Renowned artist coming to Cowtown
Posted on November 30, 2017 by Maple CreekFacundo Rodriguez
frodriguez@maplecreeknews.com
Saskatchewan artist Glen Scrimshaw will be coming to Maple Creek for Cowtown this year. The award-winning artist will make the Broken Spoke his art gallery for his three-day stay, showcasing his extensive work throughout a long career.
Scrimshaw grew up in Big River, Sask., and started drawing at an early age. Eventually, he worked as a store manager in northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba. But he knew art was his true calling and left it all to pursue what he refers to as his “pipe dream.”
It’s been a long time since Scrimshaw took that bold step — 2017 marks the 31st year since he said goodbye to retail management. He set up his first art gallery in La Ronge in 1987, and the rest is history.
Scrimshaw has received countless awards and recognition. Some include the ABEX Award – Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce; SABEX Award – Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce and; Tourism Award – Saskatchewan Tourism.
He is a designated artist for the Royal Canadian Mint, regularly submitting designs for collector coins.
He will be speaking to local students while here. During his presentation, Scrimshaw will touch on the importance of following your dreams, hard work and never giving up, something he knows about very well.
“When all of a sudden the bank account doesn’t equal all the bills you have to pay, it gets frightening, and it’s very easy to quit,” Scrimshaw said.” A lot of artists who try to go out on their own have a hard time because they are focusing on creating and doing the art. The whole business stuff can drag you down.”
Speaking with students has been an enriching experience for Scrimshaw, but so too for the students involved. A recent encounter with a student from one of his talks many years ago showed him how far a powerful message could reach.
“I had a back operation early on in the year, and one of the nurses who was around 25 or 30 years old said, ‘You came and spoke to my school when I was in kindergarten, and I’ve never forgotten some of the things you said’.
“I’ve had grown-ups with kids come up to me as well and some of the things I’ve said to kids about working hard, never giving up and following your dreams — that stuff resonates with them because I’m just a regular guy,” he said.
Scrimshaw will be bringing a broad collection of his work including a painting of Bald Butte he made after driving to Maple Creek and visiting the Cypress Hills. But he hopes that’s not the end of his work in the area and wishes to create some more while he is here.
“I would love to do some more painting of the Maple Creek area or even the Cypress Hills. Hopefully, this time when I come it’s a little bit warmer,” he said jokingly. “I’m excited to spend some time here, talk to some people and see what they like and what’s well known.”
Scrimshaw’s time in Maple Creek will begin Dec. 7 at the Broken Spoke — gallery hours that day start at 10 a.m. and run to 9 p.m. with an artist reception beginning at 5 p.m.
The next morning Scrimshaw will take to the high school and the primary school, giving a presentation to the art classes. Finally, on the Saturday, Scrimshaw will be back in the gallery doing some giveaways of his work, signing 2018 calenders, and a book signing.
To see some of the artwork you can expect at the gallery, visit glenscrimshaw.com.
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Just a taste of the world class art Glen Scrimshaw will be bringing with him when he comes to Maple Creek for Cowtown Christmas.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.