News

 Rogest is an artist with a passion for the environment. He also understands how important it is to encourage young people to care and respect the environment.  Combining his love of the oceans, diving and his art, Rogest has created a kid's art program he calls the Kids Gallery program. The program will be offered at the Sunshine Coast Arts Centre on August 6-8.

Kids will learn the about the ecology of the world's oceans and art. "This program allows me to engage the students in discussions of the habitat, species diversity and inter-relatedness as well as art and culture," says Rogest. "It brings together education on the environment and art." Rogest sees this as his way to give back to the community.

 

During the three-day program, the students will learn Rogest's unique dot or pointillistic style of painting. This style was inspired by dot painting of the Australian Aborigines. The students will each choose a marine organisim and create a painting of that creature. They will learn about it and its environment. The students will also collaborate on a piece with Rogest that will be donated to the Sunshine Coast Conservation Society. 

 

A reception and art display will be held on the last day, August 8 from noon to 2 pm. The works will be available for purchase by businesses and individuals. The students get to choose an environmental cause where the money goes from the art sales.

 

Rogest was born in Montreal and has lived and traveled all over the world. He moved to Sechelt three years ago. "I have spent the last 20-25 years in the travel and tourism industry," says Rogest, "and Sechelt is one of the most wonderful and exciting places to live. Living here on the water feeds my soul."

 

And that name Rogest? It comes from combining letters of his full name Ron George Steven. 

 

To learn more about Rogest and his art visit his website: www.rogest.com