Skip to content

Artists giving pasta a purpose with art show

St. Peter’s Anglican Church will be jam-packed with the distinct styles of seven artists amidst plates of spaghetti next week. Brushed with Flair is hosting a charity supper and art sale called Pasta With a Purpose in the Okotoks church Nov.
Susan Torris
Okotoks artist Susan Torris is one of seven artists to display her work in Brushed with Flair’s Pasta with a Purpose fundraiser at the St. Peter’s Anglican Church Nov. 22.

St. Peter’s Anglican Church will be jam-packed with the distinct styles of seven artists amidst plates of spaghetti next week. Brushed with Flair is hosting a charity supper and art sale called Pasta With a Purpose in the Okotoks church Nov. 22 at 5:30 p.m. to support Rowan House Emergency Shelter. Brushed with Flair is a group of Foothills artists — Tina Winistok, of Turner Valley, and Marg Smith and Susan Torris of Okotoks, who’ve painted and shown their work together the past five years. Joining the Brushed With Flair artists in next week’s charity event will be artists Marli Beetge, of Okotoks, Cathie Johnson, of High River, and Dana Winistok and Deborah Whitton, of Calgary, “We’ve never done a pasta supper before so we wanted to do something a little different,” said Torris, who paints in oil and watercolours. Torris picked up a paintbrush for the first time in 2004 when accomplished artist and friend, the late Koraley Orritt, offered to give her painting lessons. Under Orritt’s tutorship for three years, Torris delved into landscapes and skyscapes while inspired by the scripture. “I love sunsets and sunrises - I do a lot of those,” said Torris. “It’s fun to paint the area.” Pasta With a Purpose is an opportunity to connect artists with each other and the public while showcasing their varied talents, said Torris. “We try to bring in artists who do different things than we do,” she said. “It brings people together so there’s a sense of community.” The charity event will be a family affair for Tina Winistok, whose daughter, Dana, will display her cityscape oil paintings while her husband, Stan, will provide background music on his electric guitar. Also providing entertainment will be the jazz band, Blue Rock Quartet. Pasta With a Purpose will be the first time mother and daughter exhibited together. Dana’s been painting cityscapes and people for two years while Winistok has been painting landscapes, portraits and animals off and on for 20, both using oil paints. “Dana’s art is so different from everything we do,” Winistok said, referring to the Brushed With Flair artists. “It’s nice to get some younger artists and artists who do really different work. I’m excited to show with her. She’s only been painting a short time but she’s really working hard at it.” Winistok said the fundraising art show offers a real camaraderie among local artists. “It’s exciting to see everybody’s art and to see the guests’ reactions to the art,” she said, adding many artists are creating pieces just for the show. “I’ve got a variety of subject matter. Hopefully something that will appeal to everyone.” Dana is also creating new pieces for the show, said Winistok. “We always text each other photos of our work and give each other encouragement,” she said. “She will ask if the painting needs more work or what I think of it. I love her style. It’s very different from mine. Her personality really comes out in her painting style.” While the artists provide visual entertainment, volunteers with Rowan House are in charge of the nourishment. Betty George, Rowan House volunteer co-ordinator, said those in attendance won’t be disappointed. “We have a couple of cooks with lots of experience so the food is going to be delicious,” she said. “My volunteers will not only make the pasta and serve it, but greet the guests as they arrive and pour the wine and make it a really fun event.” Money raised will support programming for women in the shelter, counseling services and operating costs, said George. “The government provides approximately 60 per cent of our funding and the rest we have to fundraise - approximately $800,000 a year to keep the shelter running,” she said. “I don’t know how we could continue to operate without the generosity of the community, people who understand that this is so crucial to these women and children who are fleeing an abusive situation and giving them a safe roof over their head while they try to move forward.” Tickets to attend Pasta With a Purpose cost $30 and must be purchased in advance at Eventbrite or [email protected] The pasta supper offers gluten free and vegetarian options. The artists will donate 30 per cent of their sales to Rowan House.

push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks