Art in the library – Galiano

Patricia Byrne – Beach found object collages

Pat and her husband, Murray, moved to Galiano in 2018 and purchased her parent’s cottage on Shopland Road. Her parents, Barbara and Patrick Byrnes, were long time residents of Galiano for over 45 years.

Pat has been spending time on Galiano since her childhood, over 60 years, first visiting with her Great Aunt, Amy Inkster, on Burrill Drive, and later with her Aunt and Uncle, Bill and Joan Bildstein, along with her parents. The island holds many precious memories for her and her family.

During the pandemic, when things slowed, Pat discovered her love for beachcombing on Galiano. The outdoors has always been a big part of her life, many years of spending time hiking, walking, skiing, and snowshoeing. Enjoying time on the beaches and discovering the treasures that the ocean brings in, has now become a huge pastime. It wasn’t long before she tapped into her artistic side and began creating framed art from locally sourced seaglass, pebbles, shells and sea pottery. Each piece of art is unique. The intent of her art is to tell a story without speaking a word, using a minimum of pieces.

Since she was a young girl, Pat has always enjoyed art but had not pursued it other than the odd art course here and there over the years. The combination of these two new passions of beachcombing and creating art are providing her a great source of joy and satisfaction in her daily life.

She has often said how the hours in the day can just melt away while happily working in her studio.

Pat and Murray have recently sold their Shopland road cottage and have found themselves now living a little closer to the ocean where she can spend more time walking the beach and finding her inspiration. You can find Pat at the Saturday market in the summer time where she will be happy to speak to you about her art.

Click the poster for more details!