Artist Ali Sepahi will give an illustrated talk on Nov. 5 at 7:30 p.m. as part of the Thursday Artist Talk speaker series at the Surrey Art Gallery.

Although his career has focused on scientific research, Sepahi began painting at the age of eight with Iranian masters and has continued to enhance his artistic ability. He has exhibited at galleries in Iran and Vancouver, and is an active member of the Federation of Canadian Artists. Sepahi will present a short history of his involvement with painting, his exploration of different styles and media, and what he looks for in a painting. www.sepahigallery.com

Sepahi studied Landscape Architecture at California State Polytechnic University, and received his Ph.D. in Plant Breeding from McGill University. He is an Emeritus Professor of the University of Isfahan, and a member of the Iranian Academy of Science. His achievements include a number of scientific papers and the landscape design of industrial, recreational and residential sites; and university campuses. Ali also attended courses in History of Art, Life Drawing and Theory of Color at Oregon State University. Sepahi has taught visual art classes at the Surrey Art Gallery since 2007, and his work is available through Surrey Art Gallery Association’s Art Rental & Sales Program. Sepahi is a 2004 recipient of the Robert Genn Award.

There will be time for questions and conversation during and following the talk. The event concludes by 9 p.m. Everyone is welcome and admission is free. Refreshments are provided. This event is presented by the Surrey Art Gallery Association in partnership with Surrey Art Gallery, and with support from the Arts Council of Surrey.

The gallery is located at 13750 88 Ave. For more information, call 604-501-5566.