Sherway Gardens' Gallery in the Garden Close Ups feature Photography and Pastels! November 18, 2008

Sherway Gardens’ (Hwy 427 & the QEW) current Gallery in the Garden exhibit entitled Close Ups presents a selection of photographs and pastel paintings by Gordon Leverton, Scott Garant and Richard Manilla that provide a sharp and unique focus on the rural and urban landscape around us and is on display until January 10, 2009. For more information call 416-621-1070 or visit www.sherwaygardens.ca.

Finding inspiration in back alleys, factory grounds and industrial spaces, Gordon Leverton is a self-taught artist whose previous incarnations as a picture framer, writer, retailer and entrepreneur have helped form his artistic direction. His focus on urban decay and architectural design stem from his formative years spent in the rural southwest farm belt in Chatham, Ontario which gives him a unique perspective. Gordon is a member of several guilds and artist groups including: Burlington Art Centre, Art Gallery of Hamilton, Hamilton Artists Inc., Sunrise Gallery (Hamilton), and is an elected member of The Society of Canadian Artists. His artwork has been exhibited in the Art Gallery of Hamilton, Todmorden Mills Museum in Toronto, Montreal’s Ogilvy Hall and the Tom Thomson Memorial Gallery. Many various private and corporate collections are home to his work, including the City of Toronto fine art collection in the St. Lawrence Market. In 2008 Gordon received first place awards in the Junction Juried Art Exhibition and the Riverdale Art Walk in Toronto. Starting in January 2009, he will begin as an instructor at the Burlington Art Centre, Burlington, Ontario. He lives in Hamilton, Ontario with his wife Nancy and two children. More of Gordon Leverton’s work can be found at www.gordonleverton.com.

Etobicoke’s Scott Garant and Richard Manilla have collaborated as the artistic team of Garilla Photography and Visual Art since 1998. Their creative energy and collaboration is fuelled by their respective backgrounds. As a photojournalist, Scott studied at various colleges in Ontario. Richard's trained in graphic design where he utilized various mediums to produce his work. Together, they have combined elements and principles of design from the field of art with exposure time from the field of photography to create images as if they were painted with light. Both Scott and Richard believe that nature provides the perfect canvas to create abstract and impressionist images without using computer-based programs to enhance the natural beauty of the world. By choosing and creating images that captivate and allow for contemplation, they invite the viewer on their journey. Scott and Richard have entered their works in auctions for various community and educational organizations, including SNAP!08, Sick Kids Hospital, and Fife House and are working with the Upper Gallery in support of the Dorothy Ley Hospice's Art Therapy Program. Their work is featured in private and public collections in Canada, the U.S., and as far away as New Zealand. Additional works by Scott Garant and Richard Manila can be seen at www.garillaarts.com.

Official Website: http://www.sherwaygardens.ca