Prince Myshkin, in Fyodor Dostoevsky’s novel The Idiot, was ridiculed and mocked for saying, “beauty will save the world.” I think the world could use a lot more Prince Myshkins.
I am an artist living in Edmonton, AB Canada with over 23 years of studio practice. My formal studies were at Red Deer College and the University of Alberta. I have received many awards and recognition for my artwork, notably the Telus Courage to Innovate in the Arts Award. In 2013/14 I served as the City of Edmonton’s inaugural Artist in Residence. My paintings have sold nationally and internationally. As an art educator and facilitator I strive to connect people to art and creativity, encouraging skill building, laughter and personal growth.
I am continually experimenting and learning new ways to express myself in the visual arts. I’ve painted landscapes in oil for most of my career as an artist, but I also love to paint still-lifes, figures and almost anything else I see and encounter in this natural world. I know that beauty is all around me, even when it is not so obvious. When I find it, I paint. If someone else feels something when they see my paintings I know I have been successful.
I am also fascinated with abstraction and using the properties of paint, including colour, texture etc., with the formal elements of painting and drawing to express emotions and captivate viewers. You must be a very good painter to create successful abstract paintings. I just like to play.
Perhaps it is because I am Canadian and I am surrounded by so much land and sky that I continue to paint the landscape. Whenever I feel like I am finished with it, I see the sky or the trees or the lakes and a light reflects through nature and I catch a glimpse of something that makes me feel.
In 2019 I opened Collins Studio Gallery in the area of Alberta Avenue in Edmonton, AB. This serves as my working studio, a classroom where I teach beginner and advanced oil painting, and host an exhibition space where emerging artists and curators are given an opportunity to show their work in front of a public audience.
Jeffrey Collins - CV
(selected)
Education
Grant MacEwan Community College
Edmonton Alberta
Arts Administration Certificate
1995/6
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta
Bachelor of Fine Arts Program
1991 – 93
Red Deer College
Red Deer, Alberta
Art and Design University Transfer Program
1989- 1991
Professional Experience and Awards (selected)
Owner Operator of Collins Studio Gallery Classroom
Open February 2019
Personal art studio, public exhibition space and classroom
Art Facilitator
Prospect Human Services 2016 – 2018
Developed Essential Skills program. The project uses art making activities to develop essential skills in communication, problem solving, teamwork, leadership, accountability, self-confidence, time-management. A contract position that ended in July 2018
City of Edmonton Artist in Residence
Chosen as Edmonton’s inaugural Artist in Residence in 2013/14
Art Educator
2004 to present. Teaches beginner and intermediate oil painting at various locations in Edmonton.
Board Director
ArtsHub 118 Housing Co-op – President 2015 through 2018
Director 2018 to present
Arts Habitat Association of Edmonton 2003 through 2018
Telus Award for Courage to Innovate in the Arts
2008
Alberta Foundation for the Arts Project Grant
2003
Exhibitions (Selected)
Collins Studio Gallery - group
Of Conduct and Composition
June - July 2019
Edmonton, AB
Collins Studio Gallery Inauguration - solo
February – March 2019
Edmonton, AB
ArtsHub 118 Open House - group
September 2018
Edmonton, AB
ArtsHub Heatwave – group
September 2017
Edmonton, AB
Paintings from the Urban Forest - solo
Artist in Residence Exhibition – Edmonton City Hall
February and March 2014
Edmonton, AB
10 to the power of 10 - group
April 2011
Edmonton, AB
Big Sky - Group
September through November 2007
Royal Alberta Museum
Edmonton, AB
One Person Two Persona – Solo
June through September 2007
Sutton Place Hotel – The Works Exhibition
Edmonton, AB
Ft McMurray Regional Library
January Through February 2007
Ft McMurray, AB
Artist on the Rails - Solo
Via Rail Train Exhibition
June 2005
Edmonton to Jasper, AB
Concurrent Progressions – Solo
The Works Gallery at Commerce Place
September through October, 2004
Edmonton, AB
Many other group and solo shows throughout Alberta that began in June 1991