LOCAL ARTIST PROFILE
Dennis Kalichuk by Peri Hayes Dennis Kalichuk is a versatile local artist, about which he describes, “I had a huge interest in art from an early age. My mother, bless her heart, saved what is probably my first artwork at the age of four, which was a sketch of our washer and stove.” The painter and sculptor details, “I continued with high school art, and then learned much about design and composition – which I think is vitally important in fine art – in an Advertising Program at Mohawk College.” One of Dennis’ early full-time jobs was a Graphic Artist for a print firm in Paris, Ontario. Though revealing that his medium of choice is watercolour, Dennis appreciates utilizing diverse materials throughout his creative process. “I will often use watercolour on primed hardboard or canvas, then seal the work with art varnish. I’ve also painted on Mylar – a transparent plastic sheet – for portraits, and it provides quite a unique look and feel.” “By far, most of the inspiration for my art comes from real-life experiences. My wife, Becky, and I do a lot of remote camping and kayaking, often taking the back roads. For a number of years, I’ve enjoyed long-distance bicycle touring. In late 2023, I bicycled around all of Lake Erie. These adventures provide much inspiration and opportunity to gather wonderful reference material through photos and sketches. By contrast, a number of my most recent paintings were inspired by watching birds in our backyard while having morning coffee!”
Further reflecting on any personal works which have fulfilled his creative soul, Dennis offers, “I can’t pinpoint a particular piece or project as a favourite – there have been so many – but I do feel very pleased about the length and width of my art career in general; knowing that these works, for the most part, are going to endure the test of time and have provided daily joy to so many people who have a piece in their homes that I’ve created. That’s one of the best things about art — it’s never going to wear out like a piece of furniture — it will just keep on giving for as long as you own it.”
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Page 32 Hometown St. Thomas • December 2025
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