UPcoming Vanity Fare craig Leblanc march 22 may 4, 2013
oFF tHe
Beaten PatH violence, women and art Jan. 11 to march 9, 2013 “Off Off the Beaten Path: Violence, Women and Art was organized by art Works For change, inc., with generous support from the oak Foundation, the nathan cummings Foundation, and the donner Foundation�
WINTER 2013
m a n a g i n g d i r e c t o r ’ S ME S S AGE
CONTENT S
1
1
managing director’S MESSAGE
5
GALLERY RENTAL GIFT SHOP
2
current exhibitions
6
PUBLIC PROGRAMS
3 4
UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS EDUCATION PROGRAMS
7
THE AGC membership, volunteer, hours
FUNDRAISERS
The Art Gallery of Calgary, the city’s foremost public contemporary art and education centre (The AGC), is pleased to announce its winter season of exhibitions, public and education programs, fundraisers, and special partnership events. We hope to welcome you to The AGC soon and often. We are substantially increasing the number of exhibitions per year, and embarking on an ambitious collaboration initiative with other public and commercial galleries, artist collectives and education institutions, to bring to our viewers a greatly increased volume of the wonderful and imaginative art being produced by both emerging and established visual artists, whether resident in Alberta or across Canada. Entrance to The AGC at our convenient location on the downtown mall is free or by donation. With the generous support of our corporate, individual and government sponsors, we are proud to be able to make The AGC accessible to all visitors. Please save the dates in your social calendars for our Masterpiece Contemporary art auction and AGCcooks, where six of downtown’s best restaurants compete. Come and enjoy two of our biggest fundraisers, which are scheduled for March 13 and May 8, respectively. The first of our dynamic exhibitions at The AGC is the Canadian premiere of Off the Beaten Path: Violence, Women, and Art an international touring exhibition comprised of multimedia art.The show deals with the subject of gender-based violence, addressing it through different chapters including violence and politics, violence and the individual, violence and the family, violence and culture and violence and the community. A roster of significant, established artists including Yoko Ono, Marina Abramovic and Louise Bourgeois, confront this struggle through their art, resulting in a dramatic exhibition curated by Randy Jayne Rosenberg of Art Works for Change, Inc. Following Off the Beaten Path, The AGC will feature the large-scale installations of Craig LeBlanc whose mastery of computational media design and fine craftsmanship enable him to create unique fabrications. Dealing with the subject of masculinity in contemporary society, LeBlanc’s pieces provide accessibility to new dialogues and debates. This show offers a unique and vibrant experience appealing to all ages. The AGC offers several Public Education Programs designed to complement our exhibitions. We provide informative and engaging series of artist and curator talks, tours, workshops for all ages, film screenings and performances at a very low cost to viewers. The AGC continues its long tradition of connecting to audiences and enhancing art appreciation and learning. Our extensive and engaging public programming is detailed later in this publication, and on our website. I would like to acknowledge the talented and hardworking team at The AGC for their high level of dedication and creativity. They deserve tremendous credit for making The AGC the best it can be, serving the public and making contemporary art accessible to all. Brian Hearst Managing Director The Art Gallery of Calgary
Cover images: Amnesty Sweden Campaign, Rose Petals, 2009, Photographs on aluminum
OFF THE BEATEN PATH: violence, women and art PUBLIC OPENING, FRIDAY, JANUARY 11 FROM 6:00PM-10:00PM JANUARY 11 - MARCH 9, 2013 announcing its canadian premier, this international travelling exhibition of contemporary art, brings together artists from around the world to explore the many dimensions of gender-based violence. Off the Beaten Path:Violence,Women, and Art showcases 32 respected artists from 26 countries including Yoko Ono, Marina Abramovic, and Louise Bourgeois. Comprised of painting, drawing, photography, video performance and sculpture, the exhibition reflects narratives concerned with the theme of violence from a global perspective. “throughout the world, women and girls are victims of countless and senseless acts of violence,” says randy Jayne rosenberg, executive director of the nonprofit group Art Works for Change and the show’s curator. “the range of gender-based violence is devastating, occurring, quite literally, from womb to tomb. It occurs in every segment of society, regardless of class, ethnicity, culture, or whether the country is at peace of war. often, the victim’s only crime is that she is female.” Premised on the visionary potential in art, the exhibition avoids tabloid and sensational imagery. the invited artists were asked “to help us create new representations through their artworks and, in doing so, help us feel and understand the essence of the problem of violence against women,” says rosenberg. the goal of the exhibition is to help create a new conversation on the full spectrum of issues that surround the issue of violence. Within the context of the exhibition, various definitions of violence against women and girls are explored as they relate to the themes of Violence and the individual; Violence and the Family; Violence and the community; Violence and culture; and Violence and Politics. the hope is that the audience leaves the exhibition with a better understanding of the roots of abuse, a feeling of empathy, and an awareness of choice in their actions and beliefs. these problems, though widespread, are often invisible, says rosenberg. “When we encounter violence against women, we often overlook the facts and experience a sort of blindness. We choose not to see the devastation of domestic violence, calling it ‘a family affair’. Honor killings of women in faraway regions of the world become nothing more than a ‘cultural difference’. We find it hard to believe that sex trafficking and exploitation occur in our cities, close to home. The rape and torture of women during armed conflict is the inevitable ‘messiness of war’. as such, the political and systemic sources of violence are often underestimated or overlooked.” Off the Beaten Path: Violence, Women, and Art was organized by Art Works for Change, Inc., with generous support from the donner Foundation, the oak Foundation and the nathan cummings Foundation.
cUrrent eXHiBitionS
Winter 2013
Participating artists include agency: Volontaire; marina abramovic; Jane alexander; Laylah ali; Louise bourgeois; Lise bjorne Linnert; maria campos-Pons; Patricia evans; Luciana Fina; maimuna Feroze-nana; global crescendo Project; mona hatoum; icelandic Love Corp; Yoko Inoue; Kim Myung Jin; Jung Jungyeob; Amal Kenawy; Hung Liu; Almagul Menlibayeva; Gabriela Morawetz; Wangechi Mutu; Miri Nishri; Yoko Ono; Lucy Orta; Cecilia Paredes; Susan Plum; Cima Rahmankhah; Jaune Quick-to-See Smith; Joyce J. Scott; Masami Teraoka; Hank Willis Thomas; Miwa Yanagi. Off the Beaten Path:Violence,Women, and Art runs through Jan 11 to march 9th at the agc before touring to cape town and Johannesburg, south africa. it opened in oslo, norway, in 2009 and has since travelled to cities including san diego, tijuana, chicago, atlanta, new orleans and denver.
aBoUt art WorKS For cHange art Works for change produces contemporary art exhibitions to address social and environmental issues. it uses the power of art as a vehicle to promote dialogue and awareness, and to inspire action and thought.through its partnerships with museums, galleries, and advocacy and educational organizations, art Works For change provides a forum for which local education and outreach can take place within each host city the exhibition travels. Presenting sponsor
For more information, visit www.artWorksForchange.org.
images: amnesty sweden campaign, Rose Petals, 2009, Photographs on aluminum ,Yoko Ono, Cut Piece, 1965, video of live performance, artworks for change logo, maimuna Feroze-nana, NO, 2007, wool, cotton, plastic, metal
2
UPcoming eXHiBitionS SPring 2013
VANITY FARE / craig Leblanc PUBLIC OPENING, FRIDAY MARCH 22 FROM 6:00PM – 10:00PM MARCH 22 – MAY 4, 2013 masculinity in contemporary culture is explored in Vanity Fare, an exhibition of large-scale multimedia sculptures by craig Leblanc. From the glossy surface of a classic muscle car to monumental joysticks, Leblanc’s sculptures represent various access points associated with the male identity. seemingly disparate, Leblanc’s body of work is underpinned by a strong conceptual approach and matched by a superb material outcome. both humorous and poignant, Vanity Fare conveys the state of manhood and its emasculation in today’s society. craig Leblanc studied at the nova scotia school of art and design (bFa, 1997), L’ecole nationale Superiere des Beaux-Arts in Paris (1996), and recently earned his MFA from the University of Calgary in computational media design (2011). Leblanc has been the recipient of numerous awards and has exhibited widely across canada and europe. born in barrie, ontario, Leblanc lives and works in calgary.
SUmmer 2013
garage montage PUBLIC OPENING, FRIDAY MAY 17 FROM 7:00PM – 10:00PM MAY 17 – JUNE 29, 2013 Garage Montage showcases the emergence of artist collectives and reveals the interconnectedness and evolution of Calgary’s dynamic under-the-radar visual arts scene. Touted recently as “DIY Calgary”, this group of emerging artists is increasingly gaining attention across canada and internationally. the exhibition focuses on artists working as collectives and in collaboration; forming studios and galleries, and exhibiting each other’s artwork without reliance on mainstream commercial galleries, artist run centers or government funding.
Fort calgary diorama
nose hill diorama
sun catcher, deedee morrison
minotaur, Joshua allen harris
Public art has been with us for centuries, but the notion of harnessing wind, solar and residual energy to create public sculpture is emerging in bold and inspiring ways. In January 2013, the Education department at The AGC adds a new outreach program to its roster, Off the Grid: Renewable Energy Art. Designed for grade five and six curriculum, the two-hour school program examines renewable energy as both art and science, and ways that artists the world over have responded by using energy responsibly to create innovative, informative art. The program culminates with students creating their own dioramas of renewable energy installations for Calgary locales such as Signal Hill, Fort Calgary and Nose Hill Park. For more information and booking requests please contact: Steve Gin Manager, School Programs P: 403.770.1358 E: programming@artgallerycalgary.org
images (from right): craig Leblanc, On Guard, 2007 and All I Loved, 2010 (left), One on One, 2011; stephen nachtigal, Console, 2012, Photo credit: Jeremy Pavka
3
sponsored by:
FUndraiSerS Proceeds from our annual fundraisers support the agc’s leading contemporary art exhibitions and art education programs for students in Kindergarten to Grade 12.
masterpiece contemporary 2013
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2013 The AGC will host its fifth annual Masterpiece Contemporary fundraiser on Wednesday, march 13th and welcomes members of the public, art collectors and enthusiasts to participate in an evening of art appreciation. a broad selection of original artwork by emerging and established artists from the local community will be auctioned off during this live auction as well as a curated selection of jewelry and glasswork. an online auction on the agc’s website will precede live auction bidding and allow guests to preview art. Proceeds raised will go directly to the art gallery of calgary’s art exhibitions, public and education programs.
THANK YOU TO PATRONS DR. JOHN & NAOMI LACEY
agccooks 2013
WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 2013 AGCcooks is an annual celebration showcasing calgary’s top chefs in a friendly culinary competition. on Wednesday, may 8, 2013 six of calgary’s hottest restaurants will gather at the agc to compete against one another for the hearts and taste buds of calgary’s foodies. each chef will create a superior four-course feast designed around a secret ingredient disclosed to them only days before the event. Guests dine on one of the exceptional meals, each course paired with fine wine expertly chosen by each restaurant’s sommelier. attendees rate all four courses based on taste, creativity and presentation. in addition, a panel of local foodies, media and celebrity guest judges will award coveted prizes to the chefs after the meals have been created and enjoyed. *For the safety of exhibitions, all artwork will be removed during this event. tickets for this gala event will go on sale in January 2013.
artwear 2012
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012 on thursday, november 8th, 2012 the art gallery of calgary presented its tenth annual fundraiser ARTwear The Art of Fashion. over 400 guests joined us at hotel arts and enjoyed a signature fashion show showcasing the students of ACAD, local designers Paul Hardy and Lara Presber and boutiques Coco + Violet, Mealan, Leo Boutique and Henry Singer. The Hollywood Vintage themed evening also featured a silent auction and swing band courtesy of estelle music. a sincere thanks to our sponsors and committee for their tremendous support and hard work in making ARTwear 2012 a great success. Funds raised through ARTwear will help the agc continue to deliver ambitious education programs. committee: Linda amelia hearst Chair, elizabeta Liguric Project Manager, Dominique Ng, Irena Knorr, Andrea Zurawicz, brenda Leatherland, sarah stephens, alison andersen
T AR 2 0 12 w e a r
dark grays
event Sponsors: students of
T H E A RT O F FA S H I O N
ARTWORK COURTESY OF CARL WHITE, GANYMEDE, 2007
TODAY’S BEST MUSIC
Special thanks to Kara Chomistek and Kaity Body Photography Anthony Yuen Photography
soul exposure Photo
soul exposure Photo
Jeff rodier Photo
calgary herald Photo
Anthony Yuen Photo
to participate in these events please contact: For SPonSorSHiP 403.770.1356 or development@artgallerycalgary.org For VoLUnteering 403.770.1350 or admin-volunteer@artgallerycalgary.org
Anthony Yuen Photo
Anthony Yuen Photo
Anthony Yuen Photo
4
g a L L e rY r e n ta L BOOK YOUR NEXT EVENT AT THE ART GALLERY OF CALGARY! gather in the heart of the city to host your next function at the art gallery of calgary. Whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner for 10 or a sophisticated cocktail reception for 350, The AGC is a stunning and unique venue for any occasion. showcasing cutting-edge art against a backdrop of dramatic high ceilings and elegant sandstone, our four levels of unique gallery space provides over 6,000 square feet of flexible event space for upscale corporate and networking receptions, daytime meetings, client appreciation parties, chic wedding ceremonies, fundraisers, and more. all of our gallery rentals include complimentary, stylish lounge furniture and in-house audio visual equipment. With a wide variety of Preferred Caterers to choose from, the ability to bring in your own alcohol and a team of professional event planners to assist you, your event at the agc is sure to impress. When you rent the agc, you will be supporting leading-edge contemporary art exhibitions and art education programs for Kindergarten to Grade 12 students in our community. For more information on booking an event at the agc, please contact: andrea Zurawicz Manager, Gallery Event Rentals P: 403.770.1357 E: galleryrentals@artgallerycalgary.org
g a L L e rY S H o P
TAKE A PIECE OF ART HOME WITH YOU the gallery shop features handcrafted pieces focusing on contemporary design and exceptional craftsmanship by canadian artists exclusively. come for a visit and enjoy browsing our unique collection of stunning silver, leather, feather and crystal jewelry, detailed woodwork for every area of your home, hand-blown one of a kind glass works, original art pieces from local artisans and handmade cards for every occasion! the gallery shop is easily accessible from the historic stephen avenue Walk in the heart of calgary’s cultural district. Proceeds go to support exhibitions and Public education Programs at the agc.
5
PUBLic Progr amS TALKS Free to the public, hosted at the art gallery of calgary. off the Beaten Path: Violence, Women and art January 11, 2013 6:30pm Join us at our official opening as Chief Curator Kayleigh Hall introduces the exhibition and its featured artists. the Story of tanya nepinak March 6, 2013 6 pm Josie nepinak, executive director of the awo taan healing Lodge, shares the story of her cousin’s disappearance when she was taken off the streets of Winnipeg in 2011. the issue of missing aboriginal women has become an epidemic across canada. a video presentation reveals the devastation of these crimes on family members and the aboriginal community. collaborative Quilting March 7, 2013 6pm Linda hawke and cat schick, artists and organizers of a collaborative quilting workshop, will exhibit and share insights about their initiative to explore a range of women’s perspectives on sleep and dreams, and support healing through art. their presentation includes photos, stories and the quilts themselves, made by women participating in this 10-week residency at the Women’s centre of calgary. Please visit www.womenscentrecalgary.org for more information. Violence against Women: Panel discussion March 8, 2013 6pm a panel of local activists will represent the issue of violence against women from the divergent perspectives of their specific organizations as well as the unique lens of artistic representation. Participants include: Lisa Falkowsky (Executive Director, Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter), Josie nepinak (Executive Director, Awo Taan Healing Lodge) and Laurie siembida (Clinical Program Director, Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse).
FIRST THURSDAYS as part of First thursdays in the cultural district, The AGC is open until 9pm on the first Thursday of each month. talks are free to the public. check the website, www.culturedistrict.ca for other First thursday listings, events and details. FeBrUarY thursday, February 7, 2013 Sheri-D Wilson & The Vice Girls, 6:30–7:30 pm Join us for this special reading with spoken Word Poet sheri-d Wilson, calgary’s “mama of dada,” along with surprise guests. special thanks to Frontenac house Press, www.frontenachouse.com. marcH thursday, march 7, 2013 Collaborative Quilting, 6 - 8pm Presented in partnership with the Women’s centre of calgary.
FiLm screenings
IN THE GALLERY
The Calgary Public Library proudly hosts a film screening series in conjunction with Off the Beaten Path: Violence, Women and Art featuring films from the National Film Board of Canada’s Violence Against Women collection. Each film in the series presents a different perspective on the issue.
interactive message Wall Visitors are invited to leave personal responses to the artworks on our interactive message Wall located in the mezzanine gallery. messages will be incorporated into a collaborative art project throughout the run of the show in order to widen social awareness and to help foster community connections on the issue of violence against women.
thursdays, 1:00-3:00pm central Branch 616 macleod trail Se
materials anti-violence materials representing a host of local organizations, resources, and services designed to help women experiencing or recovering from violence will be available in the gallery. coordinated in partnership with the connect Family and sexual abuse network. For more information, please visit www.connectnetwork.ca.
the Burning times February 14, 2013 1pm this documentary takes an in-depth look at the witch hunts that swept europe just a few hundred years ago. False accusations and trials led to massive torture and burnings at the stake and ultimately to the destruction of an organic way of life. The Burning Times questions whether the widespread violence against women and the neglect of our environment today can be traced back to those times. Heaven on earth February 21, 2013 1pm in Heaven on Earth, acclaimed director deepa mehta highlights the isolation and disappointment faced by a family of Punjabi immigrants to canada. When chand leaves her family and community behind in india to marry a man she’s never met in brampton, ontario, she finds herself at the mercy of his temper and her mother-in-law’s controlling behavior. after a magic root fails to transform her husband into a kind and loving man, chand takes refuge in a familiar Indian folk tale featuring a King Cobra. Finding dawn February 28, 2013 1pm Acclaimed Métis filmmaker Christine Welsh presents a compelling documentary that puts a human face on a national tragedy: the murders and disappearances of an estimated 500 Aboriginal women in Canada over the past 30 years. this is a journey into the dark heart of native women’s experience in canada. From Vancouver’s skid row to the highway of tears in northern british columbia to Saskatoon, this film honours those who have passed and uncovers reasons for hope. Finding dawn illustrates the deep historical, social and economic factors that contribute to the epidemic of violence against native women in this country.
internationaL Women’s DAY CELEBRATIONS Join us for a unique celebration of International Women’s day march 8, 2013. the gallery will host a panel discussion focused on how distinct local women’s organizations are combating the issue of violence against women to build strong, vibrant communities.
White ribbon campaign the White ribbon campaign (Wrc) educates men and boys on the issue of violence against women: “Wearing a white ribbon is a personal pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women and girls.” Visitors to the exhibition are invited to participate in the Wrc with all proceeds for ribbons going to the White ribbon Foundation. Please visit www.whiteribbon.ca for more information. curated tours on select dates during the run of the exhibition the gallery will host private, curated tours for local groups who are impacted by the issue of violence against women. these tours will be led by chief Curator Kayleigh Hall or a resident art educator, and will be followed by an informed discussion of the sensitive issues raised by the artworks. if you or your organization would like to book such a tour, please contact programming@artgallerycalgary.org or call 403.770.1358.
COMMUNITY coLLaborations
iPoP January 19, 2013 1pm Live your 15 minutes of fame digitally in this free two-hour workshop, where you create your Warhol-inspired self portrait on an iPad! Limit of ten participants; children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants must bring their own iPad loaded with the (free) sketchbook x app and a rubber tipped stylus. register by emailing programming@artgallerycalgary.org under the subject heading “iPoP registration.” in partnership with the museum of contemporary art’s andy Warhol: great moments in Pop exhibition; visit www.mocacalgary.org for more information. Behind the Lens February 16, 2013 11am – 3 pm take this opportunity to eavesdrop at the gallery while we interview and photograph members of Calgary’s new GLTBQ performance creation ensemble, third street theatre, for a future online exhibition. Visit www.thirdstreet.ca to learn more about this company.
6
ADMISSION BY DONATION
VOLUNTEER
All funds donated go directly to the development of The AGC’s renowned Exhibitions and Public and Education Programs.
For more information on the agc’s Volunteer Program, please contact 403.770.1353 or email admin-volunteer@ artgallerycalgary.ca
MEMBERSHIP As a member of The AGC, you are supporting us in our mission to bring outstanding contemporary art to Calgary. The AGC members enjoy free admission, discounts on public programs, reciprocal admission agreements and seasonal discounts at The Gallery Shop. Youth Adults Seniors Dual Family Student Pass
$20.00 $30.00 $20.00 $50.00 $60.00 FREE!
Volunteering with The Art Gallery of Calgary gives back to a community that is often overlooked in the rush of city life. It means discovering new art, new artists, new perspectives and possibly a new found creativity within yourself. Discover what The Art Gallery of Calgary’s volunteer program has to offer.
(up to 18 years) (19 - 59 years) (60+) (2 adults) (2 adults and up to 4 children)
ViSion
the art gallery of calgary is recognized and valued locally, nationally and internationally for the exceptional quality of its leading-edge contemporary art exhibitions and art education programs.
miSSion
the art gallery of calgary exposes a broad audience to a diverse range of contemporary art through the presentation of leading-edge exhibitions and art education programs.
mandate
the art gallery of calgary is a public contemporary art gallery and a registered charitable organization. the agc is dedicated to presenting leading-edge contemporary art exhibitions and providing quality art education programs and
(No AGM voting privileges, must have valid student ID,
experiences for people of all ages. The AGC does not seek to acquire a permanent
requires renewal each September)
art collection.
THE AGC STAFF
THE AGC ALSO WISHES TO THANK:
incoming chairman donald g. house managing director brian hearst chief curator Kayleigh Hall Manager, Marketing & Communications Dominique Ng manager, school Programs steve gin
White ribbon campaign, connect Family and sexual abuse network Alberta Craft Council
manager, development elizabeta Liguric manager, gallery event rentals Andrea Zurawicz manager, gallery event Logistics brenda Leatherland Manager, Administration & Volunteer Resources sarah stephens
TODAY’S BEST MUSIC
dark grays
Coordinator, Visitor Services & Membership alison andersen manager, Finance Sheryll Krushelnicki
students of
GALLERY HOURS
Special thanks to Kara Chomistek and Kaity Body Photography
Tuesday through Saturday - 10 am to 5 pm sunday, monday, and statutory holidays - closed the First thursday of every month, open until 9pm
GREENERY if you would prefer to receive this publication, or our monthly newsletter, electronically, please send us an email at programming@artgallerycalgary.org or visit our website www.artgallerycalgary.org
7
1 1 7 - 8 A V E N U E S . W . C A L G A R Y, A L B E R TA , C A N A D A T 2 P 1 B 4 MAIN:403.770.1350 FA X : 4 0 3 . 2 6 4 . 8 0 7 7 W W W . A R T G A L L E R Y C A L G A R Y. O R G