Just two weeks following a lymphoma diagnosis in October of last year, Courtenay artist Josh Klassen wanted a low-key, but creative way to connect with friends and family for his birthday. The first group painting party kicked off a project that would last through the next several months of treatment. A loose collective was formed, and a body of work emerged. The Art Writers Ghost Collective gathered most Sundays between November 2023 and  March  2024 for brunch and a collaborative painting.

The core group of artists includes Anna Rambow, Josh Klassen, Olivia Klassen, Marcelle Wheeler, and Dave Miklos, but the attending participants are fluid with a range of people contributing towards each painting.

Often using up-cycled canvases, the pieces are usually large enough to cover the dinner table. The artists rotate around the canvas and spin the painting throughout the afternoon. The process begins with a colourful abstraction which is then detailed with a final inking. An intention of letting go, non-attachment, trust in each other and no wrong answers sets the tone for the journey through each session.

The first showcasing of work by the Art Writers Ghost Collective takes place for one day only at Artful: The Gallery in Courtenay. All are welcome to join us on October 12 from 1pm until 5 pm. There will be an interactive painting for those interested in participating, set to the experimental music soundscape of David Miklos and Jesse Gentes duo ZEK. The open house exhibit marks the one year anniversary of Josh’s cancer journey, and a celebration of his remission. All are welcome.