There will be noise in the Main Hall throughout March due to seismic upgrade work on the Mezzanine level. 
Carol Shumas created hundreds of vibrant, narrative-driven paintings throughout her lifetime. Inspired by musicals and theatre, her compositions resemble stage sets—flat yet dynamic, brimming with colourful characters frozen in moments of peak action.
Her subject matter spans family gatherings, community quilting, children at play, pillow fights, weddings, dances, and even boxing matches. Sometimes she depicted people, other times animals, but always with joy, movement, and life. Frequently, she placed herself or family members within her scenes. Her work aligns with the folk/naïve art tradition—illustrative, expressive, and instinctively composed, reflecting her predominantly self-taught artistic approach.
About the Artist
Carol Anne Shumas was a multi-talented creative force who continued to paint until her final days. Born and raised in West Vancouver, she exhibited her work in cities such as Vancouver,Toronto, Quebec, and New York. A master storyteller, Carol captured the energy and warmth of life’s moments through her paintings and tapestries, approaching each piece like a theatrical production—merging history, costume design, and set design into vivid visual narratives. Her work was deeply influenced by her fascination with history and popular culture, drawing inspiration from musicals, westerns, soap operas, and classic theatre.
Additional Events:
- Opening Reception – Thursday, April 3, 6 – 8 p.m. (Ferry Building location)
- Art Talk with Linda Shumas – Saturday, April 5, 2 – 3 p.m. (Ferry Building location)
- Mandarin Gallery Tour – Saturday, April 5, 3 – 4 p.m. (Ferry Building location)
- Art Talk: What is Outsider Art with Pierre Leichner – Thursday, May 1, 6 – 7 p.m. (West Vancouver Memorial Library location)
This exhibit is presented in partnership with the Ferry Building Gallery and will be on display in both the library gallery space and at the Ferry Building Gallery located at 1414 Argyle Avenue, 5 blocks east of the library, along the waterfront.
