In Memoriam

Ken Robinson 1931 - 2002

A show of late artist Ken Robinson's work will be held in downtown Langley City to commemorate a man whose work and character touched many others.

by Erin McKay, Reporter Langley Advance

People who knew him describe him as a bold, brave artist who was constantly changing and exploring his craft. As a person, he was kind, caring, expressed interest in others, and was always willing to share his knowledge. The Langley arts community lost a great friend when painter Ken Robinson passed away in April, and next week, those who knew him well will pay tribute to him.

An exhibition of Robinson's work will be held in five different Langley City venues, July 19 to Aug. 3. Called A Commemorate Show, the display will be featured at Heritage House Gallery, Art and Frames, Opus Framing and Art Supplies, The Loft Studios, and in the old Hong Kong Bank building at Glover Road and Fraser Hwy.

"Each of these businesses has a personal connection with Ken, and a reason for honouring Ken as an artist and friend," said Pat Price Weibelzahl, owner of Heritage House at 20477 Fraser Hwy. Weibelzahl was particularly close to Robinson, as she took over his business. More than 30 years ago, Robinson and his business partner Carla Gobin started a gallery in Gobin's home. The venture was so successful that, within a year, Gobin and Robinson relocated Heritage House to Fort Langley.

Twenty years ago, Robinson, his wife Dianne, Gobin, and her husband Claude, moved the gallery to Langley City. It was the first frame shop and art gallery to be opened in Langley, and the two couples owned Heritage House for a total of three decades before selling it to Weibelzahl four years ago.

In recent years, Robinson, who was born in Salford, England, in 1931, had been suffering from medical problems. A serious of strokes affected his health, and also the way he approached his craft. "He literally couldn't paint the same," said Weibelzahl, noting that the Robinson's distinctive style changed several times over his career. "He had a true artist's spirit," she said. "He had to paint. He always was exploring new ways of expressing himself as an artist."

According to Weibelzahl, Robinson did not paint to sell his work, nor did he care what others thought. "He was a courageous painter," she said. "With him, he just was on his own exploration, and I think he was unique in that way."

Robinson, who was a member of the Fort Langley Artists Group, always helped others, and developed close relationships with those who shared his love of art.

"We all felt we wanted to acknowledge him," Weibelzahl said of the decision to stage the Commemorative Show. An opening reception for the exhibit was held Friday, July 19, 7 p.m., at Heritage House.