April 29, 2010
Media contact: Anne Russell
Cell: 604-798-3709
Office: 604-795-2826
anne.russell@ufv.ca
Langley artist Courtney Simms designs UFV alumni wine label
The winner of this year’s alumni commemorative wine label contest at the University of the Fraser Valley is a UFV alumna, but she didn’t take art courses while she studied there.
Courtney Simms majored in English, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in 2005. She fell into a career as an artist almost casually.
“I've always dabbled in art and am primarily self-taught,” she notes. “In 2005 just before I graduated my dad asked me to paint a picture for his new office. When I finished the painting my parents were very impressed and they asked me if I would be interested in pursuing art as a career. Since painting is my passion I decided to do so.”
 |
|
Courtney Simms |
To hone her artistic skills she took painting workshops with various artists.
“My artwork explores shape, movement, texture, shadows, and reflective light in landscapes. I use colour to evoke a sense of depth, to stimulate the senses, and to represent light and shadow. My imaginative variations of colour are spontaneous, dramatic, alive, cheerful, passionate, calming, soothing and tranquil,” Simms notes.
The artworks that were selected for the UFV wine labels are abstract mountains.
“I love painting mountains and am always finding new ways to depict them,” Simms notes. “For Zion in early Morning and Zion at Dusk I used textured gels and painted them using my fingers.”
Simms specializes in vibrant, unique, and dramatic abstract landscapes and works primarily in acrylics.
“When I heard that I had won the competition I felt very honoured and proud,” notes Simms.
Simms is affiliated with the Federation of Canadian Artists. You can find out more about her art at www.csimms.com.
The award-winning UFV Alumni commemorative wines are an annual UFV Alumni Association program to celebrate and honour the outstanding achievements of our graduating classes. The wine can be purchased as graduation gifts, memorabilia, prizes, or for use at community gatherings.
The wines are from Bounty Cellars Winery, and featured this year is a selection of four vintages: a 2007 chardonnay, 2007 gewurztraminer, 2004 merlot, and 2005 pinot noir.
“The 2010 labels are beautiful, the wine is exceptional, and proceeds from sales go towards the UFV Alumni Association’s student awards,” notes UFV alumni relations manager Nancy Armitage.
These four select varietals of wine are a limited edition and only available now until August. To learn more about the artist and wine, to view the label and order your alumni commemorative wine, go to www.ufv.ca/alumni, and follow the link to the commemorative wine page.
-30-
