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Hidden charms of Niagara, as painted by Rick Cullis

This exhibit at the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre reflects the diverse scenes of architecture and landscapes of NOTL.
Maria H. Klassen

If you enjoy walking in and around Niagara-on-the-Lake, you will appreciate the current exhibit at the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre. The first solo art show of Rick Cullis, 'About Town - My Impressions of NOTL,’ will run from Oct. 30 to Nov. 27 in the Joyner Gallery.

Since moving to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Cullis says he has spent the last decade exploring the streets and landscapes of the area. His exhibit offers us a glimpse into the charm of this town through the eyes of an artist. As an art teacher with a degree in history and art, he quickly saw the connection between the cultural and natural history of this region, he says.

This exhibit reflects the diverse scenes of historical architecture and serene natural landscapes of NOTL. Each painting has some kind of emphasis on colour, light, value or other element or principle of design, highlighting the interplay between wild and cultivated spaces.

"These paintings represent what I've experienced in this special place: peaceful quiet, a deep sense of history, and the strength of the river,” Cullis says.

The oil paintings reflect the naturalistic and realistic work that Cullis tries to convey, from the architecture of the historic homes to the forests, parks, river and lakeshore. Through his careful attention to light, texture, and perspective, Cullis brings these familiar locations to life.

According to Cullis, when he sees something that captures his attention, he will first capture the information on his camera, and then work in his studio to create an image that communicates what he saw or felt. "It's only when I get into the colour work that I begin to find what I'm really looking for,” he says, “the way to emphasize what it is that caught my attention."

The public is invited to the opening reception on Nov. 3 from 2 to 4 p.m. to meet the artist and experience his work firsthand, and to hear him talk  about his work, beginning at 2:30 p.m. Come out and visit this amazing exhibit, and experience the visual narrative of the town's enduring charm.