Two West Shore artists are featured in an important global initiative.

Local Greater Victoria artists, the Didi Society and the Belfry Theatre make up the who, the what, and the where of Create Local: Tackle Global, an exhibition of local artists and non-profits partnering to help women. The theme for the art is empowerment.

B次元官网网址淭he strength of the piece (is) because of the form and the glaze, itB次元官网网址檚 very strong,B次元官网网址� said Judi Dyelle of her ceramic piece, Containment Vessel. B次元官网网址淪ome of my other glazes are very delicate and this is incredibly strong, (an) almost architectural type of surface, giving the strength and empowerment of the artist (to the art).B次元官网网址�

Dyelle, a potter of more than five decades with select works in collections around the world, operates B次元官网网址楥hosin Pottery out of Metchosin and alongside Wendy Skog, represents the two West Shore artists in the exhibition.

After getting a phone call to get involved, Dyelle said it only took her the time to learn about the Didi Society, their co-operatives and their campaigns, to decide she wanted to be a part of the show.

B次元官网网址淲e are so fortunate in Canada, I can do anything I want, I have no restrictions,B次元官网网址� she said.

B次元官网网址淚n those countries (like India and Guatemala), they are more a patriarchal society, these women try so much harder to be able to do things.B次元官网网址�

The word B次元官网网址榙idiB次元官网网址� means older, respected sister in the Hindi language, and is a word chosen to represent the societyB次元官网网址檚 relationships with global and local co-operatives and partners.

They help sell co-op products through local markets and businesses under a fair-trade model, also offering capacity-building opportunities.

Dyelle said she hopes a good turnout supports local artists, women overseas, and the Belfry Theatre where more than two dozen Greater Victoria artists, including University of Victoria instructor Sandra Meigs, Wendy Welch and Carole Sabiston join forces for the cause.

Paintings, sculpture, ceramics and jewelry are all priced at $1,000 or less with 75 per cent going to artists and the other 25 per cent to Didi Society projects.

B次元官网网址淚 hope there is a good turnout to support artists and the society,B次元官网网址� Dyelle said. B次元官网网址�(We) are empowering these women to be able to do things whether it is providing for their family or whole community.B次元官网网址�

The exhibit and sale is two days, March 5 to 6, at the Belfry Theatre and admission is free. A reception is also being held on March 4 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. with a cost of $25.

alim@goldstreamgazette.com