Heidi Thompson Art Gallery opens Aug. 17
Surrounded by lush trees, expansive fields, and open skies, the small town of Coldstream is now home to a new art gallery.
It features a collection of abstract and nature-inspired paintings by international artists Heidi Thompson, Bryan Ryley and David Alexander, as well as paintings by David Powter, bronze and jade sculptures by Deborah Wilson, and unique ceramics by Diane Nelson.
The Heidi Thompson Art Gallery is the culmination of a year-long journey.
Following the unexpected passing of her husband Ted Thompson, a respected guitar maker, Heidi poured her energy into transforming his workshop into a beautiful space for everyone to enjoy.
“Focusing on this gallery has provided a positive outlet for me during this challenging year. As I was clearing out my husband’s shop, creating a gallery suddenly struck me. While I have sold my paintings worldwide, I have kept them largely private, tucked away in my studio. Opening this gallery is a way to share them with our community,” said Heidi.
“I’ve been fortunate to showcase my work in exhibitions around the world, but I’ve rarely displayed them here. Now, I can establish the perfect setting in a dedicated space that honours my late husband. Additionally, I have the privilege of featuring other artists whose work I deeply admire.”
A Coldstream native, Heidi graduated from Vernon Senior Secondary School in 1974 and then pursued art studies in Europe. After returning home in 1981, she married Ted, and the couple enjoyed a creative and family-oriented life in Coldstream for four decades.
With a background in photography and painting, Heidi collaborated with Sveva Caetani, serving as her photographer for 10 years and published Caetani’s Recapitulation series in a book in 1995. Besides publishing and some teaching, Heidi’s passion has always been painting.
The work of Ryley, who retired as an associate professor in the faculty of creative and critical studies at UBC Okanagan in 2016, adorns the walls of the Cactus Club Café and Nordstroms across the US and Canada.
Alexander, who recently relocated from the Okanagan to the coast, brings a wealth of experience, having earned his BFA from Notre Dame University and MFA from the University of Saskatchewan. His inspired land-based paintings draw parallels to the raw and confident style of Oskar Kokoschka.
Vernon-based Wilson has showcased her jade sculptures in exhibitions across Canada and the US. Her workshops on jade carving have drawn participants from around the world, and she recently received a gold medal for her jade piece from Suzhou, China.
Powter, a longtime Coldstream resident has recently emerged as a noteworthy artist. Since his retirement, he has created a compelling body of lyrical and evocative paintings.
Nelson, based in Kelowna, found her passion for crafting distinctive ceramic pieces after retiring from her design career at Starbucks.
The public is invited to the opening Saturday, Aug. 17 from 2 to 7 p.m.
After this date viewing is by appointment by contacting Heidi at htcthompson@hotmail.com.