Beginning January 17, 2015, Okanagan audiences will have an opportunity to view the abstract and colourful results of artist Pete Smith’s unique artistic process in a solo show entitled Pete Smith: New Frontier.

Smith is an emerging Ontario-based artist who makes use of a fascinating method to create his paintings. In 2010 he made an animated film of his current sketches and paintings. This film comprised over 4000 stills. Smith then selected single frames to use as compositional jumping-off points for creating his new works.

Think wildly-patterned quilt meets camouflage. Visitors will enjoy viewing Smith’s striking colours and shapes in these abstract paintings. In addition to his works on canvas, Smith has created a new artist’s book for this exhibition that includes images and writings of his own, as well as snippets of Emily Carr’s writing and that of his great grandmother.

Pete Smith has an MFA from the University of Guelph (2007), and is a studio instructor at OCAD University in Toronto. As well as his art practice, he also has done curatorial projects and publishes critical reviews.

An opening reception to celebrate this exhibition will be held on Friday, January 16, 2015, from 7 to 9 pm, at the Kelowna Art Gallery. This is a free event, open to Gallery members and guests, by invitation. The artist will be in attendance.

Pete Smith: New Frontier will be on view until April 5, 2015.

The Kelowna Art Gallery is located at 1315 Water Street in downtown Kelowna. For more information about current exhibitions, public programming or special events, please visit the Kelowna Art Gallery online at www.kelownaartgallery.com or call 250-762-2226.