As December 8 approaches, so does the fifth anniversary celebration of Turadh Fine Art at Townsite Public Market.
The gallery and studio, nestled on Walnut Street (Unit 108), is an emblem of one woman’s journey in art, leadership and entrepreneurship.
Conceived and launched by Anna May Bennett, Turadh Fine Art isn’t just another gallery space. It culminates in Bennett’s lifelong passion for painting, especially her highly sought-after landscape works. Her vast landscapes, primarily in oils, showcase nature’s sheer power and elegance, with a special inclination toward coastal themes.
“I receive a tremendous amount of positive response to the gallery for the art I create and display,” explains Bennett, adding that many of her paintings often find a buyer even before they’re finished.
Turadh Fine Art has been consistently ranked among the top three galleries in the region since its inception. Bennett attributes much of this success to a tightly-knit community of clients, friends and, particularly, the unwavering support from Steven Brooks, the 2022 Powell River Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year award winner and owner of Townsite Public Market.
“The encouragement from Steven and my neighbours at the Townsite Public Market has been instrumental in Turadh’s stability and growth,” says Bennett.
As she gears up to mark her gallery’s fifth anniversary, her journey shows what passion, hard work and a supportive community can achieve.
Bennett’s commitment isn’t limited to her works or the gallery. She is also keenly invested in elevating local artists. Over the past five years, Turadh Fine Art has become the canvas for more than 30 regional artists.
“Working with our region’s talented artists is both a privilege and an honour,” she says.
Having resided in the qathet region for 17 years, Bennett has woven herself into the fabric of the local art community. A graduate of Telford College School of Creative Arts in Edinburgh, Scotland, her ties to the arts community are deep.
Besides her gallery, she has held roles such as secretary for Malaspina Arts Society and is a founding member of Malaspina Artists — Powell River Art Ambassadors.
Since choosing to focus on her career as an artist, Bennett has shown regularly in galleries and art fairs in the region. Known for her large-scale landscape paintings, she has secured and completed public commissions for BC Children’s Hospital, Sunny Hill Health Centre, Townsite Brewing and Powell River Public Library. A recent renovation of the First Credit Union branch in Powell River includes 11 of her coastal-themed images.
While operating the gallery and creating her own work takes up the majority of her time, this September, Bennett will also be working on a mural for Base Camp Coffee’s Marine Avenue location.
“It takes bravery and commitment to follow one’s dreams,” says Bennett, “but the rewards can be immeasurable.”
For more information, email [email protected] or call 604.223.4178. A new website will be launching soon at annamaybennett.com.
