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Opening Reception: Thursday, April 3, 6–8 p.m.
Talk with Linda Shumas: Saturday, April 5, 2–3 p.m.
Mandarin Tour: Saturday, April 5, 3–4 p.m.
The Ferry Building Gallery and the West Vancouver Memorial Library are proud to present Framed Narratives: A Carol Shumas Retrospective, a dual-location exhibition celebrating the life and work of this prolific artist. Known for her vibrant, narrative-driven paintings, Carol Shumas created hundreds of works 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.
Framed Narratives: A Carol Shumas Retrospective is presented in partnership with the West Vancouver Memorial Library. The exhibition will be on display in the library exhibition space and at the Ferry Building Gallery.
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.
Carol’s artistic journey began at the age of 17 with needlepoint and embroidery, creating original designs inspired by her grandmother, a skilled seamstress. Before discovering painting at 26, she also designed dresses, using fabric scraps as her only childhood “toys.” She later studied under portrait artist Elizabeth Smiley and took courses at the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design. Her love of costume design also extended to the stage, where she designed wardrobes for The Tail of Maureen (Poor Alex Theatre, 1993) at the Fringe Festival.
Beyond her visual art, Carol was also known for her beautiful singing voice and her passion for cooking, always serving meals with humor and optimism. She passed away peacefully on December 23, 2021, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy. Her sister, the guardian of her work, has played an integral role in bringing this retrospective to the people of West Vancouver, ensuring that Carol’s vibrant spirit continues to inspire.