Tag Archives: Gallery Exhibit

MHM Book Launch Follow the Black Lines by Elsie K. Neufeld with Henry & Velma Braun

You Are Invited …

to our Book Launch!

Featuring: Follow the Black Lines by Elsie K. Neufeld with Henry & Velma Braun

2:00pm

Saturday

March 18, 2023

 

Registration required.  To register call 604-758-5667.

Feel free to call after hours, just leave a message.

Café Open for 2 Seatings
11:30am and 12:30pm
Menu: Borscht & Bun, Platz
Reservations Required
By Donation Main Exhibit Tour at 12:30pm
Registration Required
Free Presentation at 2pm
with Complimentary Refreshments  & Self Guided Tours until 4pm
Registration Required


“Follow the Black Lines sets the standard for family histories. This story, so honestly told, of two “Russian Mennonites” and their families, will leave an indelible mark upon its readers. Far more, however, than a family history, it is a near novelistic account of the refugee experience, in this case a horrific flight from the Soviet Union during the ravages of World War II, to a brief but difficult interlude in Paraguay, and finally to successful integration into life in Canada. Ultimately, a transcendent tale of grace.”

—Robert Martens, writer, editor, poet

In a day when “family” is difficult to define, and lacks positive portrayal in the media, ”Follow the Black Lines” reminds us of the importance of our family stories. This book demonstrates the value of retelling our family hardships and tragedies.  In this volume lies the phenomenal story of the George and Margaret Braun extended family. It describes the years leading up to the family struggles as WWII refugees when they were constantly on the move, with few allies to hide, protect or feed them.  Rather, they were forced to adapt to incredibly diverse foreign cultures from Ukraine through Germany and postwar Western Europe, temporarily landing in Paraguay and, ultimately, Canada.  This Mennonite family faced hunger, disease and discrimination all described by a vivid narrative and by skillful placement of era photographs. But despite the brutal treks in severe weather conditions, across Western Europe and struggles in South America, the Braun family never forgot the sacrifices that had been made in search of freedom and a future for its off-spring.  Inevitably, extraordinary achievement beyond anyone’s expectations was realized in Canada. Undoubtedly, the seeds of that success were sown years before in the sacrifices of the family.

One cannot read this engaging biography without pining for the simplicity of a different time with different values.  Informative, comprehensive, and transparent, it could form the basis of a documentary.  Perhaps this remarkably well-researched family history will help us to escape society’s current tendency to self-centeredness and usher in a return to an unpretentious priority for the family.

—Bob Kuhn, President Emeritus, Trinity Western University

 

This exhibit extended to April 14:


MHM Gallery Exhibit Opening Reception

You are invited! Join us for the opening reception for our next Gallery Exhibit entitled: Mennonite Gals Can Paint: Watercolour & Acrylic Paintings
Everyone is invited to this free event and light refreshments will be provided.
Meet the artists and hear them talk about their work.
Doors at 1pm, Presentation at 2pm.
Main Exhibit will also be open.
Bring friends and relatives.

Scroll down for more information:

2020 MHM Gallery Exhibit Marilyn Vooys and Irene Enns

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About Marilyn Vooys

Marilyn Vooys is a watercolour artist who chose this medium because of the variety of effects that can be created with it, from pastel softness to bold strong colour. As well, it is a ‘clean’ medium that doesn’t take days to dry. She uses photos from her own travels as reference and takes workshops to expand her base of knowledge & she also frames her own art. A member of the Fraser Valley Watermedia Society (FVWS) since 1996, she has had her work displayed mainly in the Fraser Valley. You may have seen her work displayed at the Clearbrook Library, Kariton Gallery, Plas des Arts, Maple Ridge and Mission Arts Centre.

About Irene Enns

Irene Enns, a member of the Fraser Valley Watermedia Society, Abbotsford Arts Council, Central Fraser Valley Graphic Guild, and past member of the Federation of Canadian Artists and Mission Arts Council has actively exhibited her watercolor and acrylic paintings in corporate and public institutions and in joint and group exhibitions in Canada and the United States. Numerous paintings have also been donated to charitable causes.

Canadian born, educated, and a long-time resident of Abbotsford, British Columbia, she is passionate about capturing scenes from her native land-having a strong focus on B.C. landscapes and from the experiences garnered during her extensive travels. A melting pot and an avenue for creative painting, Irene also developed her own “Sepia Washout” technique as she studied under Elsie Grace, who was inducted into the College of the Desert Hall of Fame. Under the tutelage of Jack Rowe, a Signature Member of Watercolor West, and a Member of the National Academy of Design, she continued her pursuit of and studies in painting from 2000 to 2004.  Irene has won six prestigious art awards including the Artist of the Year Award, Abbotsford Arts Council in 2011 and the Artists’ Choice Award, Fraser Valley Watermedia Society in 2017.

As a painter, it is an opportunity to gently nudge awareness of images and expressions of the soul to others, and as a guest artist, Irene also demonstrates her skills traveling through visual concepts, personal experiences, and transferring onto paper and canvas the emotions of the heart – gift to share with others.