 BioCol Mitchell’s current works focus on crumpled paper on canvas to make energized paintings of nature and wildlife; exploring the alluring intricate synergy between crumpled paper, acrylic washes and linear ink detailing. She was one of eight artists featured at the media centre held in Toronto's Direct Energy Centre as part of the Muskoka Corridor Experience during the 2010 G8 and G20 Summit, was president of the Huntsville Art Society (2011-2008), and was nominated in 2010 for the YWCA Woman of Distinction Awards in Arts, Culture and Creative Energy: An award winning artist, Mitchell studied Fine Arts at Fanshawe College, and works out of her Cedar Raven Studio in Bracebridge, Ontario. Quotes Brian Smith, AOCA, Honorary Drawing Master, describes her work: "Each of us as visual artists is looking for a way to express ourselves in a manner that is unique and ownable. What I saw was a technique that was completely original, using the materials in a new and inventive way, and was on top of all of that, extremely pleasant to look at. The textures were like eye-candy and I kept coming back to it to better understand what Mitchell had created. I love it!" “Col’s professional and volunteer contributions have changed the art community in Huntsville. Her vision, hard work and tenacity have contributed to the establishment of * The Art Space, an **exhibition hall in the Canada Summit Centre and a new program ***Creativation: Art, Kids, Community.” – YWCA Muskoka *The Art Space Gallery | Workshops: Huntsville’s first contemporary art gallery venue which offers exhibitions and workshops to the public. ** Following the establishment of a committee formed to shape policy on art in public spaces and buildings in the municipality of Huntsville, and which select and curate local art in the new Canada Summit Centre Exhibition Hall.
***Creativation: Art, Kids, Community: A new pilot program offering innovative and challenging programs and activities that support and enhance the Ministry of Education’s Visual Arts Curriculum, as well as expose students to the vast range of creative experiences and visual culture available to them in their local and regional community.
As a Contemporary Paper Artist I work primarily with pen nibs, acrylic inks and fluid acrylics on a textural multilayered fusion of manipulated papers combining extreme linear detailing.
Paper is outrageously versatile. It brings to the process history, character, personality, individuality, and a remarkably wide range of performance levels. It is critical to not overprocess the paper back to it's pre-paper form or pulp state, but to work with the crinkles, folds, ridges, tears, absorbancy, repellency or sizing that are personal and individual to every type and sheet. I am fascinated by the way these crumpled and gently maniuplated surfaces contribute to the process and influence the outcome.
Fluid acrylics and acrylic inks allow me to alter paint consistency without sacrificing color strength; using this attribute to assist the paint’s exploration of the surface while maintaining colour intensity. Layered washes are achievable with semi transparent acrylics while the opaques are perfect for layering a galaxy of multi-hued lines enhancing the depth and movement offered by the unique surface.
I am continually exploring the alluring intricate synergy between the paper structure, the paint and my own contribution; the result greater than the sum of the individual effects. I strive for each piece to project the internal energy inherent in all matter, establish rapport, grasp that most basic language at work; a beautiful alignment of atoms where a natural magnetism or recognition occurs;
a "visual pheromone" if you will.
My current work continues with the exploration of subject compatibility to technique, and of the capacity of the material to endure manipulation without losing its "voice".
- Col Mitchell.
Professional Practice and Independent Projects
2011 – 2008: President of Huntsville Art Society, Inc.
Implemented:
2011 July- Project Coordinator: The Pachter Factor
Art Exhibition by Contemporary Canadian Icon Charles Pachter, July 9 to July 31-2011
Nuit Blanche North Extravaganza where everyone will walk the paparazzi lined red carpet
Pachter Projection on one exterior entrance wall, a slide show of selected works
Projection Injection Live Feed of everyone's red carpet arrival at THE ART SPACE projected onto the opposite exterior entrance wall within selected projected images of Pachter's paintings.
Photo Op Pachter's Limo will remain parked at the entrance to the red carpet for people to have their own limo exit photo op.
Team members: Connie Bertram, Kate Brown, Vicki Dodds, Brenda Wainman Goulet, Carolyne Wagland
2010 - Originator and curator of ArtSHIFT
An exhibition which partnered 5 artists with 5 local industries to explore creativity and innovation in local industry, and showcased works which incorporate those concepts, utilizing related raw materials supplied by each local industry sponsor.
Conceptualized and curated by Col Mitchell, and inspired by Six Degrees Gallery presentations by Don Skinner, ArtShift was developed in partnership with Creative paths, a grassroots community arts education initiative led by Carolyne Wagland, whose focus is to introduce high school students to creative and innovative careers in Muskoka, and was created specifically for the creativity and innovation symposium CreativeSHIFT held at the Rene Caisse Theatre & Sportsplex, Friday, October 29 2010. ArtSHIFT reopened at The Art Space Gallery Nov 5 2010.
2010 - ArtShift video
A round table discussion by the ArtSHIFT artists on their industry partners and processes. part 1, part 2 Conception, design and editing: Col Mitchell. Videographers: the ArtSHIFT artists
2010 - Establishment of The Art Space: Gallery • Workshops
Huntsville’s first contemporary art gallery venue which offers exhibitions and workshops to the public.
2010 - 2009 - Co-originator of Creativation: Art, Kids, Community 2009/10
A new pilot program offering innovative and challenging programs and activities that support and enhance the Ministry of Education’s Visual Arts Curriculum, as well as expose students to the vast range of creative experiences and visual culture available to them in their local and regional community. This pilot project is a model designed for potential use both for other sectors within Muskoka and for other Ontario communities. www.artkidscommunity.com
2010 - Initiated the establishment of the Town of Huntsville’s Arts Placement Working Committee
A committee formed to shape policy on art in public spaces and buildings in the municipality of Huntsville, and which select and curate local art in the new Canada Summit Centre Exhibition Hall.
2010 - 2009 - Initiated and implemented the HAS Awareness Campaign
The makeover and promotion of the Huntsville Art Crowd as the Huntsville Art Society, a crucial step in a major campaign to increase community awareness of the existing professional organization and its endeavors to advance the status of the visual arts within the community, contribute to local cultural development, and to add value to the existing business community and local economy
2009 - Creator of the HAS Themed Show and Sale
An annual member's show and sale that includes a different themed exhibit each year
2009 - 2008 - Produced additional web based venues to support and promote Huntsville Art Society members, positively effecting membership numbers, interest by presenters and media groups. 2008/09
2012 - 2008 - Studio Practice Selected Exhibitions2012, August 18-19; Artists Of The Limberlost Tour, guest artist for Brenda Wainman Goulet , Huntsville/Lake of Bays 2012, August 11-12; The Enchanted Forest Art Experience, Wood’s End Studio Show,Kilworthy 2012, Summer (Seasonal) The Loft Gallery, Dorset 2012, May 5; Crush On Spring, Solo Show & Sale, 25 Briscoe St. E., London, ON 2012, April 27 - April 29; Barrie Spring Art Tour, juried studio tour, guest of Yvette Miller, 172 Blake St., Barrie 2012, April 24; Rogers's Daytime TV, Live demonstration/interview, Barrie 2012, March 1 - April 1; Barrie Spring Art Tour, banner display, downtown Barrie 2012, March 30 - April 1; Spring Ahead, Huntsville Art Society's Annual Themed Exhibition, Show & Sale, Hidden Valley, Huntsville 2012, March 23 - March 25; Annual Spring Members Show, Muskoka Art and Crafts, Sportsplex, Bracebridge 2012, March 23; Nomination - Muskoka Technology Achievement Awards - for Innovative Use of Technology 2012, February; Barrie Spring Art Tour, month long pre-tour exhibit at Rotunda, Barrie City Hall, Barrie2011, December 7- Jan 21; Just in Time, Group Show & Sale, 58 Main St., Huntsville 2011, October 1- December 1; Out of Trees, Solo Exhibition, The Framing Place and Gallery, Huntsville 2011, August 13-14; Artists Of The Limberlost Tour, guest artist for Brenda Wainman Goulet , Huntsville/Lake of Bays 2011, August 5-6; The Enchanted Forest Art Experience, Wood’s End Studio Show,Kilworthy 2011, Summer (Seasonal) The Loft Gallery, Dorset 2011, March 25-27; 34th Annual Spring Members' Show, Muskoka Art and Crafts, Chapel Gallery, Bracebridge 2011, February 18; Something Along Those Lines, Group Exhibition, Bohemian Cafe & Gallery opening exhibition, Bracebridge 2011, February 5-26; Reflecting the Surface Annual Themed Members Show, Muskoka Art and Crafts, Chapel Gallery, Bracebridge 2011, February 4-26; HAS Heart Group Exhibition curated by Brenda Wainman Goulet, The Art Space Gallery/Workshops, Huntsville 2010 August 20-21; Art &Lyrics, Huntsville Art Society Annual Juried Exhibition, Huntsville 2010 August 7-8; The Woodland Art Experience, Wood’s End Studio Show,Kilworthy 2010 - Nomination: YWCA Woman of Distinction Awards - in Arts, Culture and Creative Energy 2010 July 29; The 2nd Annual En Plein Air Painting and Auction, Student Bursary Fundraiser presented by Shutterbug Gallery and Huntsville Festival of the Arts,Huntsville 2010 July 24- August 29; Eight Back From The Lake Exhibition Group Exhibition curated by Suzann Greenaway, The Art Space Gallery/Workshops, Huntsville 2010 June 30 to present; Sense of Place, Group Exhibition curated by Mary Rashleigh, Canada Summit Centre Exhibition Hall, Huntsville 2010 June 26; Muskoka Tourism’s G8/G20 Muskoka Corridor, Direct Energy Centre, Toronto 2010 June 18-27; Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce G8 Exhibit, Algonquin Theatre, Huntsville 2010 March; 33 Annual Spring Members Show, Muskoka Art and Crafts, Bracebridge 2010 Jan 30; Muskoka Tourism’s Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce G8 Media Familiarization Tour Exhibit, Mark O’Meara Club House, Huntsville 2009 Oct 8-10; Huntsville Art Society Thanksgiving Exhibition, Huntsville Place Mall 2009 Sept 3-15; Second Chances Exhibition, Group Exhibition,Six Degrees Gallery, Bracebridge 2009 July 30; En Plein Air Painting and Auction, Student Bursary Fundraiser presented by Shutterbug Gallery and Huntsville Festival of the Arts,Huntsville 2009 July 23-26; Cedar Raven Studio event: The Raven’s Garden pARTy, Bracebridge 2009 July 11-12, Art in the Heart, Bracebridge 2009 June 25- July7; Heroes and Villains, Group Exhibition,Six Degrees Gallery, Bracebridge 2009 June 12- 23; Trees Rocks Water, Group Exhibition, Co-curator,Six Degrees Gallery, Bracebridge 2009 May 15-17; A Body of Work, Group Exhibition,Muskoka Art and Crafts, Bracebridge 2009 May 8-9; The Art of Remembering, Group Exhibition,curated by Carolyne Wagland, Hidden Valley, Huntsville 2009 May 1-2; Elements in Art: Earth, Air, Water, Fire Show and Sale, Huntsville Art Society, Huntsville 2009 April 1-30; Elements in Art: Earth, Air, Water, Fire Exhibition, Algonquin Theatre, Huntsville 2009 April 24; 6th Annual Evening of Wine, Words, Music &, Art, Dorset 2009 March; 32 Annual Spring Members Show, Muskoka Art and Crafts, Bracebridge 2009 Feb; About Face, Group Exhibition,Muskoka Art and Crafts, Chapel Gallery, Bracebridge 2008 Aug, Andersen, Fox, Mitchell Exhibition, Group Exhibition,Windermere 2008 July-Aug, Multiple Artist Weekend Exhibitions, Cedar Raven Studio, Bracebridge 2008 Mar 14-16; Signs of Spring, Group Exhibition,Huntsville Art Crowd, Publications
2011 Muskoka Life November/December - From tree to paper and back again
2010 Beyond the City May/June - The ABCs of ATCs: Artist trading cards go global.
2009 Muskoka Visitor Guide, publication
2009 Winter Issue; Beyond The City’s “The Last Word” Awards
2012 Doug Gatcke Award Members' Choice, Muskoka Arts and Crafts
2012 Judges Award of Excellence Best in Theme 2D, Huntsville Art Society
2010 Judges Award of Excellence in Mixed Media, Muskoka Arts and Crafts
2009 June Best Memorial Award, Member’s Choice, Huntsville Art Society
2009 Judges Award of Excellence Best in Theme Over All, Huntsville Art Society
Nominations
2012 - Muskoka Technology Achievement Awards - for Innovative Use of Technology
2010 - YWCA Woman of Distinction Awards - in Arts, Culture and Creative Energy Education 1984 – 1987 Fine Art, Fanshaw College, London 1984 Graphic Arts, accredited program, H.B. Beal, London, Canada Workshops | Classes | Courses2012 – Feb/March, Cultivating Collectors with Alyson B. Stanfield, Artist Consultant 2011 – May to present (2012), Artist Conspiracy with Alyson B. Stanfield, Artist Consultant 2011 – Oct 1 to Oct 31, Free Write Fling with Cynthia Morris, Writer, Creativity Coach 2011 – 2008 Through Muskoka Future’s Innovation Muskoka, Muskoka Arts and Crafts, Huntsville Art Society, the Arts Council of Muskoka, Creative Muskoka, Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce, Huntsville BIA, and the Town of Huntsville, I have attended over 100 workshops, demonstrations and meetings relating to business, art, education and community collaborations.
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