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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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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