Village Squire, 1977-05, Page 20It's five years now since the Acres moved to the old
schoolhouse. It can be an isolated existence for an artist
because there isn't a large artistic community in the area, or
even in Perth county as a whole. He's established a
reputation as "that crazy artist" with the local population
with his old, comfortable clothes and long flowing beard. One
gets the impression he rather enjoys the reputation, that it
leaves him free to act as crazy as he wants to.
In recent years, however, with the opening of the Elora
gallery and with his recent show at The Gallery/Stratford
(along with Gier Elliott of Stratford, Carolyn Horley, R.R.1
Stratford, and William Ransberry. R.R.1, St. Mary's) he's
been more and more in touch with other artists living in the
region.
His art has spilled over into other fields too. When Mitchell
native Ted Johns was planning a one-man play on his
experiences in Labrador, called Naked on the North Shore,
Paul Thompson of Theatre Passe Muraille (a Listowel native)
suggested having Bill do the scenery. He provided the money
for Bill to go to Labrador to see the area and then produce the
paintings used as sets.
The show has been shown all across Canada in the past few
years, giving Bill Acres art probably more exposure than it
would get in a gallery in a much longer time.
Bill is fairly optimistic about his future. baring a major
upheaval in the country such as could happen because of the
current problems in Quebec. Having recently returned from a
trip to that province he is surprised how few artists outside of
Quebec are worried about what's happening. English
Canadian artists seem to be pretty apolitical, he says. But the
economic climate of the country can mean a good deal in the
amount of money available for cultural affairs. As a practical
artist, Bill Acres knows enough to worry. ■
unip y P1owers
Custom
AS YOU GO THROUGH
-LIFES ROSY HOORS
PAUSE NOW AND THEN!
-JUST SMELL THE FLOWERS
We carry a full line of fresh, dried
and washable silk flowers for every occasion
Stop & browse anytime!
dried and silk arrangements for
wedding or your home, are a specialty!
J. BURKE DINNEY
tXETER
your
Photo: ';5-_. +o
For over forty years
Welcome Wagon hostesses
have been making calls
on newcomers - whether they
be within our own nation or
in a foreign country.
1f you are a newcomer,
know of one, or are a businessman
desiring representation
in the newcomer's home, call
your local representative listed below
for WELCOME WAGON LIMITED.
I I
epi 504.t,
Call your Welcome
Wagon Hostess now.
WINGHAM 357-3275
EXETER 335-2870
MITCHELL 348-8925
GODERICH 524-6654
STRATFORD 271-5856
18, VILLAGE SQUIRE/MAY 1977.