U N I V E R S I T Y O F L E T H B R I D G E A RT G A L L E RY
REBECCA ANWEILER POPULAR SCIENCE, VOL. 6, 2001 From the University of Lethbridge Art Collection; gift of the artist, 2002
ABOVE: (A & C) ALLAN HARDING MACKAY | UNTITLED (ALTERED NOTEBOOK), 1980 From the University of Lethbridge Art Collection; gift of Luke Stebbins, 1995 (B) DARCY LOGAN | PRIMA MATERIA Mixed media on altered encyclopedia Acquiring and preserving works of art in a public collection are only worthwhile if the public can access those works. One obvious means is through exhibitions, but there are other ways to connect with the art works and with the information associated with them. I started the art + people = x series to highlight the importance of the University of Lethbridge Art Collection as a resource for research by artists. This key function of a public collection usually happens behind the scenes and the public is often not aware of this role. Whether at the beginning of their careers when they are students or later on as their art practice matures, artists study contemporary and historical works of art as a means of developing their own
esthetic. The art + people = x series provides an opportunity to broaden the understanding of why public art collections matter. Local artist and U of L alumnus Darcy Logan first worked with the U of L Art Collection when he was a student. For Knowing/Gnawing, he has selected works from the collection that connect with his current body of work. The project will be displayed in the Helen Christou Gallery from Oct. 30, 2009, to Jan. 3, 2010. Josephine Mills Director/Curator, University of Lethbridge Art Gallery