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- Winnipeg Free Press
Artist, collector turns home into gallery
Royalwood
For Royalwood resident and retired Louis Riel School Division teacher Rodger Lourenzo, home is where the art is. Every June, he opens his abode to friends, former students, and the general public to experience the art he has created and collected in an evening gallery show and sale.
'This is the best time of year to showcase the art,' Lourenzo said. 'We have the perfect light streaming in.'
Owing to strong interest, Lourenzo extended his event for an extra week this year, and sold 107 of the 250-300 pieces available.
Photo by Tanya Misseghers
Rodger Lourenzo shows off one of his graphite art pieces.
'I've been making and purchasing art for 25 years,' Lourenzo said. 'Before moving to Royalwood 10 years ago, I invited people to visit my home and let the art speak to them, without any pressure to purchase. It's a tradition I've continued that has led to making new friends and sparking joy. Art is for everyone.'
Lourenzo's collection extends from Canadian to international artists in all forms – paint, print, photography, ceramics and sculpture, ranging in price from $50 into the thousands. By cutting his own glass and doing his own framing, he aims to make fine art more accessible. Lourenzo obtains pieces locally and globally through his travels.
'I look for art that tells a story, or evokes a memory, or emotion,' Lourenzo acknowledged. 'Beauty, humour, love, longing, sadness, contradiction, majesty, each one moves me.'
Lourenzo has several of his own graphite drawings available to purchase.
'I layer the different weights of pencil as though I'm building the image one cell at a time. Tap, tap, tap, creating the depth of life that I see.'
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Inspired by the nearby Bois-des-esprits, Lourenzo plans on expanding into photography.
'The marshes and the retention ponds in Royalwood are incredible for wildlife,' he said. 'Even in my own backyard, I've observed more than 30 species of birds, including ducks. I allow myself to be open to all mediums – watercolour, sculpture, pencil – it's about what I'm conceiving.'
Although this year's show and sale ended June 8, Lourenzo welcomes anyone searching for a special piece to complete their home or cottage.
'If you have a feeling you want to create, I can help you choose. It just takes one little gem to make your space complete. I want people to be surrounded by art that they love.'
He can be reached by email at lourenzoart@ or by phone at 204-801-7716
Tanya Misseghers Royalwood community correspondent
Tanya Misseghers is a community correspondent for Royalwood.
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