At the MacKenzie: May - August 2015

AT THE MACKENZIE M AY – A U G U S T 2 0 1 5

SUPPORT THE MACKENZIE There are so many ways to support the MacKenzie Art Gallery: Membership We invite you to become a Member today and support the MacKenzie while gaining access to a year’s worth of exciting experiences and exclusive benefits. Learn more at mackenzieartgallery.ca.

Donations Each year the MacKenzie touches the lives of thousands of people in our community with engaging exhibitions, public programs, and countless school and community tours. With the loyal support and generosity of our donors we are able to provide outstanding, transformative experiences in the visual arts for the people of Saskatchewan. To make a donation please visit mackenzieartgallery.ca.

Volunteer Each year volunteers at the MacKenzie Art Gallery contribute nearly 3,000 hours of their time to support the Gallery’s diverse range of programs and activities. To learn more about current volunteer opportunities, please contact the MacKenzie Gallery Volunteers, at (306) 584-4250 ext. 4257 or volunteers@mackenzieartgallery.ca.

Thank you for supporting the MacKenzie Art Gallery!

The MacKenzie Art Gallery is a registered charity: 119027084RR0001

Core Funding provided by

School Tour Funding provided by

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INSIDE FEATURES 04

DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

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D AV I D T H A U B E R G E R : R O A D T R I P S AND OTHER DIVERSIONS

ON THE COVER

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

David Thauberger At Home, 1983 Screenprint on paper, 55.9 x 38.1 cm Collection of the Mendel Art Gallery Gift of Gordon Kushner, 1986

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A SUBLIME VERNACULAR: T H E L A N D S C A P E PA I N T I N G S O F LEVINE FLEXHAUG

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R O S E- CO LO U R E D G L A S S E S

14 M OV I N G FO RWA R D, N EV E R FORGETTING 18

GALLERY SHOP

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INFO + SPONSORS

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DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE Dear friends, As I write this, spring has arrived and much has already happened this year at the MacKenzie. I recently had the pleasure of traveling to New York City with members of the MacKenzie Gallery Volunteers and artist Wilf Perreault.

Our tour had many highlights, including the Frieze Art Fair, the newly reopened Whitney Museum of American Art, and the International Studio & Curatorial Program (ISCP) in Brooklyn. It was a delight to spend time with some of our supporters and volunteers and we look forward to organizing another trip next spring.

With summer’s near arrival, my thoughts turn towards the pleasures of being in Saskatchewan, where the MacKenzie’s exhibitions will offer respite from the summer heat: David Thauberger: Road Trips and other Diversions and A Sublime Vernacular, featuring a stunning array of over 400 paintings by Levine Flexhaug. Thauberger’s interest in Flexhaug, and other less-well-known artists from Saskatchewan, has garnered wider notice of these works, and these two shows make a wonderful summer pairing.

Our recently closed cycle of exhibitions was anchored by Moving Forward, Never Forgetting, featuring a range of recent acquisitions from our permanent collection—many exhibited here for the first time. Moving Forward, Never Forgetting and related events encouraged sharing, empathy, and deeper understanding of what it means for Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples to co-reside in these territories. This project was extremely timely, coming just weeks before the published findings of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This is but one recent example of the way art and galleries engage with and inform current events and society. Another first was the MacKenzie’s engagement of “Storykeepers” – who greeted visitors as resident animators of Indigenous knowledge, stories and experience. I want to thank them, as well as our entire staff, for the rewarding experiences that our visitors have testified to in recent months.

Though this message marks one year of my tenure as Executive Director and CEO of the MacKenzie Art Gallery, I feel that I have only just begun. The MacKenzie has much to celebrate and build upon. Our audit of the past year provides many reasons for optimism—increased attendance among them.

One of the changes you will notice this fall is a revised membership program with new benefits —the first time this has happened at the MacKenzie in 25 years. If you are not already, please do consider becoming a member—the most direct way to show your support for the MacKenzie. I hope you will join us soon!

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Anthony Kiendl Executive Director & CEO

MacKenzie Art Gallery

art conversation series Curating Disability and Access: Ethics, Pragmatics, Effects with Amanda Cachia Independent Curator Sydney, Australia This presentation will explore the dynamics of curating exhibitions that focus on disability as their central theme. This will be illustrated by looking at a number of recent and upcoming projects organized by curator and scholar Amanda Cachia.

Wednesday, June 17, 2015 at 5:30 pm Free Admission Shumiatcher Theatre MacKenzie Art Gallery 3475 Albert Street, Regina, SK Learn more at mackenzieartgallery.ca

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DAVID THAUBERGER ROAD TRIPS AND OTHER DIVERSIONS M AY 2 - A U G U S T 2 3 , 2 0 1 5 Film Screening, Tuesday, April 21, 7:30 pm, Free Admission Opening Reception, Friday, May 1, 7:30 pm, Free Admission Panel Discussion, Saturday, May 2, 2 pm, Free Admission.

David Thauberger understands that

Thauberger’s own collection, ranging

representing place requires both an

from Chicago Imagism to New York Pop

insider’s and outsider’s point of view, and

art, and from Saskatchewan folk painting

a continually scanning vision that moves

to commercial kitsch. These are included

between the two. Combining a keen eye

as contextual source material and as a

for popular and prairie idioms with an

demonstration of his creative thought

encyclopedic knowledge of twentieth

processes and complex understanding of

century art, he demonstrates through his

the workings of taste.

work that Regionalism and Modernism Regina-based David Thauberger is a

need not be opposed. He is known for his

DAVID THAUBERGER: ROAD TRIPS AND OTHER

nationally known painter, printmaker and

particular approach to painting vernacular

DIVERSIONS IS ORGANIZED AND CIRCULATED BY

ceramist whose practice is characterized

architecture such as legion halls, false-

THE MENDEL ART GALLERY AND THE MACKENZIE

by his firm conviction that the local is

front businesses, churches and houses as

ART GALLERY AND PRESENTED IN REGINA BY

as important as the global. Drawing on

if they were portraits. Indeed, postcards

INFORMATION SERVICES CORPORATION. THIS

public and private collections across

are another influential source of imagery in

PROJECT HAS BEEN MADE POSSIBLE IN PART

Canada, David Thauberger: Road Trips

Thauberger’s oeuvre and his work creates

THROUGH A CONTRIBUTION FROM THE MUSEUMS

and Other Diversions presents a dynamic

icons of places in much the same way that

A S S I S TA N C E P R O G R A M , D E PA R T M E N T O F

installation examining key themes and

postcards of tourist destinations do.

CANADIAN HERITAGE.

working processes developed throughout

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Thauberger’s more than 40 years as a

A Special feature of the exhibition

maker and thinker.

is a selection of pivotal objects from

OPPOSITE: David Thauberger, Way Out West, 2004, 60.9 x 91.4 cm, acrylic on panel. Private Collection.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS SUNDAYS AT THE GALLERY

MAY 2 Panel Discussion: David Thauberger:

internationally renowned filmmakers Gary Burns

Sundays, from 2 – 4 PM Join us in the BMO

Road Trips and Other Diversions 2 PM, Free

and Donna Brunsdale (“Radiant City”, “Way Down

Learning Centre for exhibition-themed art making

Admission. Explore themes and ideas in the

Town”) followed by a discussion with exhibition

workshops, led by a friendly Gallery Guide. Check

exhibition David Thauberger: Road Trips and Other

Curators Peter White and Nancy Tousley and the

the website for details on the next workshop.

Diversions in an afternoon of discussion with

filmmakers.

Presented by:

exhibition Curators Timothy Long and Sandra Fraser, artist David Thauberger, and special guests

MAY 23 The MacKenzie at the Cathedral Village

Andrew Kear and Michael Hall.

Arts Festival 10 AM – 5 PM, Free Admission. Find the MacKenzie Art Gallery at the Cathedral Village

MAY 19 Evening for Educators 7 PM. Join us for a ART ENGAGEMENT Saturdays, from 1 – 4 PM Every Saturday you will find an informed and friendly Gallery Guide in the galleries to answer questions, discuss feature exhibitions, or take you on a tour.

BMO LEARNING CENTRE Join us for exhibition– themed hands–on art activities, open during gallery hours. Fun for all ages.

COMMUNITY TOURS available by request. Call Sheri McEachern to book at 306.584.4250, ext.

4292.

May 2015

Arts Festival!

private, educator-only exhibition tour led by Head Curator Timothy Long and artist David Thauberger.

This program is free, although participants must be

June 2015

registered to attend. Call now to reserve your spot!

Sheri McEachern 306-584-4250 ext. 4292.

JUNE 4 Celebration of Giving, 6 – 7:30 PM, MAY 21 Jane Urquhart Literary Reading 5:30 – 7

Invitation Only. An event to recognize the

PM, Free Admission. Followed by wine and cheese

generosity of our donors, volunteers and

reception and book signing. Books will be available

corporate sponsors.

for purchase in the Gallery Shop.

JUNE 6 Artist Trading Cards Make and Trade MAY 23 Panel Discussion A Sublime Vernacular:

Saturday, 2 – 4 PM, Free Admission. Make and

The Landscape Paintings of Levine Flexhaug

trade your very own miniature works of art.

1 PM, Free Admission. Join David Thauberger,

Everyone is welcome! This program is presented

John O’Brian, Nancy Tousley, and Peter White for

in partnership with the Regina Artist Trading Card

a discussion about the work of Levine Flexhaug.

Collective.

Reception to follow.

JUNE 17 Art Conversation Series

MAY 1 Opening Celebration David Thauberger: Road Trips and Other Diversions 7:30 PM, Free Admission.

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MAY 23 Film Screening – Flexie! All the Same

5:30 pm, Free Admission. Join us for Curating

and All Different 3 PM. Experience A Sublime

Disability and Access: Ethics, Pragmatics, Effects by

Vernacular: The Landscape Paintings of Levine

independent curator Amanda Cachia.

Flexhaug through a screening of the featurelength film Flexie! All the Same and All Different by

JUNE 19 Exhibition Opening: Dimensions 2015

AUGUST 22 Artist Trading Cards Make and

7:30 PM, Free Admission. Join us to celebrate the

Trade 2 – 4 PM, Free Admission. Make and trade

best of Saskatchewan art and craft at an awards

your very own miniature works of art. Everyone is

ceremony hosted by the Saskatchewan Craft

welcome! This program is presented in partnership

Council, Reception to follow.

with the Regina Artist Trading Card Collective.

JUNE 20 Bazaart 10 AM – 5 PM, Admission $5 (Free for children under 12). Shop one-of-a-kind

AT THE SHOP

SAVE THE DATE

local treasures at Saskatchewan’s largest outdoor art and craft show and sale. Feel good knowing your admission directly supports the MacKenzie.

SEPTEMBER 18 Opening Reception Love

Proudly presented by SaskTel.

At First Sight: The Drs. Morris and Jacqui Shumiatcher Art Collection

JUNE 25 MacKenzie Art Gallery Annual General Meeting 4:30 PM All MacKenzie Members

OCTOBER 23 MacKenzie Gala

are invited to the Annual General Meeting.

July 2015 The MacKenzie Art Gallery is pleased to announce JULY 1 The MacKenzie at Canada Day Celebrations in Wascana Park. Join us for a community art activity!

August 2015

that 7: Professional Native Indian Artists Inc. received three awards for publishing at the Saskatchewan Book Awards on April 25, including the University of Regina Faculty of Education and Campion College Award for Publishing in Education, the First Nations University of Canada Aboriginal Peoples’ Publishing Award, and the

AUGUST 8 – 9 The MacKenzie at the Regina Folk Festival 10 AM – 5:30 PM, Free Admission.

Join The MacKenzie Art Gallery in a celebration of local music and visual culture through engaging art at the Regina Folk Festival.

Ministry of Park, Culture and Sport Publishing Award.

Purchase your copy today at the Gallery Shop Member: $49.50 | Regular: $55

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A SUBLIME VERNACULAR THE LANDSCAPE PAINTINGS OF LEVINE FLEXHAUG M AY 2 3 – A U G U S T 9 , 2 0 1 5 Panel Discussion Saturday, May 23, 1 PM, Free Admission. Reception to Follow.

conventions of sublime landscape painting

This exhibition will tour until September Long valued by a core of contemporary

2017, with shows at the Illingworth Kerr

artists and collectors, Flexhaug turned

Gallery (Calgary, AB), Art Gallery of Grande

formula painting into a source of wonder,

Prairie (Grande Prairie, AB), Rodman

not only because he churned out

Hall Art Centre (St. Catherine’s, ON),

A Sublime Vernacular: The Landscape

paintings so quickly using an assembly

Contemporary Art Gallery (Vancouver, BC)

Paintings of Levine Flexhaug offers

line method, but because these works

the first overview of the extraordinary

are so aesthetically compelling. Indeed,

A SUBLIME VERNACULAR: THE LANDSCAPE

career of Levine Flexhaug (1918 - 1974), a

the lushness, variety, intensity, luminosity,

PAINTINGS OF LEVINE FLEXHAUG IS ORGANIZED

Saskatchewan–born itinerant painter who

touch and authentic feeling of his paintings

AND CIRCULATED BY THE ART GALLERY OF GRANDE

sold thousands of variations of essentially

are arguably non pareil in this genre.

PRAIRIE. THIS PROJECT HAS BEEN MADE POSSIBLE

Film Screening Saturday, May 23, 2:45 PM, Free Admission.

the same landscape painting in national

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unapologetically commercial.

in a kind of painter’s shorthand.

IN PART BY THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA.

parks, resorts, department stores and bars

As engaging as they are aesthetically,

across western Canada from the late 1930s

Flexhaug’s paintings also offer a point

through the early 1960s. This exhibition

of entry for the discussion of taste,

will bring together 460 Levine Flexhaug

originality, the appeal of landscape and

works. Whatever its variation, a Flexhaug

its iconography – particularly in the

image represents a Western icon: a silent

Canadian context – and whether art

unspoiled Eden that encapsulates the

can have integrity as art, even if it is

OPPOSITE: Levine Flexhaug, Untitled (Mountain landscape with deer on cliff), n.d. Oil-based house paint on beaver board, 25.1 x 34 cm. Collection of Jerry and Ielene Jordan, Lumsden, Saskatchewan. Photo: M.N.Hutchinson

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ROSE–COLOURED GLASSES M AY 2 - S E P T E M B E R 7, 2 0 1 5 Sweetness with a dash of bitter, Rose–

Rose–Coloured Glasses provides an

ROSE–COLOURED GLASSES IS A PERMANENT

Coloured Glasses includes artworks that

opportunity to engage with childhood

COLLECTION EXHIBITION ORGANIZED THROUGH

forge vibrant pathways into the imaginary.

curiousity and innocence, while contending

A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE MACKENZIE ART

Student curators in Dr. Carmen Robertson’s

with notions of loss and the passage of

GALLERY AND THE FACULTY OF FINE ARTS AT THE

“Curatorial Strategies” class at the

time. Enter into a whimsical playground

UNIVERSITY OF REGINA.

University of Regina, in partnership with

through artistic encounters with Jeff

the MacKenzie Art Gallery, have brought

Koon’s Blue Balloon Dog or Jon Sasaki’s

together a selection of works from the

Hang in There. By contemplating Ryan

MacKenzie’s permanent collection that

Arnott’s decadently absurd Cake Hat or by

engage the idea of play in a variety of

peering into the dark corners of a pastel

ways. Fantastical paintings, sugar-coated

fairy tale captured in Kenneth Lochhead’s

video art, and the occasional banana invite

Emergence, this exhibition invites you to

viewers to step back from the everyday and

don a pair of rose-coloured glasses and let

consider how artists playfully peel back

your mind wander.

the sober realities of adulthood to reveal themes and colours that, on first glance at least, promise a magical utopia.

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OPPOSITE: Kenneth Lochhead, Emergence, 1986, oil on canvas, 121.8 x 142 cm. Collection of the MacKenzie Art Gallery, gift of Tessa Lochhead.

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MOVING FORWARD, NEVER FORGETTING

Moving Forward, Never Forgetting

intercultural effects of the aggressive

Among the leading contemporary First

(February 28 - April 19, 2015) creates

assimilation of Indigenous peoples in

Nations, Métis and allied artists features

a space for intercultural dialogue

Canada. The participating artists wrestle

in the project are: Michael Belmore, Leah

and storytelling. The exhibition and

with the cumulative effects of Residential

Decter, Audrey Dreaver, Julianne Herney,

related events encourages sharing,

Schools, public schools, out-of-culture

Cheryl L’Hirondelle, Jaimie Isaac, Peter

empathy, and deeper understanding

adoptions, land and language loss, and

Morin, Skeena Reece, Sandra Semchuk,

of what it means for Indigenous and

other generational deprivations. Their

and Adrian Stimson.

non-Indigenous peoples to co-reside in

work presents a stark picture of how these

these territories. Newly commissioned

government policies distorted their lives,

A micro-website is planned for Moving

works and performances, as well as

ties with family, and relationships with

Forward, Never Forgetting. In keeping with

significant pieces from the MacKenzie’s

neighbours, both Indigenous and non-

the spirit of the exhibition, it is intended

permanent collection, are accompanied

Indigenous. At the same time, these works

as permanent and broadly accessible site

by living speakers — Story Keepers – a

offer glimpses of hope: examples of cross-

for the contents of the show, including

new initiative at the Gallery. This project

cultural friendship, family sharing, and

an interactive component to encourage

featured residencies with artists Cheryl

cultural continuance.

the ongoing sharing and relaying of these stories.

L’Hirondelle, Adrian Stimson, and Peter Morin.

Co-curated by David Garneau and Michelle LaVallee, the exhibition gathers beautiful,

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Moving Forward, Never Forgetting engages

haunting, homey, occasionally humorous,

the personal, intergenerational, and

but always moving testimonies of resilience.

OPPOSITE: Skeena Reece, Touch Me, 2013, HDV, 13:40 min, stereo, a/p. Image credit: Pete Hagge & Skeena Reece.

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MOVING FORWARD, NEVER FORGETTING ARTIST RESIDENCIES Peter Morin | February 23 – February 27 Peter Morin is a Tahltan Nation artist, curator and writer who recently relocated from British Columbia to Brandon, Manitoba where he joined the Visual and Aboriginal Arts Faculty at Brandon University. Morin studied art at Emily Carr University of Art+Design and recently completed his MFA at University of British Columbia Okanagan in 2011. In both his artistic practice as well as his curatorial work, Morin’s research investigates the spaces between indigenous cultural-based practices and western settler colonialism. This work, defined by Tahltan Nation production and worldview, often takes on the form of performance interventions, and also includes object and picture-making. Morin has participated in numerous group and solo exhibitions across Canada and was long-listed for the Sobey Art Prize in 2014.

Cheryl L’Hirondelle | March 11 – March 25 Cheryl L’Hirondelle is an Alberta-born, mixed-blood, community-engaged artist, singer, songwriter and curator. Since the early 1980s, L’Hirondelle has created, performed and presented work in a variety of artistic disciplines, including: music, performance art, theatre, performance, poetry, storytelling, installation and new media. Her creative practice is an investigation of the junction of a Cree worldview (nêhiyawin) in contemporary time-space. As part of this investigation, L’Hirondelle develops endurance-based performances, interventions, sitespecific installations, interactive net.art projects and keeps singing, making rhythm, songs, dancing and telling stories whenever and wherever she can. Currently based in Toronto, she has performed and exhibited her work widely both in Canada and abroad, and her previous musical efforts and new media work have garnered her critical acclaim and numerous awards.

Adrian Stimson | March 16 – March 20 Adrian Stimson is a member of the Siksika (Blackfoot) Nation in southern Alberta. He is an interdisciplinary artist, curator and educator with a BFA from the Alberta College of Art & Design and MFA from the University of Saskatchewan. As an interdisciplinary artist, Stimson’s work includes paintings, installations, collodion wet plate photography, sculpture and performance. Based in Saskatoon, he has participated in numerous group and solo exhibitions across Canada and internationally. Stimson is a regular participant at Burning Man, and was awarded the Blackfoot Visual Arts Award in 2009, the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal in 2003, and the Alberta Centennial Medal in 2005 for his

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human rights and diversity activism.

Photos (left to right): Leah Decter and Jaimie Isaac, official denial (trade value in progress), detail from sewing actions workshop; Peter Morin performance de-colonize my heart, Peter Morin, de-colonize my heart installation view, Photos: Cydney Toth; students working in the Gathering Space in front of Dylan Miner, Michif-Michin (the people, the medicine) Photo: Don Hall.

ORGANIZED BY THE MACKENZIE ART GALLERY WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE CANADA COUNCIL FOR THE ARTS, THE SASKATCHEWAN ARTS BOARD, SASKCULTURE, THE CITY OF REGINA, AND THE UNIVERSITY OF REGINA. BROUGHT TO YOU WITH FUNDING ASSISTANCE FROM SASKCULTURE INC., THANKS TO THE SASKATCHEWAN LOTTERIES TRUST FUND FOR SPORT, CULTURE AND RECREATION. WE ACKNOWLEDGE THE SUPPORT OF THE CANADA COUNCIL FOR THE ARTS, WHICH LAST YEAR INVESTED $157 MILLION TO BRING THE ARTS TO CANADIANS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY. THIS PROJECT RECEIVED SUBSTANTIAL SUPPORT FROM THE SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES RESEARCH COUNCIL INSIGHT GRANT: “CREATIVE CONCILIATION,” KEAVY MARTIN PRINCIPAL RESEARCHER.

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Gallery Shop The MacKenzie Art Gallery Shop offers a shopping experience like no other in Regina.

Carrying unique items from over 60 top designers and artisans, there is something special for all tastes. Every purchase you make in the Gallery Shop directly supports the MacKenzie’s exhibitions and programs.

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Photo: Cydney Toth

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MACKENZIEARTGALLERY.CA T (306) 584 4250 F (306) 569 8191 info@mackenzieartgallery.ca

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OFFICE HOURS Monday to Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

IN窶適IND SUPPORT BEAUTIFUL BEGINNINGS

FREE ADMISSION Suggested Donation: $5 TOURS Free tour every Saturday at 2 pm Free family tour every Sunday at 3 pm

MEDIA PARTNERS

Group Tour Bookings: (306) 584 4292 ext. 4292

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MacKenzie Art Gallery hosts

Saturday, June 20, 2015 Showing locally grown artisans since 1973.

10 am — 5 pm, Admission: $5 (free for children under 12) ! Shop one-of-a-kind Enjoy an art-filled day outdoors during the 42nd annual local treasures at Saskatchewan’s largest outdoor arts and crafts show and sale.

Feel good knowing your admission supports the MacKenzie.

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