CFB Borden Artists Featured in Barrie Art Exhibit

Left: MCpl Elena Vlassova with her Steel Spirit exhibit at Barrie City Hall. Right: Steel Spirit artist Lee-Ann LeMesurier stands with her artwork on display at Barrie City Hall.

MCpl Elena Vlassova, an Image Technician with the Canadian Forces Training Development Centre, and Lee-Ann LeMesurier, a full-time reservist, are both members of The Steel Spirit, which showcases artwork by military, first responder, and frontline healthcare workers.

Both had their work on display last fall at Barrie City Hall in Ontario.

“That made me extremely happy,” says MCpl Vlassova. “It made me inspired to paint more. It gave me the confidence that my art is presentable. I am very grateful for this opportunity to have my life enriched with [these] shows.”

Her art is acrylic painting on canvas of mostly old-style architectural buildings, a passion that began during her studies at the Architectural Academy in Russia. She also paints portraits in watercolour.

Lee-Ann LeMesurier is a multi-medium artist, working with prints, sculptures, watercolour, and found objects. Her pieces are about self-exploration.

“[Art] is definitely a necessity for many of us, whether we like to admit it or not,” she says.

She adds, it’s a different experience when art is shared, but having your art displayed is not what defines an artist. For her, art is meant for everyone – all ages and all skill levels – and can be a good way to heal.

“I think having an outlet for everybody is important,” she said. “No matter who you are, or what your background, or what you’ve been through, art has a place for you.”

The Steel Spirit is a platform for artwork submissions by Military, First Responder, and Hospital Practitioners. They are always looking for new and emerging artists with and without experience, from every background and every age. For more information or if you would like to be involved, please visit: www.thesteelspirit.ca

––––