Trustees: Kyle Britton, Anne-Marie Clancy, Jay Gilman, Louise Mcguire, Destanne Norris, Bonnie Thomas, Sigrid-Ann Thors, & Edward Woolley.
STAFF:
Executive Director: Dauna Kennedy
Curator Emeritus & Facility Advisor: Lubos Culen
Curator: Victoria Verge
Bookkeeper: Tom Knight
Preparator: Asana Hughes
Gallery Attendant: Chantelle Bullen
Education Coordinator: Samantha Ahize
Development & Admin Coordinator: Mandi Irmen
Marketing & Events Coordinator: Jordan MacDonald
The Vernon Public Art Gallery Society gratefully acknowledges financial support from:
EVENTS CALENDAR EXHIBITIONS
PROGRAMS
UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS
MEMBERSHIP & PHILANTROPHY
PARTNERS
VPAG acknowledges our presence on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded tm̓xʷúlaʔxʷ (land) of the syilx / Okanagan people who have resided here since time immemorial. We recognize,honour,andrespectthesyilx/Okanaganlandsuponwhichwelive,work,andplay.
ENGAGE EXPLORE
NEWS FROM THE DIRECTOR
We did it! Through significant work, planning and lobbying by stakeholder groups and individuals like you, we finally got to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Greater Vernon Cultural Centre! This long-awaited moment brings in a new era for the arts & culture in our region. No longer are we asking whether we’ll be getting a much needed facility or not, now it is a matter of when will it open! I promise we will keep you posted along the way withexcitingupdatesastheprojectmovesalong.RightnowI'dliketothankallofyouwho assisted to make this vision a reality for our community. Our tenacity and hard work is comingtolight!
Focusing on this fall, I'd like to highlight some of what you can look forward to at the Vernon Public Art Gallery as we welcome exhibiting artists Mark Thibeault and Marzieh Homayoun and all of the artists participating in our annual members' exhibition. While diverse in nature, our fall exhibitions have a common thread running through, the exploration of connection—whether it's between people and nature, memory and identity or culture and environment, viewers will be exposed to a broader narrative about howarthelpsusunderstand,preserve,andtransformourrelationships—withtheland,with eachother,andwithourselves.
Some of our upcoming events include the Members Show, Artist Talk with Marzieh Homayoun,ArtAfterDark,BusinessAfterFive,andthereturnofFestiveFridays!
Thank you to all of our sponsors and funders who ensure the VPAG continues to provide qualityandthoughtprovokingprogrammingforourregion.
The Populated series is inspired by themes of connection, disconnection, and transformation. I am interested in the changing connection and separation of the human experience from the natural environment and how each reacts to the other’s changing influence and needs. The notion of constant change, adaptation and improvisation is part ofmycreativeprocess.
This ongoing series began in 2020. During the pandemic, my practice shifted toward smaller, more intuitive gestures— unintentional but vital response to uncertainty. That periodremindedmeofthepowerofarttoground,connect,andcarryusforward.
The expressive paintings in Populated draw inspiration from the rich biodiversity of northwest British Columbia and from the idea of self—how we relate to each other and to our immediate surroundings. References to landscape in these works sit within the broader tradition of Canadian landscape painting, but reflect a shift: from celebrating nature’s grandeur to acknowledging its fragility. With contemporary land-use policies constantly evolving, and increasing international interest in our natural resources, I’ve become more aware of our collective impact on the land. These paintings are not about a fixed place, butaboutthewaysweinteractwithandchangethelandscapesweinhabit.
The notion of constant change, adaptation, and improvisation runs throughout this work. Populated reflects both personal and collective narratives, shaped by shifting internal and external landscapes. While the work holds space for uncertainty and fragmentation, it also pointstowardempathy,resilience,andasenseofsharedresponsibility.
—MarkThibeault
MARK THIBEAULT, THEQUICKENING, 2025, ACRYLIC AND OIL ON CANVAS, 60" X 144"
MARZIEHHOMAYOUN
UNTITLED 2025
INK ON PAPER
MARZIEH HOMAYOUN
This year’s Mackie Lake House Artist in Residence, Marzieh Homayoun, is an Iranian-born visual artist whose practice blends the delicacy of Persian miniature painting with a contemporary exploration of nature, migration, and belonging. Working primarily with ink, paper, and a metal nib pen, Marzieh builds imagined spaces where stones, tree bark, and animal forms merge, offering poetic reflections on strength, fragility, and constant change. Her drawings are not literal depictions of the natural world but rather expressions ofhowitfeels—alive,layered,andfullofquietstruggle.
Marzieh’sperspectiveasamigrantartisthasshapedmuchofherwork.Shereflects: “Leaving home and starting again in a new place filled me with questions about identity, memory, and what it means to belong. I found that art became my voice, a soft whisper when words were not enough. It helped me hold onto feelings, moments, and stories I didn’twanttolose.Now,Iseemyartasaquietformofstorytelling.Eachlineislikeathread connecting my past and present. I try to create work that feels honest, gentle, and full of life.”–MarziehHomayoun
During her residency at Mackie Lake House, Marzieh immersed herself in the rhythms of the historic home and its surroundings—the gardens, shifting light, and sounds of birds and wind—finding inspiration in details often overlooked. These sensory impressions are translated into drawings that speak to the deep connections between people, place, andtime.
Through her exhibition, Marzieh invites viewers to slow down and enter these contemplative spaces, to notice the delicate details that might otherwise go unseen, and toreflectonthequietrelationshipsbetweenmemory,belonging,andthenaturalworld.
MARZIEH HOMAYOUN, EARTH'S SILENT LANGUAGE, 2025, INK ON WOOD, 15" X 19.5"
EXHIBITIONS EXPOSED! MEMBERS SHOW
Our annual Members Exhibition, Exposed!, is a vibrant showcase of the talent and creativity thriving in our local art community. This exhibition offers the public a chance to experience the diverse approaches and styles of our members, from painting and drawing to photography, sculpture, and mixed media. Both emerging and established artists bring their unique voices to the gallery, creating a lively snapshot of the ideas and visionsshapingartinourregiontoday.
Exposed! is worth seeing because it highlights how artists are pushing boundaries and experimenting with new materials, techniques, and concepts. Visitors will encounter fresh perspectives, bold approaches, and inventive ways members are engaging with contemporary practices. The exhibition is a testament to the curiosity, experimentation, andvitalitythatdriveourlocalcreativecommunity.
For visitors, Exposed! is an invitation to explore, reflect, and connect. Discover new favourites, see art in ways you haven’t before, and engage with the stories and ideas behind each piece. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply curious, this exhibition promisesinspiration,surprise,andadeeperappreciationforthedepthanddiversityofour artisticcommunity.
MEMBERS EXHIBITION, EXPOSED!, 2024, INSTALLATION SHOT
AFTER DARK ART
Art After Dark is a soiree-style after-hours partyat theVernon Public Art Gallery. Enjoy live performances, interactive art activities inspired by our current exhibitions, delicious appetizers, and drinks — all set to a lively atmosphere. It’s auniquenightoutwherecreativity,music,andcommunitycometogether.
AfterearningherBachelorofFineArtsattheformerOkanaganUniversityCollege(now UBCOkanagan)in1993,BarbarahasbeendeeplyinvolvedinIndigenousarteducation, mentoringemergingartists,servingasaninstructor,juror,andcurator,andmanaginga range of art-based projects. She taught at the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology in Merritt,BC,andsince1998,hasservedasHeadoftheFineArtsDepartmentandVisualArts InstructoroftheNationalAboriginalProfessionalArtistsTrainingProgramattheEn’owkin CentreinPenticton,BC.
Barbara’spracticeisgroundedinhersyilxheritage,particularlyinthestudyoflanguage andoralstorytellingtraditions.Shevisuallyexplorestheconnectionbetweenlanguage, storytelling, and the natural world. She describes her intent: “…to portray visually how traditionalstoriesandlanguageconnect,overlap,andremindusofourresponsibilityto take care of the land.” While her artwork is deeply rooted in oral traditions, Barbara intentionallyavoids‘explaining’thesestories,insteadassumingtheroleofinterpreterand guidetoherrichculturalheritage,emphasizingenvironmentalstewardshipandspiritual awareness.
Reflectingonherpractice,Barbaranotes:
"IhavebeenimmersedinlearningandpracticingmySyilx(Okanagan)culturemostofmy life,butitwasnotuntilIbeganteachingattheEn’owkinCentreinPenticton,in1998,thatI begantolearnthedepthofourcultureandwhatitmeanstobeSyilx.Ouroralstoriesand languageholdthehistoryandcultureoftheSyilxpeople…Muchofourhistorycanbe revealed in the formation of just one word that reveals a descriptive relationship and connectiontotheland.Beingawareofthelanguage,Ibegantorealizeandunderstand howtheessenceofourstoriesandlanguagecouldneverbefullylearnedorunderstood throughEnglishtranslations.Ibelievethatthroughmyart,Icansharesomepartofwhatit meanstobesyilx."
Did you know that you can rent art from the Vernon Public Art Gallery? A selection of artworksfromlocalartistsareavailableformemberstorent,rent-to-own,andpurchase.
Artwork can be rented for a minimum of 3 months up to a maximum of 12. It’s a great option for your business or home and enables you to change up your art for the seasons or to try before you buy. Rental fees vary based on the value of the work and may be consideredatax-deductiblebusinessexpense.
To rent an artwork, stop by the gallery to view our current selection and our gift shop attendant will be happy to assist you. Local artists that would like to submit their artwork to theartrentalprogram,pleasesendsubmissionstoinfo@vernonpublicartgallery.com.
SEPTEMBER 26 TH OCTOBER 24 TH NOVEMBER 28 TH JANUARY 23 RD FEBRUARY 27 TH APRIL 24 TH MAY 29 TH
Whatisit?
Crit Club at VPAG is a dynamic, hands-on program that invites high school students to engage in meaningful workshops and critique sessions with established professional artists. Each session is designed to provide valuable insights into the creative process while encouragingpeerinteraction,artisticgrowth,andself-expression.
WhyJoinCritClub?
Crit Club provides high school students with the tools and confidence to engage and elevate their artistic practice. With expert guidance from professional artists, access to a supportivecommunityofpeers,andthechancetoshowcasetheirworkatVPAG,students will have the opportunity to grow as artists and gain valuable experience in a real-world setting. Whether you’re just beginning your artistic journey or looking to push your skills further,CritCluboffersasafespacetoexplore,create,andthrive.
EVENTS CALENDAR
NOVEMBER
OCTOBER
October2 OpeningReception
October13 ThanksgivingDay(Closed)
October16 OpeningReception
Octohber21 BusinessAfterFive
October 23 MiniArtists &Homayoun’sArtistTalk
October24 CritClub &ArtAfterDark
October25 FamilySaturday
November11 RemembranceDay(Closed)
November27 MiniArtists
November28 CritClub
November29 FamilySaturday
OPENINGRECEPTIONS PROUDLYSPONSOREDBY
DECEMBER
December2 GiveTuesday
December5 FestiveFriday’sBegin
December 18 MiniArtists
December20 FamilySaturday
December25-January1 GalleryClosed
EDUCATION PROGRAMS
FAMILY SATURDAYS
Family Saturday takes place on the last Saturdayofeachmonthwithanartproject suitable for little kids and big kids alike. Parentsandguardiansareencouragedto participate and create their own piece of art as well. All materials for the workshops are supplied. Suggested ages are 5 years oldandup.Memberprices:$3perperson, &$10forfamilieswith4ormoremembers. Non-members: $5 per person, & $14 for familieswith4ormoremembers.
REGIONALREACH
Regional Reach is a traveling art education program designed to meet the needs of our schools, senior centres and family service organizations in the outlying areas of Greater Vernon. The VPAG now has 2 circulating Regional Reach art kits that can be signed out. The kits include all the art materials and adetailedteacher’sguidewith10cross curricularlessons.
PROUDLYSPONSOREDBY
MINI ARTISTS
JoinusonthelastFridayofeverymonthfor a diverse exploration of age-appropriate art activities. We invite parents and guardianstobringtheirlittleonesunderthe age of 5 to explore art making with nontoxic materials in this fun and social program.Admissionisbydonation.
SCHOOL TOURS
Our school program offers exhibition tours and hands-on art activities which complement and address the visual arts curriculum, in addition to cross-curricular connections to assist teachers, parents, and educators in developing an integrated approach to teaching. A new tourandworkshopprogramisdeveloped for the Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer exhibitions, providing the opportunity for your class to visit our gallery at least four timeseachschoolyear.
MEMBERSHIP
MEMBERSHIP BE PART OF ART
WHY BECOME A MEMBER?
Being a member of the Vernon Public Art Gallery means more than just holding a card—it is an investmentinyourcommunity.Yourmembershipsupportsexhibitions,programs,andeducational initiatives that make the visual arts accessible to everyone. Together, we’re building connections, sparkinginspiration,andinvestingintheculturalvibrancyofourregion.
Volunteers are vital to the gallery, helping bring artwork to life and creating memorable experiences for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re interested in education, events, or behind-the-sceneswork,there’saroleforyoutocontributeyourtimeandtalents.
Thank you to our 2025 sponsors for continuing to support Arts & Culture in the North Okanagan
VPAG PARTNERS
We are grateful for the following ongoing partnerships:
Tolko
Algra Bros
BigSteelBox
Morning Star
Wayside Press
Sunbelt Rentals
Apero Catering
105.7 The Ranch
Mission Hill Winery
Gumtree Catering
OKANAGAN Restoration Services
Browns Transport
107.5 Beach Radio
Kalamalka Security
Vernon Family Dental
Okanagan Spring Brewery
The Prestige Vernon Lodge
North Okanagan Orthodontics
Uprooted Kitchen & Catering Co.
Thank you to Wayside for being the 2025 print sponsor
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 ProvinceofBC'sGamingPolicyandEnforcementBranch,BritishColumbiaArtsCouncil,theGovernmentofCanada,Corporate Donations,Sponsorships,FoundationGrants,GeneralDonationsandMemberships.CharitableOrganization#108113358RR
