The DeCosmos Fine Arts Society is based on friendship, fellowship and the encouragement of artistic growth for all members.
The DeCosmos Fine Arts Society began in 1966 when a small group of artists decided to get together to share ideas and inspiration. The group was instrumental in the establishment of the Parksville and District Arts Council and continues to be a vibrant part of the arts community in the Oceanside area.
Everyone is welcome; practicing artist or art lover. It is not necessary to have work juried to become a member. Members come from all over the mid island area. DeCosmos now has over 100 members including artists of all levels, from beginners to professionals, as well as those simply interested in the appreciation of art.
DeCosmos Mission Statement
To provide a venue for artists to meet, socialize and show their work;
To provide monthly demonstrations of various techniques by accredited artists;
To help artists develop skills and acquire or show their knowledge;
To organize art exhibitions of hand-made, original visual art so that society members have an opportunity to show their art to the public.
2024-25 DeCosmos Board
Executive
- President – Joanne Nemeth
- First Vice-President – Sylvie Bart
- Second Vice-President – Rosemary Park
- Secretaries – Deb Peters & Linda Greig
- Treasurer – Cathy Dennis
- Membership – Sandy Trafananko
Past President: Faith Love-Robertson
Directors (Committee Chairs) / Committees
- Email & Webmaster – Joanne Nemeth
- Demonstrations – Alexandra Carr (Chair), Rosemary Park, Paulette Crampton, Laura Barnes
- Show Committee – Joanne Ayley (Show Convenor)
- Show Co-ordinators: Karen Morrison, Sandy Trafananko, Karena Albert
- Show Volunteers: Carol Popp, Dorota Goede, Adina Barugolo, Laura Barnes
- Communications Committee – Karen Morrison, Sylvie Peltier, Bev Simpson – Photographer
- Project Focus Committee Co-Chairs – Rosemary Park, Carol Popp
- Refreshments Committee – Gillian Walker, Lynn Orriss, Deanna Didier, Linda Strand, Jeanette Hawkes
- Historian – Nancy Slavin
- OCAC Liaison – Colleen Stewart
- DeCosmos Painter Groups Co-ordinator – Joanne Nemeth