Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month, September through May. Doors open at 6:30pm for socialization and meeting begins at 7:00 pm (except for December & May). Meetings are held at the Trillium United Church, Ruby Caroll Hall, 415 Linwell Road, St. Catharines except for our September Panel Discussion, December Festive Dinner and May Spring Soiree which will all be held at Club Roma, 125 Vansickle Rd, St. Catharines. Please remember to Lug-A-Mug for meetings at the church hall.
- April 8, 2025 - An Artist’s Journey, 7:00 pm
Edward Spera
Wildlife Artist of the Year 2024
Canada Prestige AwardsThe last time Edward Spera attended an art class was in eighth grade at 13 years old. It was eleven years later that he started to paint in earnest. After watching a documentary about wolves on TV, inspiration struck, and he found some old art supplies in the back of a closet, setting to work on what would be the first piece of a prolific career that has spanned years and continents.
It is no coincidence that Edward’s first piece was wildlife related. In his younger years, wildlife TV programs and documentaries captivated him. While on family trips in Northern Ontario, walking through the woods, or even in his own backyard, Edward always enjoyed watching wildlife. This hasn’t changed; however, his travels have extended beyond the local, and are now global.
There is a spirit or essence to an animal that you see in the wild that is just not there with a captive animal. There is a spark in the way an animal navigates the world on its own terms; whether it is searching for food, caring for young, or interacting with other animals, they are always existing with a purpose in the wild. The shape, posture, and muscle tone of an animal is very different in the wild when compared to their lethargic captive counterparts. Every line, curve and marking is representative of an individual animal’s history. Nature truly created something beautiful in the processes that have given way to the flora and fauna of the world, and Edward tries to mimic that beauty with each brushstroke.
When people see Edward’s work for the first time, one of the most common elements they bring up is the eyes. For Edward, the eyes can give a false sense of completion with a piece, which is why he leaves them for last. Conventional wisdom states that an artist should start with the eyes, since they are a focal point. Edward leaves the eyes for last, so as he works on it the painting never feels quite complete; potentially one hair or one whisker away from completion, concerned that he will shortchange the detail that he is known for. Once a piece is complete, he never goes back to it. With his attention to detail, the potential for him to spend years on a piece getting every element “perfect” is not outside of the realm of possibility.
Edward will share his travel adventures related to his art work.
- May 13, 2025 - Spring Soirée, 2025, 5:00 pm
Starlight Ballroom, Club Roma
Doors Open 5:00 PM
Supper: 6:00 PMGet ready for socializing and meeting new people with networking activities, celebrating the year’s accomplishments, and listening to an enlightening talk with Dr. Antonia Mantonakis. Wear your favourite Spring outfit to say goodbye to winter and really brighten things up! Come you enjoy a drink, chat with your friends, or make new ones. Guests may be invited.
Tickets: $45, e-transfer, cash or cheque
E-transfer: to [email protected] with Comment ‘Spring Soiree’, along with any food allergy/dietary concerns. The confirmation email is your receipt.
Cash or cheque: at the April general meeting. Receipts will be given.
Tickets must be purchased by Friday, April 25.Menu: Assorted dinner rolls, caprese salad with prosciutto, home-made lasagna (cheese lasagna for vegetarians; GF penne pasta for gluten free) and family style house salad, ice cream crepes with berries, coffee and tea.
Cash bar opens at 5:00 pm. Club Roma will provide complimentary soft drinks and juice at the bar.Speaker: Dr Mantonatkis is a leading expert in consumer psychology, as she reveals a secret of psychology you need to know. With over two decades of research, media features in The New York Times, NPR, and CNN, and international recognition in the wine industry, Dr. Mantonakis has uncovered surprising insights into how our minds work. This engaging session will change the way you think about your everyday choices—whether it’s selecting wine, making a purchase, or even recalling an experience.
Memories/Photos requested for a look back at our 2024-25 club year
You can help recognize the Club’s accomplishments this year at the Spring Soiree. If you have something to contribute via a short description of a successful event or achievement and/or photos (with captions) please email them to Carol Clarke by April 28.Come out and celebrate another year with CFUW and enjoy the company of so many dynamic women