Garden Daytrip: Richters and an Easter Art Show

Getting A Lawn by Lynne McIlvride-Evans

My headline is slightly misleading, because what I most want to tell you about it the annual Easter art show in the studio home of artist Lynne McIlvride-Evans. In 2012, it runs April 6 to 9 from 1 to 5 pm.

I've been collecting her work in a modest way since, oh, years ago when Lynne had a booth near Sarah's at the City Hall Outdoor Art Show. That's when I fell in love with this little piece called Getting A Lawn.

The bright, folkloric colours, the three-dimensional construction of tangled grass and clover (see the detail below) and the sense of humour – with text surrounding the frame is about getting along – hooked me. They're characteristic of McIlvride-Evans' style, which you can see if you visit her online gallery, and see even better if you visit the show in person.

Getting A Lawn, detail

But McIlvride-Evans happens to live a few minutes' drive from herb growers extraordinaire Richters. So this Easter weekend you'd have the chance to double up on your out-of-town fun.

When we're out that way, we also find an excuse to stop to buy pies at Annina's Bakeshop and Café, which is also on Hwy 47 in Goodwood. After a day of browsing, it's great to have something tasty that you don't have to cook.

It's only events like this show, and places like Richters and Annina's, that make me regret our giving up our car last summer.

A Cross by Lynne McIlvride-Evans

The photo above is of my second investment in Lynne's art. Her Christian faith is a recurring theme in her work. Although I'm not the least bit religious, I find that her expression speaks to me on a deeper, universally symbolic level. I never tire of looking at this construction.

At right is the full vignette.

As an aside: If you've read our blog for a while, you might recognize the hoya I barbecued. Yes, barbecued. Its relative health in this shot tells you something about the resilience of hoyas for the house-plant impaired. See also the new Sanseveria or mother-in-law's tongue, a recent gift from my nephew, and another iron-clad plant for such as me. Though I didn't barbecue this one. Yet.

I hope you do have the chance to get outta town to visit the show. From what I've read, Lynne is exploring landscapes now, and I would have liked to have seen them. Please let me know if you go.

This is to wish you happy in whatever you celebrate this weekend. Cheers from our family to yours.