RESIDENT ARTIST STUDIOS
THE SIDEDOOR STUDIO
ARTISTS: DAWNE BRANDEL, LAURA HILTS, PATRICIA MANSELL, DONNA MCDONELL, BIRGIT COATH, JAQUELINE DUNN
The Sidedoor Studio is a shared working studio at TOSH, home to resident artists Dawne Brandel, Laura Hilts, Patricia Mansell, Donna McDonell, Birgit Coath,Jaqueline Dunn. Together, they share a love of colour, light and composition, creating work that invites viewers to look a little closer.
Visitors are welcome to stop in, meet the artists and see creativity at work.
DAWNE BRANDEL
Born in Kelowna, BC, among lakes, orchards and four distinct seasons, Dawne has loved the arts since childhood. Drawing and composition classes at the Alberta College of Art deepened her commitment, and she went on to spend most of her career in floral design and horticulture. That work taught her about composition, texture and design, elements that still shape her paintings today.
Now retired from floral design, Dawne paints full time. She loves to play with pattern and colour, often layering acrylic paint for rich effects, and sees each piece as always evolving. A member of the Federation of Canadian Artists, she has won many awards in juried shows and displays her work at the Side Door Gallery at TOSH in Qualicum Beach. As she puts it, the most important lesson she has learned is "to just keep at it."
LAURA HILTS
Laura grew up in Windsor, Ontario, and graduated from the University of Windsor in 1964. Her mother, who studied commercial art by correspondence, was an early inspiration. While teaching English and art at MacKenzie High School in Deep River, Ontario, Laura met a group of watercolour painters who became her closest friends. Known as "The Group of Six," they painted and exhibited together in Deep River and with the Ottawa Watercolour Society, where Laura was juried as a Fellow in 2002.
Now living on Vancouver Island, Laura also works in acrylic, ink and charcoal. She was juried as an Active Member of the Federation of Canadian Artists in 2005 and has served on the executive of the FCA's Arrowsmith Chapter as Show Coordinator and President. Her paintings have won many awards in Vancouver and with the Arrowsmith Chapter.
PATRICIA MANSELL
Patricia began painting in 1994 and quickly developed a passion for wildlife. Her work has taken her across North America in search of new subjects, with a particular interest in endangered species. Inspired by research and her own wildlife photography, she strives to capture the unique character and spirit of each animal.
DONNA MCDONELL
After a career as a registered nurse, Donna studied Graphic Design at Algonquin College, graduating at the top of her class. She worked as a graphic designer and illustrator in Ottawa for over ten years before moving west in 2006. She enjoys water media and printmaking and is an Associate Member of the Federation of Canadian Artists and a member of the Comox Valley Printmakers Association.
BIRGIT COATH
From an early age, Birgit learned to closely observe the world around her, and her paintings carry a distinct sense that more of the story lies just behind the canvas. Her work explores light and dark and architectural elements, with a spiritual thread running throughout. To build her technical skills, she studied with the Vancouver Art Academy and with established artists, and she is currently coached by artist Donna Zhang, whose guidance has helped shape a significant shift in her style while honouring her deep regard for the old masters.
An award-winning artist, Birgit has earned Signature Status with the Federation of Canadian Artists. She now lives in central Vancouver Island's thriving art community, drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
JAQUELINE DUNN
Jacqueline Dunn is a lifelong artist and art educator whose work is inspired by family, nature, and sacred spaces. Drawing on her knowledge of design, form, and technique, she combines passion and intuition in her creative process. She holds a Master’s degree from UBC and has exhibited throughout British Columbia and internationally, including in Tianjin, China.
VISIT THE STUDIO
THE SIDEDOOR STUDIO:
Located Downstairs at TOSH, At least one of the studio’s resident artists is typically working in the studio during TOSH opening hours.
HOURS:
10am-4pm, Tue - Sat
LOCATION:
The Old School House Arts Centre - Downstairs Gallery
Admission is free:
As a non-profit charity, we rely on the generosity of our visitors. Please consider a donation of $10 per person (or any amount you’re able to give) to help keep art thriving in our community.
Donate online here, or tap the
terminal at the front desk.