1983-08-15 - Don Bergland: Bowser Studio

Don Bergland · 1983-08-15T00:00:00Z

A surviving photograph of Don Bergland working in his Bowser studio on Vancouver Island in 1983. In July 1982, Bergland moved from Nanaimo up the coast to Bowser, BC. He set up a studio in the top floor of a house by the beach and devoted himself full-time to the development of his art exhibition career. He remained in this studio until September, 1984, with an interesting variation. In 1983, he accepted a teaching position as a high school art teacher in Ucluelet on the West Coast. During the week, he drove across the island and lived in a small apartment where he also set up a studio. On weekends, he drove back to Bowser and worked in his studio there. This was a productive time for Bergland, creating around 106 paintings in the Exile style (paintings-311-417). He continued exhibiting with Atelier Gallery in Vancouver, and opened up new connections in Alberta with High Street Gallery in Edmonton, and Canada Arts Gallery in Victoria. He also wrote, directed, and produced a documentary called, “Don Bergland: Wilderness Painter,” which was featured on the community television station in August, 1984. In September, 1984, he moved from Bowser to another studio in Qualicum Bay, BC.