For a third consecutive year, Leza MacDonald facilitated the Wild Women Workshop over two days at the Oliver Arts centre.
Leza, a popular and bubbly local photographer and artist, created the event as an opportunity for women to experience self-discovery through a visual art format. She further explained by stating that, “women, especially ones in long term relationships, forget how amazing, beautiful and sensual they are. They know they are weak or strong, they know they can cook or not. But as we age we forget our souls, our inner child, teen, young woman… we are not allowed to be the real person inside, we have to live up to the perceived view as the outside sees us.”
She continued by saying, “Aging is not a bad thing, it is a gift. Men were always told they age handsomely and women just get old. Not any more on my watch. Women rock at all ages, look at Agnes (Sutherland) in her bling at 97.”
The Wild Women workshop includes a photo session, two days of painting at the studio under Leza’s guidance, and concludes with an afternoon reception the following day to showcase and celebrate the final art pieces.
Pat Gebbie, a Wild Women participant, commented, “This is my second time at Wild Women and it gives me the opportunity to express my inner wild side that I can show in no other way. I can be many people and characters; Leza captures them for me in a completely safe and private environment. Then I can express some of these feeling in a painting which completes the adventure of my Wild Women! Each time I see the painting in my home I am able to relive the joy that Wild Women has given me. Leza is truly a wonderful facilitator to help women find their inner selves.”
Diane Gane, an accomplished local artist and participant stated, “At 61 years of age, I am an experienced wild woman, but do not yet think I am an experienced artist!” She went further explaining, “I believe the Wild Women workshop – Leza’s individual photography sessions and two-day paint is for every woman as it is an exploration into the art of ourselves as much as it is art on canvas. It allows us to “draw” out pieces of that woman that might have been abandoned, dismissed, or forgotten long ago.”
So Ms. Leza, in her artistic wisdom, has provided a venue where Wild Women do indeed have more fun, and perhaps more importantly, an awareness to embrace father time with grace and celebration. Diane Gane probably summed it up best; “Art is simply a way of communicating with ourselves and others. We all are artistically gifted, some have just unwrapped that gift a little more. Leza has the incredible ability to help us rip off the paper to explore and be free, have fun, get curious and create, all in an atmosphere of working wherever you are at. At the 2014 Wild Women (workshop) I found my sense of humor again and my 61 year old photos are just “WOW”!”
So wondering what’s coming up that you can take a break from your schedule and check out?
Now – Sept 13th – The Oliver Pool season will be extended until sept 13th with another set of swimming lessons offered as well. Contact Parks and Recreation for more information.
Friday Aug 29th – As part of their 20th anniversary celebration, Tinhorn has been playing some of the most popular movies on the big screen in 1994. Watch Priscilla: Queen of the Desert in their amphitheatre and enjoy some movie treats from the Miradoro concession.
Monday Sept 1st– Keremeos Grist Mill – “It’s 1877: What would your job be?” Labour Day is a half price admission day at the mill, so adults pay $3.50, students and seniors $2.50 and under 6 years get in for free. Interested in joining in “folks at work” fun on Labour Day and enjoying a tasty Miller’s Lunch for free can contact Dave Cursons at 250-499-5417 or through the Grist Mill at 250-499-2888.
Sat Sept 6th – Organized by our Oliver Lioness Club, Cops for Kids will be once again dropping by at the Oliver Fire Department for a BBQ and fundraiser from 10:30am-1:00pm.
Life is hectic and everyone is busy. Take the time to get out and about and enjoy what is around you. See more photos of “Wild Women” at oliverchronicle.com
Marji Basso
Special to the Chronicle
