Art celebrating Coast Salish culture on display at Enzo’s

Published 5:04 pm Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Darlene Gait began painting as a child, or as she puts it – as soon as she discovered paint and brushes.

“Art allowed me to escape into my own world, to meditate my own problems away, always,” said Gait. “It was safety and warmth behind the canvas.”

Now she is known internationally for her paintings and poetry that celebrate her love for her Coast Salish culture. She is known for work inspired by nature and her Native American heritage that is created with emotions that allow the viewer to connect and relate to stories told with paint.

Gait, who was born on Vancouver Island, is currently living in Eastsound and painting her new collection of images.

Her work can be seen on the walls of Enzo’s Gallery Caffe.

“I always looked forward to finding a way to create art that allowed people to let go for the past, and look at good in life, right now,” Gait said.