Elfrida Schragen’s father was a professional artist. Color, subject matter, value and design were constant topics of discussion. While her career diverted to the world of psychology and teaching, in 2007 her two worlds joined. In her home town of Victoria, the issue of the homeless was becoming a political hotbed and very visible. A new shelter was planned and ways to raise money were being sought. With the help and support of the street pastor and the volunteers in existing, rather run-down facilities, Elfrida started a project of painting portraits of the homeless. She spent time on the streets, got to know her subjects, and took photos, with their permission.  She painted 25 portraits which were sold to companies, associations, churches, and individuals. $25,000 was raised and many portraits were donated back to hang in the dinning room of “Our Place”, the new shelter.  The Rickie Report is pleased to share Elfrida’s story of art, compassion and vision.  Her newest artwork will be shown in two exhibits, one locally and one across the pond, which you can visit virtually.  In addition, everyone is invited to join Elfrida for a Plein Air Meet Up on January 8th.  The details are here.

 

TWO EXHIBITS:

 

Plein Aire and Portraiture

by

Elfrida Schragen

Spanish River Library and Community Center

 Jan 5 – Feb 21, 2015

Monday  9:00am – 9:00pm

Tuesday  9:00am  – 6:00pm

Wednesday  9:00am  – 9:00pm

Thursday  9:00am – 6:00pm

Friday  9:00am – 6:00pm

Saturday  9:00am – 6:00pm

 

1501 NW Spanish River Blvd       Boca Raton FL

 

&

On-line at the

Green Chair Gallery

Jan 2 – Feb 5, 2015

 

GREEN CHAIR GALLERY
because anything’s possible…

Phone: +44((1227) 450901; +44(1227)762727; Mobile: +44(0)7711 256110

Email: info@greenchair-gallery.co.uk
Skype: greenchair-gallery; Twitter: @GrChGallery; Facebook: Green Chair Gallery
Find us at www.greenchair-gallery.co.uk

 

 PLEIN AIRE MEET UP

 

 

Join Elfrida painting at a Meet Up to paint with the Palm Beach Plein Aire group, and take in her show at the same time on the morning of  Jan. 8, 2015

Event is 9:00 am – 12:30

FREE

Bring your own supplies

 

Check out Palm Beach Plein Aire group at:www.PleinAirPalmBeach.com

Join the meet up for painting at
http://www.meetup.com/palmbeachartists/events/219214294/?a=ea1_grp&rv=ea1

 

 

 

 

 

A Unique Project:

 

In 2007, Elfrida’s two worlds joined. She had been retired and submerged in self-directed art studies. In her home town of Victoria, the issue of the homeless was becoming a political hotbed and very visible. A new shelter was planned and ways to raise money were being sought. With the help and support of the street pastor and the volunteers in existing, rather run down facilities, Elfrida started a project of painting portraits of the homeless. She spent time on the streets, got to know her subjects, took photos with their permission. She painted 25 portraits which were sold to companies, associations, churches, and individuals.  $25,000 was raised and many portraits were donated back to hang in the dining room of “Our Place”, the new shelter.

 

 

 

 

The shelter, Our Place, has been a great success story. They have helped many to get re-established in a functional independence. They have offered shelter to those wishing to get off the streets, and food, clean clothes, bathing facilities, much needed social and medical help, and links to other helpful groups.  In 2014 the shelter decided to open their doors 24/7 and another push for money was on.

 

 

 

At this time Elfrida was juried in to be a month long artist-in-residence at the Delta Point Harbour Inn. Artist friends stressed how important it was to have a project or focus during that month. I it was a natural to start a new series of portraits, complete 12 during the residency, and sell them to assist in keeping Our Place open 7 instead of 5 days a week. Time spent getting to know these challenged individuals, photographing, painting and writing about them.

 

 

 

 

 

Elfrida reunited with her artistic side in a casual way, in her early 40’s, taking a few courses, putting on a few shows. Her mediums included 5 years in acrylic reflecting the world of playful fantasy; 8 years in clay sculpture focusing on the human form; another 8 years exploring in portraits and landscapes through the vivid world of pastels; and finally in the last 10 years, settling down to working on plein aire and portraits with oils.

 

 

 

Elfrida’s pastels and sculptures as well as her other paintings have been shown and exhibited across the globe.  A brief overview:

 

1997- Martin Batchelor Gallery – SOLO Sculpture Show
1998- Home Show and Sale 2001! Juried Entry – Victoria Community Arts Council 2002- Juried Entry – Green Space Two Show
-Juried Entry – Sooke Fine Arts Show Studio Sale
2003- Juried Entry Sidney Fine Arts Show
2004- Martin Batchelor Gallery – SOLO Pastel Show
– Goward House – SOLO Pastel Show
– Works displayed at Shoal Pt. Marine Gallery
2005 – Juried Entries and Sales at Sooke Fine Art Show
2006 – Martin Batchelor Gallery – SOLO Pastel Show
2007-Victoria City Hall – Show of portraits of Homeless
– MacPherson Theater –SOLO Show – Homeless Portraits
2008- Martin Batchelor Gallery –People Pots and Places
– Juried entry – Sooke Fine Arts Show – Sidney Fine Arts Show
2009 – Group Plein Air Show in Metchosin Gallery
2010, 2011, 2012 – Group shows at Coast Collective and Goward House
2013 – SOLO show and sale at Goward House gallery
2014 – SOLO show at the Rutherford Center, Boca Raton
– Juried group shows in Palm Beach and Lake Worth

 

 

Elfrida paints portraits and plein aire works in both Victoria, BC, Canada and Delray Beach, Florida, USA. She accepts commissions for landscapes, portraits and pets.

For more information please visit: www.elfridasart.com  or  www.elfridasart.blogspot.ca

 

 

For coverage of your events, to place an advertisement, or speak to Rickie about appearing in The Rickie Report, contact The Rickie Report at:

Rickie Leiter, Publisher

The Rickie Report

P.O.Box 33423

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420

Rickie@therickiereport.com

561-537-0291