Chris Drake            Art reflecting the beauty he sees everywhere 

Chris Drake’s art reflects the beauty he sees everywhere: sunshine on water, clouds in the sky, leaves on trees, sunsets, his breath fogging in the cold, lightening. He loves bright vibrant colours, patterns and repetition. He draws inspiration from nature, weather, other images, pets, family and his own imagination. As result his works are as varied as the stars and as happy as his smile.

A resident of Carleton Place, Chris is well known for his warm smiles, his enthusiastic cheers at regattas and hockey games and his varied, colourful art. While he always liked doing art, it took off in High School where he studied art, participated in his first art show, sold his first painting and helped inspire his teacher, Sarah Jaynes, to hold a workshop for students with cognitive challenges like him, thus starting Without Exception. Chris participated in the first 10 workshops.

A regular submitter to the Jane Cameron Art Award, Chris received honourable mentions in 2008 and 2009 and won the award in 2010. His art has been displayed at the Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum, the Lanark Community Programs office in Carleton Place and a small restaurant in Hintonburg. He currently has pieces at Surrounding Memories and Temptations on Bridge St. in Carleton Place.

Since leaving school Chris, helped found the Carleton Place Social Rec Program, where he and his friends learn life skills, have work placements, do art and more. He attends art group on Thursday afternoons at Temptations with his girlfriend, Gen. And he is active in sports, doing everything from hockey to paddling.

Look for him on Facebook under Chris Drake Art.
For other inquires please contact Chris at: [email protected]