Westland Gallery springs into focus with A Journey into Realism, running from March 28 to April 15. The exhibition features work by Denise Antaya, of Port Stanley, and Toronto residents Nancy Calder and Sandra Murphy.

The trio met at the Academy of Realist Art, a private institution teaching realism using classical techniques and methods.

Realism in art has purpose. Danielle Hoevenaars, Westland’s associate director, says, “There is a sense of awe evoked when we are presented with an astounding representation of life, created by the careful hand of an artist. Realism can be an expression of superior craftsmanship or the celebration of an object of beauty.”

Each artist explores realism in her own way: Antaya through familiar local landscapes, and Murphy through romantic florals.

Calder populates her still life paintings with antique objects that hint at a narrative and invite viewers to reflect on each object’s origins. Thus realism can be a form of historical documentation and storytelling as well as wonder.

“The work in this collection is of a very high calibre – captivatingly precise and elegant,” promises Hoevenaars. The opening reception is March 31 at 7 pm. Treat yourself to an artist talk April 5 at 7 p.m.