When Hazel Graveness moved to Coquitlam with her family 45 years ago, a friend encouraged her to keep up her art.
At the time, Graveness was raising a young family and sought an outlet for her creativity.
Over the years, she took classes through the Vancouver School of Art and Douglas College and taught drawing and painting at Place des Arts and Dogwood Pavilion.
And, at the recommendation of her friend, she joined the Port Moody Art Association.
Now, Graveness is the organization’s longest-serving member and her skill continues to awe. At last year’s PMAA annual show, she won the People’s Choice award for favourite painting for her Coastal Patterns.
This weekend — for the 42nd year — Graveness will take part in the show and sale at the Port Moody recreation complex, exhibiting three large pieces and five smaller acrylics and watercolours.
“I love being involved because it’s all original and very good quality,” said Graveness, who’s also a member of the Federation of Canadian Artists. “We have emerging artists and professionals who produce a good mix: from portraits and landscapes to abstracts.”
Presided by Port Moody artist Vicki Allesia, PMAA recently moved its membership meetings from the Port Moody rec complex to the Kyle Centre to meet demand.
The group, which was founded in 1967, has 100 members — and a waiting list — who meet Mondays for workshops, demonstrations, lectures from guest artists and support.
The early November sale is its biggest gathering, drawing more than 1,000 art lovers and collectors over the weekend, hoping to buy original art at a bargain prices.
But for those on a fixed budget, Allesia said the art cards are also popular. “They have flown off the shelves in previous years,” she said, “so there’s something for everyone.”
• The exhibit opens Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Port Moody recreation complex (300 Ioco Rd.) with Port Moody Coun. Rick Glumac giving a speech at 8 p.m. It continues Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cash, cheques and Visa are accepted.
