VPAG Newsletter | August - October, 2017

VERNON PUBLIC ART GALLERY

AUGUST / OCTOBER 2017 VOL. 26, NO. 4

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

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e have just wrapped up the 31st Midsummer’s Eve of the Arts and I am happy to report that we had a record-breaking year grossing over $60,000 for the Vernon Public Art Gallery! This is a strong statement from our community, recognizing the important role that the Arts play in many aspects of our lives.

Reliance on grants alone is not adequate to fund even the core services of gallery operations, so fundraising is instrumental in providing quality programming and managing the work behind the scenes necessary to fulfill the mandate of your public art gallery.

With the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee approving an RFP process to seek additional information for the new cultural facility, it is even more important now for the VPAG to focus not only on ensuring we continue to provide quality art education & public programming, but also to focus on assessing the permanent collection developing new systems that will make it more accessible to the general public in the future.

Thank you to all of the individuals and businesses who continue to support the VPAG each year. Our sponsors, artists, donors, volunteers and patrons all play a vital role in the success of our organization. Please take a look at some of the highlights from this year’s benefit event included in this newsletter and recognize some of the contributors to its success.

I’d like to invite you to our next opening reception on Thursday July 27 from 6-8 pm where we will introduce four new exhibitions. More details regarding the artists’ and their work are contained in the newsletter and on our website.

I look forward to seeing you at the gallery!

Dauna Kennedy, Executive Director

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A Record Breaking Success!

Midsummer’s Eve of the Arts

We are thrilled to announce that Midsummer’s Eve of the Arts has broken our previous best record for funds raised!

Last year we brought in 51K to support the gallery programs and exhibitions, this year we broke the 60K mark! This was only possible with the support we received from our amazing donors, artists, sponsors, guests, members, and volunteers! We thank you and the community for helping make this the best year ever for Midsummer’s Eve of the Arts.

We would like to thank all of your sponsors for the event this year, we appreciate everyone’s ongoing support so much and it helps us improve the event each year.

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Midsummer’s Eve of the Arts Auction Preview Opening Reception June 29th, 2017.

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A thank you to all of the artists that donate to Midsummer’s Eve of the Arts each year! (left: Tatianna O’Donnell right: Ann Holtby MacLeod)

Upcoming Opening Reception at VPAG The Board of Directors and Executive Director, Dauna Kennedy Grant, invite you and a guest to the opening reception of Perfect Music: High Voltage by Alisdair MacRae & Patrick Lacasse, Stellar by Destanne Norris, Ancestors of the Columbia by Sheldon Louis, and the Breastfeeding Art Expo, a selection of 15 community art projects and 65 independent artists at the Vernon Public Art Gallery. Enjoy an evening of music, contemporary art, locally crafted beer, wine, and appetizers, on Thursday, July 27, 2017, from 6 p.m – 8 p.m.

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EXHIBITIONS

Perfect Music (installation View, KarshMasson Gallery), 2014, various materials,

July 27 - October 11, 2017 Alisdair MacRae & Patrick Lacasse Perfect Music: High Voltage

July 27 - November 1, 2017 Destanne Norris Stellar

Perfect Music: High Voltage created

by Alisdair MacRae & Patrick Lacasse is the culmination of these two artists collaborating together to create a meaningful interactive exhibition that will engage all audiences. Brought together through their mutual interest in sound, music and electronics, they approached this exhibition from different artistic perspectives, one of fine art and the other music.

Stellar, an exhibition consisting of paintings intends to explore the interface between art and science, representation, abstraction, and embodiment.

Known for his work in sculpture and installation art, MacRae received his BFA from the University of Victoria in 1998.

The paintings in the exhibition Stellar are about a portrayal of three-dimensional space captured and frozen in a moment the photograph was taken. Based on the images from the Hubble telescope and other photographs of deep space available on the Internet, Norris produced a body of work which in essence contemplates the universal phenomena of beginning and ending transposed on the psychological impact of human concepts and understanding of birth, life and death.

Lacasse’s background is in the musical genre with an extensive background in the development of electronic music components, he is also an avid guitarist and musician.

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Destanne Norris, Long Way Home, 2016, oil

Stellar marks another stage in Norris’ prolific studio practice. Despite the fact that Norris’ works are for the most part based in landscape paintings, she often transcends this genre that is so well established historically in Canada.

EXHIBITIONS

Sheldon Louis: Nkw’qm’ast – Deep Water, 2017, acrylic on canvas, 48 x 48 in

Breastfeading Art Expo Catalogue Cover (detail)

July 27 - November 1, 2017 Sheldon Louis Ancestors of the Columbia

July 27 - September 28, 2017 Group Exhibition The Breast Feeding Art Expo

Sheldon Louis’ exhibition of paintings tells the story of the Columbia River stewardship in not so distant history and its impact on the First Nations’ traditional fish harvesting sights, culturally important gathering places and trade. As Louis points out in his statement, “This exhibition is a revisioning of the old stories; it speaks of the need to understand the relevance of the First Nations’ perspective in today’s ever growing industrial complex.”

The Breastfeeding Art Expo is a three-year arts-and-health project that Celebrates and supports breastfeeding. The project involves artists and community members from across the Interior Health region who work to explore the topic of breastfeeding, through art and education.

“This exhibition is a re-visioning of the old stories and speaks of the need to understand the relevance of the First Nations perspective in today’s ever growing industrial complex. The figures that are present on the canvas are representations of ancestors and of the full circle that our stories have made. We are again at a point where the two legged are faced with survival. The Monsters of old have found their way to the surface and have claimed the water and land again. In the spirit of Senklip, the People have stepped forward to fight.”

The artworks in the exhibition vary in media and consist of two-dimensional and three-dimensional pieces.

Upcoming Artist Talks An Artist Talk and presentation with Destanne Norris will take place on Saturday, August 19th at 1 p.m at the gallery. Admission is by donation.

An Artist Talk and presentation with Sheldon Louis will take place on Saturday, September 16th at 1 p.m at the gallery. Admission is by donation.

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Riot on the Roof Saturday, August 26th , 7 p.m - 11 p.m

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his year’s event will include a dance performance by Jaime Kerr, who won the Dance World Cup in 2016, comedians Kyle Patan and Andrew Verge, folk-hip-hop duo Birds of Cray, as well as a captivating drumming performance by Zac Gauthier who is famous for his trash can drumming, and many others. In addition to performers, we also have some fantastic visual artists such as Samantha Sharisse, Noah Macleod and Emerald Holt who will be displaying their art, doing live paintings, and interactive displays! Don’t worry about dinner, because there will be some amazing food and drink vendors at this year’s Riot on the Roof too! Tickets are $10 each on sale August 1, 2017.

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Join us for the 9th annual Riot on the Roof On Saturday August 26, 2017 from 7 p.m - 11 p.m on the downtown Vernon parkade rooftop.

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PROGRAMMING & EVENTS

Monday August 14, 2017 10 a.m.

Discuss and Create Perfect Music: High Voltage During the August Discuss and Create session we will start off with a quick tour of the artworks in Alisdair MacRae and Patrick Laccase’s exhibition Perfect Music: High Voltage. Inspired by the objects on display which invite gallery visitors into participatory performative actions, we will experiment with found objects to create our own sound objects.

Adults of all ages are invited to join us for a tour and discussion of the current exhibitions followed by a related art project. Enjoy learning more about contemporary art at the gallery, meet like minded people and enjoy coffee, tea, and cookies.

NOTE: Due to the long weekend in August, Discuss and Create will be on Monday Aug. 14th, starting in September Discuss and Create will move to the first Wednesday of the month at 1 pm.

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Saturday August 26, 2017 1:00 p.m.

Family Saturday: Cyanotypes Inspired by Stellar Join us for a tour of Stellar by Destanne Norris and learn how to create a cyanotype inspired by the stars and the night sky. In this workshop we will layout our design and then head to the roof top to process the cyanotype to create the deep blue hues of the night sky!

A cyanotype is a photographic printing process that produces a cyanblue print. Engineers used the process well into the 20th century, as a simple and low-cost process to produce copies of drawings, referred to as blueprints. Many artists today use this same process to create beautiful vibrant prints using found objects and stencils.

PROGRAMMING & EVENTS

Tuesday September 5, 2017 10:00 a.m Mini Artists

Saturday September 16, 2017 1 p.m Artist Talk: Sheldon Louis

This session will start off with a quick tour of the artworks in Alisdair MacRae and Patrick Laccase’s exhibition Perfect Music: High Voltage. Inspired by the objects on display which invite gallery visitors into participatory performative actions, we will experiment with found objects to create our own sound objects.

Join us at the gallery for an Artist Talk with Sheldon Louis focusing on his current exhibition Ancestors of the Columbia.

Learn about his process and how cultural heritage inspires his artwork.

Mini Artists takes place on the first Tuesday of every month and offers a diverse exploration of art-making materials and art processes through age appropriate art activities. We invite parents and guardians to bring their little ones under the age of 5 to explore art making with nontoxic materials in this fun and social program that encourages creative self-expression while developing fine and gross motor skills and sensory awareness. All are welcome to create, and make sure you dress for mess!

Parents must accompany children for the duration of the session, admission is by donation.

This is a great chance to meet Sheldon and learn more about the old stories that Ancestors of the Columbia is based upon. Enjoy a presentation, question and answer session and coffee, tea, and cookies.

NOTE: Starting in September Mini Artists will move to the last Monday of the month at 10 am.

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rt After Dark is a soiree style party designed to cultivate the creative community in Vernon by offering a venue of art, food, drinks, a live DJ, hands-on art activities and local tastings all in one evening at Vernon Public Art Gallery. Join us Friday September 29th, 2017 for the next Art After Dark. Tickets are $15 each and go on sale September 1st, 2017, available at the gallery (250-545-3173) located underneath the downtown Vernon parkade, and online. Any remaining tickets will be on sale at the door, but we suggest you buy your tickets in advance as this event sells out! Suggested attire for Art After Dark is cocktail party chic. Art After Dark is proudly sponsored by Woolley & Co Barristers and Solicitors and Sun FM. Event Highlights from September 2017: Interactive music and sound exhibition Watercolour galaxy art inspired by Stellar Photo booth with props Local beverage tastings Cash bar cocktails, beer and wine Appies compliments of the gallery!

ONE NIGHT ONLY AN EXCLUSIVE POP-UP EXHIBITION OF A COLLECTION OF NEW PAINTINGS IN VPAG’S PERMANENT COLLECTION!

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13 photos by Josh Palmer

VPAG CALENDAR OF EVENTS DATE AND TIME

EVENT NAME AND LOCATION

AUGUST Tuesday August 1, 10:00 a.m

Mini Artists at VPAG

Monday August 7, CLOSED

B.C. Day

Monday August 14, 10:00 a.m

Discuss and Create at VPAG

Saturday August 19, 1:00 p.m

Artist Talk: Destanne Norris, Stellar at VPAG

Saturday August 26, 1:00 - 3:30 p.m

Family Saturday, Cyanotypes Inspired by Destanne Norris, Stellar at VPAG

Saturday August 26, 7:00 - 11:00 p.m

The 9th Annual Riot on the Roof at the Downtown Vernon Parkade Rooftop

SEPTEMBER Monday Sept 4, CLOSED

Labour Day

Wednesday Sept 6, 1:00 p.m

Discuss and Create at VPAG

Saturday Sept 16, 1:00 p.m

Artist Talk: Sheldon Louis, Ancestors

Monday Sept 25, 10:00 a.m

Mini Artists at VPAG

Friday Sept 29, 2017

Culture Days at VPAG

Friday Sept 29, 7:30 - 11:00p.m

Art After Dark at VPAG

Saturday Sept 30, 1:00 - 3:30 p.m

Family Saturday, Culture Days at VPAG

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DATE AND TIME

EVENT NAME AND LOCATION

OCTOBER Wednesday Oct 4, 1:00 p.m

Discuss and Create at VPAG

Monday Oct 9, CLOSED

Thanksgiving Day

Thursday Oct 19, 6:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m

Exhibition Opening Reception at VPAG

Saturday Oct 28, 1:00 p.m- 3:30 p.m

Family Saturday at VPAG

Monday Oct 30 , 10:00 a.m

Mini Artists at VPAG

NOVEMBER Wednesday Nov 1, 1:00 p.m

Discuss and Create at VPAG

Thursday Nov 10, 6:00- 8:00 p.m

Opening Reception: For the Love of Art at VPAG

Friday Nov 11, CLOSED

Remembrance Day

Saturday Nov 25, 1:00 - 3:30 p.m

Family Saturday at VPAG

Monday Nov 27, 10:00 a.m

Mini Artists at VPAG

DECEMBER Monday Dec 4, ALL DAY

Double Discount Monday in the Gallery Shop

Wednesday Dec 6, 1:00 p.m

Discuss and Create at VPAG

Monday Dec 11, ALL DAY

Double Discount Monday in the Gallery Shop

Saturday Dec 16, 1:00 - 3:30 p.m

Family Saturday at VPAG

Monday Dec 18, ALL DAY

Double Discount Monday in the Gallery Shop

Wednesday Dec 20, 10:00 a.m

Mini Artists at VPAG

Sunday Dec 24, 2017 through to Monday Jan 1, 2018

Gallery Closed

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The Gallery Shop

Locally Made Pottery!

The Vernon Public Art Gallery Shop is one of the best places to ďŹ nd local and Canadian made pottery!

Keep us in mind the next time you have someone to shop for or a special occassion.

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ART RENTAL & SALES

Nikki Balfour Maui Inspired #13 “Flow�, acrylic, retail price: $1875.00 rental price $75.00/month

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isit the Art Rental web page to view or download the VPAG Art Rental catalogue featuring a wide range of our collection with prices and information on each artwork.

What is the minimum rental period for Art Rental pieces?

The minimum rental period is 3 months for all Art Rental pieces. Upon your first rental you pay for the first three months, and then can decide at the end of that period if you would like to renew, return or switch the artwork out for another piece.

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PRINCIPLE PARTNER

PREFERRED SUPPLIERS Avalon Events Bourcet Engineering Cobs Bread Cracked Pepper Catering Gray Monk Estate Winery Kiss FM KPMG Norval Equipment Rentals Okanagan Spirits

Sproing Creative The Sprouted Fig Catering Starbucks Coffee Company Sun FM The Italian Kitchen Company Valley Auctions Ltd. Vernon Lodge Village Cheese Company Wholesale Grafix Wings Taps and Grill

Stellar by Destanne Norris, VPAG, July 2017

Cover image: Sheldon Louis: Nkw’qm’ast – Deep Water, 2017, acrylic on canvas, 48 x 48 in

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GALLERY MEMBERS The Vernon Public Art Gallery wishes to thank the following members for Purchasing a new or renewed membership, April through June 2017: Anaïs O. Bonnefoy Anne-Marie Kanester Bonnie Thomas Brigitte Red Lana Schuster Cindy and Hew Kidston Debbie Loewen Elizabeth and Peter Moore Heide Hirschkorn Jean Finch Kimberly Gilhooly Linda Edgar

Donna Fazan Nicole Amies Patricia Mac Nicol Randy McDermid Raymond Peterson Shawna Green Sheryl Bolton Verna Negraiff Victoria Hemmingson Vince Holmes

VPAG

MEMBERSHIP M AT T E R S

NAME:

EXPIRY DATE:

individual membership

ver n o n p ub lic ar tga l l e ry. com | 250 . 545. 3 173 | 3 228 31 st Ave.

VERNO N PUB L MEMB ERSHIP IC ART GALL ERY

BERSH EM IP

VPAG M

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Receive a lovely membership card in a special gallery membership package when you renew or purcahse a VPAG membership. This card makes it easier for you to take advantage of the reciprocal membership program!

Individual 31.50 | Family 42.00 | Corporate $75.00 | Club $100.00

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ARTA CAFTER DARK reative Soiree Friday, September 29, 2017 7:30pm to 11pm Appetizers • Cocktails • Beer • Wine Live D.J • Art Activities • Local Tastings Tickets $15 online @ www.vernonpublicartgallery.com Title Sponsor:

Media Sponsor:

woolley & co.

barristers & solicitors

BOARD OF TRUSTEES: President: Andrew Powell | Vice President: Ann Holtby MacLeod | Past President: Marion Morrison | Trustees: Sigrid-Ann Thors, Bonnie Thomas, Jay Gilman, Blaine McNaueal, Lars Glimhagen, Kyle Britton, and Edward Woolley.

Executive Director: Dauna Kennedy Grant | Curator: Lubos Culen Marketing & Programming Coordinator: Laura Ashton |Administrative Assistant & Education Coordinator: Kelsie Balehowsky The Vernon Public Art Gallery Society gratefully acknowledges financial support from:

The Vernon Public Art Gallery is a registered not-for-profit society. We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of BC’s Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch, British Columbia Arts Council, the Government of Canada, Corporate Donations, Sponsorships, Foundation Grants, General Donations and Memberships. Charitable Organization #108113358RR

GALLERY MEMBERSHIP

Student $10.00 | Individual $31.50 | Family $42.00 | Corporate $75.00 | The Club $100.00