Leader
James HayesArtist’s Statement
I try to paint with a sense of grounded humility, taking in deeply and respectfully the mysteries that stand before me. While hiking in the forest, I attempt to capture in my work, a conversation between light and darkness, while holding both in balance, their fragility and delicateness. It is in this attempt at balance that I curiously look for nature’s best kept secrets. This then becomes a journey calling me forward! I have painted for many years from this perspective, while I still find myself standing and feeling very small at the feet of creation. My paintings have found homes in many parts of the world, hanging in private and corporate collections. I live with my wife and two dogs in a beautiful and quaint village in the Shuswap, Sorrento, B.C. I am surrounded and blessed by its inspiration at every turn.
Dine, Paint and Connect Friday Night
An evening of creativity, good food and community
There are some things that simply belong together: good food, good company and a little creative adventure!
This fall, we’re inviting you to put down your to-do list, pick up a paintbrush and join us for Dine, Paint and Connect, a relaxed evening of dinner, creativity and community at Sorrento Retreat and Conference Centre.
We’ll begin with a delicious fall dinner and plenty of time to visit with friends and neighbours. Then we’ll move over to the Richardson Conference Room and let local artist James Hayes guide us step-by-step through creating our own rendition of Copper Island at sun set.
The cost is $65 per person. Or another option is to purchase a Community Support Ticket for $85. Same experience, with an additional $20 supporting Sorrento Centre programs.
This includes:
- Three course meal
- Non-alcoholic beverages (Wine and beer available for purchase)
- 12″ × 16″ canvas
- Acrylic paints
- Brushes and supplies
- Guided painting instruction
- Your finished painting to take home
- Enter your name for James Hayes’ painting of Copper Island (valued at $1800)
Please register on or before Friday, November 6, 2026. If you’ve any questions, please call Kathie MacDuff at kathie@sorrentocentre.ca.
Seating is limited!
Friday night is SOLD OUT!
Click below to register for the
Saturday, Nov. 14 class!
If you experience any challenges with the registration process, please call for assistance.
1-866-694-2409
Don’t worry if your last painting experience involved finger paints or happened several decades ago! This evening isn’t about artistic perfection. It’s about trying something new, enjoying the process and sharing a few laughs along the way. Everyone will create their own version of the painting, and everyone will leave with a one-of-a-kind piece to take home. Most importantly, it’s an opportunity to slow down and enjoy one another’s company.
Artist’s Statement: I try to paint with a sense of grounded humility, taking in deeply and respectfully the mysteries that stand before me. While hiking in the forest, I attempt to capture in my work, a conversation between light and darkness, while holding both in balance, their fragility and delicateness. It is in this attempt at balance that I curiously look for nature’s best kept secrets. This then becomes a journey calling me forward! I have painted for many years from this perspective, while I still find myself standing and feeling very small at the feet of creation. My paintings have found homes in many parts of the world, hanging in private and corporate collections. I live with my wife and two dogs in a beautiful and quaint village in the Shuswap, Sorrento, B.C. I am surrounded and blessed by its inspiration at every turn.
To see more of Jim’s work, please visit www.jameshayesgallery.blogspot.com.
