Joan Udell at Weird Church with Kristina Campbell's Norse-inspired Paintings © Kristina Campbell
WE ARE ART The Gallery @ Weird Church JOAN U D E LL , Curator of The Gallery @ Weird Church THE GALLERY @ WEIRD CHURCH in Cumberland
of volunteers for support. Hanging the monthly exhibi-
began in fall 2021, when Gregor Schoenberg suggested
tions is the biggest job, and finding artists for the space
hanging art on the walls in conjunction with the monthly
has never been a challenge.
music cafes being broadcast on Facebook. With the support of Pastor Ingrid Brown, Gregor approached Joan Udell to be the first artist. When they decided to continue, Joan began curating the monthly exhibitions. Joan had formerly directed a multidisciplinary arts festival in Hinton, Alberta so she wasn’t new to the organization re-
Joan’s favourite part of the job? “It’s heartwarming to see each new show go up, it’s magic!” Biggest challenge? “Keeping clear communications with such a wide variety of personalities involved.” What does Joan have planned for herself as she steps away? “We have planned travel
quired to manage arts events.
and I would like more time and focus for my own art.”
Weird Church, funded as a United Church member
The Gallery @ Weird Church is seeking a new volunteer
church, is located at 2688 Penrith Avenue and has partnered with the Cumberland Culture and Arts Society to host a variety of diverse community events: performanc-
curator to continue this successful initiative (this position could be shared): someone passionate about art and community, a strong communicator with some techno-
es, conferences, slide shows, and guest speakers.
logical skills, organized, flexible and with close access to
Joan has curated a total of 14 exhibitions, up to and in-
or someone you know, reach out to: Joan Udell at udell.
cluding June of this year, which will be her final exhibit.
joan@gmail.com or Pastor Ingrid Brown at info@weird-
Joan puts in two or three hours a week and has a couple
churchcumberland.com
6 | C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E | I s s u e 4 4
the community of Cumberland. If that describes you,
W W W. C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E . C A