Stella Jurgen’s art the feature of Station Arts Centre exhibit

Tillsonburg artist Stella Jurgen carries two of her paintings that will be part of her display in the Station Arts Centre into the gallery. The exhibit will run from May 8 to June 12. (Jeff Helsdon Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

The title of Stella Jurgen’s exhibit at the Station Arts Centre brings with it some surprising revelations.

Titled “Discovery”, the exhibit is her sixth solo exhibition, with the other six being in the GTA. It opened May 8 and runs until June 12.

Asked about the significance of the title, Jurgen explained, “Discovery of me coming into Tillsonburg, discovery of things I didn’t do before, like landscapes. The beautiful landscape here inspired me.”

Of the 25 paintings in the exhibit, 13 are from Tillsonburg. There is a variety of subject matter of the local paintings, including one of a Harvard piloted by Sean Voskamp taking off over a field. Jurgen said if the painting sells, she will donate a portion of the sales to the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association. Another is of Lake Lisgar in the fall, and was chosen to hang in Queen’s Park. Landscapes, a painting of a local house, and an aerial view of Tillsonburg are also among the local scenes brought to life.

Describing her art as “mostly self-taught”, Jurgen attended fine art college for a few months before her family moved to Canada. She started working as a graphic artist in the GTA, and founded 17 Designs. She and Norm moved to Tillsonburg a few years ago, where she ‘discovered’ a new aspect of her art. Over the years, her art has won many awards.

Many local residents who know of Jurgen’s paintings will discover that her talent is multifaceted. She is also a fashion designer, following in her mother's footsteps. She learned by watching her mother work. Jurgen took part in three fashion shows in the GTA for charity fundraisers, has gowns for sale in the local bridal shop, and her clothes are for sale in Station Arts Centre. She also makes jewelry and handbags that are for sale.

She describes her clothing as full of lots of colour, reflecting her multicultural background. She was born in Argentina to an Italian mother and Portuguese father, grew up in Portugal, and married a German.

“All of this has become my colour palette,” she said.

Although many artists would be more excited to be displaying in the GTA, Jurgen is excited for this exhibit in Tillsonburg.

“Before I moved here, I came here to an opening, met three artists, saw the space and fell in love with the space,” she said of the gallery.

Jurgen will also be hosting a sip and paint workshop at the Station Arts Centre on May 22 at 6 p.m.