Richard Young: What Comes To Mind *Temporary Closure*

Dear members, friends and artists,

We, the Board of Xchanges, are working on our response to the Covid-19 pandemic to support the national response to the pandemic and all of you. The most important thing to us is everyone's personal safety and health.  We will do everything we can to ensure this and encourage you all to support each other during this challenging time.

Please be aware that in order to support current efforts to contain and reduce the spread of the virus we are instituting the following measures:

1.       All life drawing sessions are suspended until we have the all-clear from government health advisors and according to government recommendations;

2.       All upcoming exhibitions are suspended until such time as we have the all-clear from government health advisors and according to government recommendations. Xchanges will do its best to reschedule these exhibitions at  future dates to be determined. We will suspend these operations one month at a time, but all exhibiting artists are on notice that their exhibition time will change;

3.       All on-site artists with studio spaces should practice social distancing and ensure that all common, shared facilities are cleaned and sanitized e.g. door handles, kitchen equipment, supplies, phone etc. The Studio Coordinator will communicate with all studio artists as to processes and information;

4.       Regular communication will be provided as we have information to share or to answer questions  via our Facebook page, by email,  and the newsletter distribution list;

5.       Other forms and channels of communication will be shared as available.

While we recognize that while this situation is very difficult, we can also take some other measures to ensure our physical and mental well-being and that art can still thrive in difficult times:

·         Check-in with friends and colleagues regularly - by phone, email, or on the Xchanges Facebook.

·         Share your work online with our community as much as you can - creativity can be a support during times of pain and fear.

·         Keep on top of the news but don't let it overwhelm you - take time to go out and walk with a friend or listen to pod casts that give you a break from the news.

·         For information about Covid-19 and the current response of governments you can follow these sites:

• The BC Centre for Disease Control
• CBC News – Covid-19 across Canada 

We thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this time and we wish you all good health and safety in the upcoming days and weeks. Please feel free to reach out to us with your questions and ideas for getting through this challenging time.

All the best, Xchanges Board of Directors

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Richard Young, "What Comes To Mind," 2020

Richard Young: What Comes To Mind

The public is invited to attend artist Richard Young’s first solo exhibition entitled What Comes To Mind. His colourful metal work is a representation of how he sees the world, “I am dyslexic, so it has been a challenge to explain concepts in words; instead, I found a way to express my disorganized thoughts in a static form.”

With an eye to movement, Young twists and folds sheet metal to create appealing shapes. He achieves crisp lines and inviting curves that evoke movement and inspire the imagination. He then applies bold colours, “The warm and lively colours reflect my optimism.” When placed outdoors, the form's medium and vibrancy enhance the characteristics of the natural environment.

Young’s goal is for people to observe the form and to be reminded of how saturated hues and unpredictable contours can reinvigorate the spirit.

Artist's Bio

Richard Young is an emerging contemporary artist who works with metal, stone, and wood. He is the sole proprietor of Huxter Design.

Last year, Young took a leap. He was looking for a medium through which he could reflect his optimistic view of the world. He began to experiment with sheet metal and found that it allowed him to express his perspective without fear of condescension.

Young is an annual contributor to the Cowichan Valley Fine Arts Show. His piece entitled “Fast Fashion” enjoyed an Honourable Mention in 2017, and this year’s piece entitled “Form 1” received a People’s Choice award. He exhibited at the 2019 Sooke Fine Arts Show.

Young lives in Maple Bay, BC with his three daughters and devoted wife.