cards, to fine art pieces of all sizes.

“The show is guaranteed to enchant and intrigue art enthusiasts and visitors to the Headwaters Arts Gallery,” said Headwaters Arts in a media release. “Prepare to be amazed with the breadth

of creative expression that Brown and Kool have showcased in their collaboration with the

industrious bee.”

An opening reception for “Inside the Hive” will be held on Saturday, October 8 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Alton Mill Arts Centre. “Inside the Hive” will run until November 6.