January to March newsletter 2016

VERNON PUBLIC ART GALLERY

JANUARY / MARCH 2016

VOL. 25, NO. 1

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

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appy Holidays to all of our members and supporters. The VPAG has had a great 2015 with a variety of exhibitions bringing new inspiration and dialogue to our community. The Okanagan Print Triennial and its accompanying Big Steel Box satellite site stand out as a highlight for what can be accomplished through creative thought and collaboration. We were honored to receive an award of merit from the B.C. Museums Association for this innovative project and I’d like to thank all of our partners who helped make it happen.

Staff have been working with the permanent collection to gather information on some of the lesser known artists within the collection.

Stay tuned to our Friday e-blasts, we may be asking you if you have any knowledge around some of these talented individuals. Our collection serves as a representation of artistic practices relevant to the VPAG’s programming during their time of creation and is a valuable a resource for the Gallery. We are able to make use of select pieces in exhibitions, as well as, utilize them as an educational tool for our gallery programming.

As the year comes to an end, on behalf of the VPAG staff and Board of Directors, I’d like to wish you all a very Happy Holiday Season! A big thank you to all of our sponsors, donors, and volunteers who helped support the gallery throughout the year. See you in the New Year for our upcoming exhibitions.

Dauna Kennedy Grant, Executive Director

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EXHIBITIONS

Heather Huston, Everyday Liminal V, 2015, screen print on plexi-glass and paper, 43.5 x 48

Topham Brown Memorial Gallery Heather Huston: The Body, Stranger January 14 - March 10, 2016

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algary-based print artist will exhibit a body of work focused on the imagery derived from her personal experiences. The exhibition titled The Body, Stranger, explores Huston’s interest in social constructions of illness and the greater narratives employed to understand and define these experiences. The work also questions the assumptions about the identity of a patient who presumes and fears certain limitations and qualities that are associated with chronic autoimmune condition.

Join us at the opening reception on Thursday January 14th, and enjoy an evening of contemporary art, appies, beer, wine, and punch from 6 pm 8 pm at the Vernon Public Art Gallery. Admission is by donation.

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EXHIBITIONS

Brad McMurray, Las Vegas 2013, digital print on Kodak paper, 60 x 40 inches

Caroline Galbraith Gallery Brad McMurray: Urbicus Topia January 14 - March 10, 2016

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ancouver-based artist Brad McMurray has produced large-scale photographs for the exhibition titled Urbicus Topia. Despite the exhibition title which might suggest utopian urban settings, McMurray’s images reveal the dystopian quality of his urban subjects.

His sensibility is focused on urban environments that no longer function as their original intended purpose and his images often conjure up the narratives of neglect, decay, and abandonment sometimes juxtaposed with new urban development. McMurray’s images are carefully composed in-situ and printed uncropped with minimal digital manipulation.

Join us at the opening reception on Thursday January 14th, and enjoy an evening of contemporary art, appies, beer, wine, and punch from 6 pm - 8 pm at the Vernon Public Art Gallery. Admission is by donation.

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EXHIBITIONS

Kelsie Balehowsky, Meat, Bathtub, Nude, 2015, digital print, 22 x 32 inches

Up-Front Gallery Kelsie Balehowsky: conscious | unconsciosness January 14 - March 10, 2016

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elsie Balehowsky is a Kelowna-based artist whose artwork is focused on the lens-based studio practice and digital assembly. The body of images in her exhibition titled conscious | unconsciousness is an inquiry into the states of being and the human condition mapped through Freudian investigation into subject of aesthetics and its propensity of invoking feelings. Balehowsky focuses on the quality of images which can be considered both Surreal and uncanny as a proposition – and contrary to Freud’s thoughts – that the strange combination of visual elements can in turn reveal the true state of our existence.

Join us at the opening reception on Thursday January 14th, and enjoy an evening of contemporary art, appies, beer, wine, and punch from 6 pm - 8 pm at the Vernon Public Art Gallery. Admission is by donation.

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EXHIBITIONS

Nick Matovich: Untitled, 2015, acrylic on paper

Community Gallery Five Fathoms Tattoo: Extracurricular January 14 - March 10, 2016

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xtracurricular features the work of four tattoo artists from Vernon’s Five Fathoms Tattoo shop. For Nick Matovich, Andrew McDonald, Jessie Beans (Miss Beans), and Jeremy Mathieson, getting creative is their nine to five. Clients come into the shop and commision the artists to create an image that is symbolic of their personal stories and experiences. The client’s bodies become a walking art gallery exhibiting a collaboration of both the artist and the client. Extracurricular is an exhibition that provides viewers the opportunity to see what the artists at Five Fathoms create when not bound by the clients desires and wishes.

The exhibition space will feature a variety of artwork done beyond their regular duties as tattoo artists while also providing a small contrasting glimpse of their work lives at Five Fathoms Tattoo.

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PROGRAMMING & EVENTS JANUARY FRIDAY JANUARY 1ST, 2016 NEW YEAR’S DAY, GALLERY CLOSED MONDAY JANUARY 11TH DISCUSS AND CREATE AT 10 A.M Join us for a tour and discussion of the current exhibitions followed by a related art activity. Explore new ideas and engage creatively with arts and culture. All seniors welcome, enjoy coffee, tea, and cookies.

Admission is by donation.

TUESDAY JANUARY 12TH MINI ARTISTS AT 10 A.M We invite parents and guardians to bring their little ones under the age of 5 to explore art making with non-toxic 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.

THURSDAY JANUARY 14TH EXHIBITION OPENING RECEPTION 6 P.M - 8P.M The Board of Directors and Executive Director, Dauna Kennedy Grant, invite you and a guest to the opening reception of The Body, Stanger, Urbicus Topia, conscious |unconsciousness, and Extracurricular at the Vernon Public Art

Gallery. Enjoy an evening of contemporary art, locally crafted beer and wine, and appetizers.

THURSDAY JANUARY 21ST LIVE MODEL DRAWING 11 A.M - 1 P.M No experience required, just bring your drawing materials of choice, easels are provided. Set to music in a private space, artists are welcome to draw without inhibition.

Models are experienced, male and female, nude or draped. Participants must be over the age of 19. Sessions are limited to 12 participants.

Pre-registration required. $10 for members, $20 for non-members. Enjoy a coffee and tea break in the middle of the session with Gumtree Catering Cookies served.

SATURDAY JANUARY 30TH FAMILY SATURDAY - ORPHISM ARTWORK INSPIRED BY SONIA DELAUNAY, 1 P.M - 3:30 P.M

This month learn about the Orphism art movement and Sonia Delaunay. We will use strong colours and geometric shapes to create a colour blocked painting.

Learn how to incorporate geometric stamps into your painting and have fun with colour, form and shapes while learning about art history at the same time.

FEBRUARY MONDAY FEBRUARY 1ST DISCUSS AND CREATE AT 10 A.M See January description.

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RECENT EVENTS DECEMBER MINI ARTISTS FINGER PAINTING

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e had a great turnout for the the December Mini Artists session. Little ones enjoyed experiementing with finger paints in an open creative atmosphere. Children’s music is played each session and juice boxes are offered . This is also a great opportunity for parents with small children to be able to come to the gallery and take in the current exhibitions while socializing with other parents. Thank you for everyone’s support towards this new educational program.

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PROGRAMMING & EVENTS TUESDAY FEBRUARY 2ND MINI ARTISTS AT 10 A.M We invite parents and guardians to bring their little ones under the age of 5 to explore art making with non-toxic materials in this fun and social program. Parents must accompany children for the duration of the session, admission is by donation.

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 18TH LIVE MODEL DRAWING 11 A.M - 1 P.M No experience required, just bring your drawing materials of choice, easels are provided.

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 26TH ART AFTER DARK 7:30 P.M - 11 P.M Art After Dark is soiree style party designed to cultivate the creative community in Vernon by offering a venue of art, food, drinks, music, hands-on art activities and current art exhibitions all in one evening.

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 27TH FAMILY SATURDAY CHINE-COLLÉ INSPIRED BY HEATHER HUSTON 1 P.M - 3:30 P.M This month learn a special technique in printmaking called Chine-Collé, in which images and paper are transferred to a surface that is bonded to a heavier support in the printing process. Inspired by Heather Huston’s prints, we will work in layers to create prints made up of layered tissue papers and drawings on rice paper.

MARCH TUESDAY MARCH 1ST MINI ARTISTS AT 10 A.M See February description.

MONDAY MARCH 7TH DISCUSS AND CREATE AT 10 A.M Join us for a tour and discussion of the current exhibitions followed by a related art activity.

Explore new ideas and engage creatively with arts and culture. All seniors welcome, enjoy coffee, tea, and cookies.

Admission is by donation.

THURSDAY MARCH 17TH LIVE MODEL DRAWING 11 A.M

- 1 P.M

No experience required, just bring your drawing materials of choice, easels are provided.

SPRING BREAK ART CAMPS Stay tuned for more information about upcoming art camps for kids over spring break this year.

SATURDAY MARCH 26TH FAMILY SATURDAY IMPRESSIONISTIC WATERCOLOUR FLOWERS INSPIRED BY YAO CHENG 1 P.M - 3:30 P.M This month learn how to paint impressionistic flowers in watercolour.

Inspired by artist and designer Yao Cheng. We will learn different mark making tecniques and then put them all together to create beautiful floral portrait.

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UPCOMING EVENTS ART AFTER DARK FRIDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2016

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oin us for the first Art After Dark party of 2016! Art After Dark is soiree style party designed to cultivate the creative community in Vernon by offering a venue of art, food, drinks, music, handson art activities and current art exhibitions all in one evening. The next date for Art After Dark is Friday February 26, 2016. Tickets are $15 each and are on sale February 1st, 2016, available at the gallery and online. Be sure to get your tickets early as this event sells out!

Suggested attire for Art After Dark is cocktail party chic.

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SHOP LOCAL AT THE GALLERY

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hen you support a creative business, you are supporting a dream. The gallery shop searches for local and Canadian artists and artisans that create high quality creative goods, to help foster and promote the creative individuals that help make our country and community so unique.

The VPAG gallery shop is excited to now be offering products from Mana Jewelry. Mana Jewelry Designs was founded by Nicole Beck, who initially began creating jewelry as a means of making use of the otherwise unused exotic wooden off-cuts from exquisitely crafted high-end guitars and ukeleles that were being hand-made by a close friend in maui. Stop by the gallery shop and have a look at the lovely selection of Mana earrings and necklaces we now carry. vernon public art gallery

GALLERY S H O P

NEW arrivals at the gallery shop, Mana Jewelry

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THE GALLERY SHOP 1

1. Ceramic earrings by Laurel Fredin, Vernon B.C., $25.00

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2. Mini Creamer by Karen’s Klay, Vernon B.C., $6.00 3. Porcelain studs by Maboue, Quebec, $16.00

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4. Postage stamp earrings

by Oh! The Post!, Kelowna, B.C., $25.00

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5. Set of 4 Gift Tags by Laura Ashton, Vernon B.C., $4.00 6. Felted Skull Brooch by Amy Burkard, Kelowna, B.C., $12.00

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ART RENTAL & SALES

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Katherine Upton, Caprice, 2009, mixed media

he VPAG Art Rental program has been recently updated and expanded. Stop by and have look at the selection of artworks by local Okanagan artists.

Art Rental FAQ: Can you purchase or rent an art rental collection painting with a VPAG gift certificate?

Yes. VPAG carries gift certificate that can be loaded for any dollar amount. This is a great idea for a corporate gift.

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THE ART RENTAL PROGRAM

Vernon Public Art Gallery Art Rental Collection Linda Wadley: Clouds, Ice, and Snow oil on canvas Local artist from Vernon Please inquire for pricing for rental or sale E: info@vernonpublicartgallery.com P:250-545-3173

Vernon Public Art Gallery Art Rental Collection Jane Tanner: Winter Scene on Silver Star acrylic on canvas Please inquire for pricing for rental or sale E: info@vernonpublicartgallery.com

Cover image: Heather Huston, Interior Distance, 2015, screen print on plexi-glass, 22 x 15 inches

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PREFERRED SUPPLIERS

Artisan Cheese

GALLERY MEMBERS The Vernon Public Art Gallery wishes to thank the following members for purchasing a new or renewed membership, October through December 2015: Alan & Susan Brandoli Amanda Rainer Anne and Adam Moss Arlene Armstrong Audrey Sutton & Doug Fairweather Bill More Bill and Fran Wagner Brenda Kopy Brian Moorhouse Chris Clayton Diana Gritten Donna Gilchrist Elizabeth Seaton Elva Ritchey Gail and Richard Hamilton

Harold Yacyshyn Heather McMahen Holly Smith Jane Everett Janice Sich Jennifer Miles Joan DeBella Joanna Hay John & Nancy Hudgin Karen Coon Laurie Clarke Louise Donnelly Marlene McPherson Marten Koops & Colleen Faulkner Mary Champness

Mary Stebbins Maryanne Jespersen Michele Blais Nancy Vince Noreen Jodoin Paige McDicken Ricardo Alberto Leiva Robin McDonald Sarah Kennedy Sea Dean Sean Strang Tatianna O’Donnell Vicki Green Wayne Humphries Davidson Pringle LLP

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ARTA CAFTER DARK reative Soiree Friday February 26, 2016 7:30pm to 11pm Appetizers • Cocktails • Photo Booth Live D.J • Art Activities • Current Exhibitions Tickets $15 online @ www.vernonpublicartgallery.com Title Sponsor:

Media Sponsor:

woolley & co.

barristers & solicitors

BOARD OF TRUSTEES: President: Andrew Powell | Past President: Marion Morrison | Treasurer: Sean Strang Trustees: Sigrid-Ann Thors, Bonnie Thomas, Jay Gilman, Blaine McNaueal, Kathleen Dubois, Anne Holtby McLeod and Edward Woolley.

Executive Director: Dauna Kennedy Grant | Curator: Lubos Culen Marketing & Programming Coordinator: Laura Ashton |Administrative Assistant & Educational 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 $50.00