DeCosmos Fine Arts Society Celebrates 60 Years in Oceanside
The DeCosmos Fine Arts Group began informally in 1966 when two close friends and fellow artists, Jean Vowel and Agnes Doolittle, regularly gathered in Jean's attic studio in her home in Qualicum. There they sketched together, shared ideas, and encouraged one another's artistic development.
Recognizing the value of these gatherings, they invited other local artists to join them to share their experiences in different forms of art including painting, drawing, sculpture, and pottery. Before long, seventeen members had joined the group, which became known as Qualicum Fine Arts.
As participation increased, the group began to organize itself more formally. In 1967, June Moilliet was appointed the group's first president, and the organization established its first by-laws and executive structure. Around this time, the group adopted the name DeCosmos Fine Arts Group, later to become DeCosmos Fine Arts Society. As DeCosmos continued to grow they moved between various venues in Parksville & Qualicum Beach.
Originally DeCosmos was the only art resource in the Oceanside area and they began to offer art classes to adults and children. The Victoria Art Gallery (VAG) would send representatives for demonstrations and to hold joint exhibits with DeCosmos.
The VAG also organized extension shows that alternated between Parksville and Qualicum, featuring works by the Group of Seven, Indigenous artists, and contemporary Western Canadian artists. Occasionally, artworks by local artists and students were displayed alongside these notable pieces.
The Oceanside Community Arts Council (OCAC) was established in 1976 and both the OCAC and Malaspina College began holding classes. At this point in the late 70’s DeCosmos almost disbanded but reinvented itself and continued to grow.
Today there are over 180 members and the group meets September through May at Knox United Church in Parksville. Each meeting features a demonstration and DeCosmos also arranges exhibits to showcase members’ work at locations throughout Oceanside.
During the month of May, the McMillan Arts Centre (MAC) is devoting their entire exhibit space to DeCosmos for their celebration. The exhibit theme is “Celebrating our Best.”
A separate media display will feature historic and current photographs.
The opening reception will be held on May 9th at the MAC from 3:00 – 5:30. At the reception a mosaic will be unveiled featuring 48 different artists who have each painted a square foot section. The mosaic will remain on display through May 31st.