Family of artists showcase work together

By Jordan Merkley and Aynslee Darmon

BELLEVILLE – A local family of artists will be opening their exhibit at the John M. Parrott Art Gallery Thursday.

The exhibit, titled Familial Expressions, will feature the paintings of  Belleville native Kate Bickle-Ferth, now a resident of Waterloo, as well as the work of her parents, Bill and Ann Bickle, who still live in the area.

After graduating from the University of Waterloo with a bachelor of fine arts, Bickle-Ferth was not able to obtain a full-time job as an artist, but that hasn’t stopped her from pursuing her passion.

“It’s a really big passion of mine and it’s something I wanted to continue. Even though I’m not doing it full time I still continue it on the side and it’s still a big part of my life,” she said.

The artist enjoys painting florals, and said her family was her inspiration:

She also says she is excited to showcase her work alongside her parents:

The opening reception for the exhibit took place from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday:

The Familial Expressions exhibit opened tonight at the John M Parrott gallery. #QNetNews pic.twitter.com/Hq17b00xWZ

— Jordan Merkley (@JordanMerkley1) December 4, 2015

Live piano music at the Familial Expressions art show. #QNetNews pic.twitter.com/aY5Q1hM8X6 — Aynslee Darmon (@adarmon_qnet) December 3, 2015

“It’s so fancy, and fun! I love it!”- Kate Bickle-Ferth where her art is on display. (Pictured) #QNetNews pic.twitter.com/6yTqNXIaeG

— Aynslee Darmon (@adarmon_qnet) December 3, 2015

The Bickle family, Bill, Ann, Kate and Kate’s husband Shane (Left to right). #QNetNews#FamilialExpressionspic.twitter.com/71ZIlcNeHi — Aynslee Darmon (@adarmon_qnet) December 3, 2015

The exhibit runs until Dec. 31. The gallery is located at 254 Pinnacle St. in the Belleville Public Library.