Don Berger: Art Exhibits

Upcoming Exhibits:

Don Berger’s paintings will be featured in two Gallery Showings in the 2004 year:

Kelowna, B.C.

April 15, 2004 (onward)
Hambleton Galleries
781 Bernard Avenue
Kelowna, B.C.
Tel.: (250) 860-2498
E-mail:

Calgary, Alberta

November 4 - 17, 2004
Harrison Galleries
Unit 709-A 11th Avenue S.W.
Calgary, Alberta T2R 0E3
Tel.: (403) 229-4088
E-mail:

Past Exhibits:

Expression of Light: Art Exhibit
January 2004, Calgary, Canada

Summer Remembered: Exclusive Art Exhibit
October 22 - November 2, 2003, Vancouver, Canada

Sumptuous flowers filled every wall at the opening night gala of “Summer Remembered.” In attendance were the artist and his family, who traveled from Kelowna and other parts of B.C.; Chris Harrison, the Gallery owner (shown top left, with the artist and his wife Ethel, and Terry, Director of the Vancouver gallery); and numerous owners and afficionados of Berger’s artwork.

When asked about this exhibit, Don said, “It has been a hoped-for dream for many years to be able to have a show in this city. I have exhibited in Vancouver before but never had an exclusive show.”

(click on any photo to enlarge)

He also gave some intriguing insight into the inspiration for the paintings. “‘Evensong’ (shown at right) has an interesting story around it. The photo was taken during the Kelowna Mountain fire, when the sky was filled with incredible amounts of smoke, giving a very unusual lighting effect. The day we were being evacuated I went into the garden and looked up. There was so much smoke, the sun was visible as a red ball. So I went and grabbed my camera and photographed the rose because it had this very unusual soft and cooler type of light, with bluish shadows.” The resulting painting is hypnotically beautiful.

The Kelowna Mountain fire came within a kilometre of the artist’s home and although many of his friends were among the hundreds who lost their houses in the blaze, his house was thankfully spared.

Berger said, “This show represents a year of very focused painting. Much of the inspiration came from the 2002 Kelowna Garden Tour, particularly the Elysium Gardens in the Rutland area which are exceptionally beautiful.” He said he found the previous year of painting relaxing, resulting in more fluid brushstrokes and the freedom to develop the range of his palette.

Don appreciated the many congratulatory words and thoughts and comments about the show. Thanks to Chris, Terry and others who organized a very successful exhibit!