Jan - March Newsletter 2024 by Vernon Public Art Gallery

JAN - MARCH 2024

ADDRESS & LOCATION:

3228 31st Ave Vernon BC V1T 2H3 HOURS: Monday - Friday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ADMISSION: By donation

BOARD OF TRUSTEES:

President: Sarah Kennedy Past Presidents: Andrew Powell, Marion Morrison Trustees: Sigrid-Ann Thors, Bonnie Thomas, Jay Gilman, Teresa Durning, Kyle Britton, Anne-Marie Clancy and Edward Woolley.

STAFF:

Executive Director: Dauna Kennedy Curator: Lubos Culen Learning and Community Engagement Curator: Sierra Bronkhorst Development-Administration Officer: Heather Yip Marketing & Events Coordinator: Megan Byers Gallery Shop Attendant: Chantelle Bullen Preparator: Jaz Papadopoulos Bookeeper: Tom Knight

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

CONTENTS NEWS EXHIBITIONS EVENTS CALENDAR EVENTS PROGRAMS MEMBERSHIP PARTNERS

On the Cover: Tammy Salzl Ginger The Happy Centaur

NEWS I hope this message finds you well and full of anticipation for the upcoming year of quality exhibitions and programming that we offer here at the VPAG. It is my immense pleasure to introduce you to the captivating exhibitions that will grace our gallery for 2024. Each artist offering a unique and thought-provoking perspective through their work. Kicking off the year, we are honored to present Tammy Salzl’s exhibition, Beautiful Parasites, a multi-media installation that weaves together paintings, sculptural objects, video, and a mesmerizing soundscape composed by the talented Canadian musician, Greg Mulyk. Salzl’s artwork, overtly surrealistic and ambiguous in meaning, invites viewers into a world of obscure imagery, providing visual cues for deciphering parallel narratives. Salzl manages to make the grotesque beautiful through this interesting exhibition. Continuing on our artistic journey, we have Laurence Belzile’s exhibition, Through the Gardens. Born in Gaspésie, QC, Belzile’s colorful abstract paintings exude both softness and forcefulness, inviting us into a world where vibrant hues dance across the canvas. A graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University and a Master of Fine Arts from Laval University, Belzile’s work reflects a keen understanding of the interplay between color, form, and emotion. Voices of Vernon, supported by the B.C. Anti-Racism and Multiculturalism grant is a collaborative project in partnership with local organizations and School District 22. This initiative aims to foster intercultural understanding and build community connections. A compelling storyboard, created in response to the stories shared during the program, will be on display in our Up-Front Gallery. Finally, we are pleased to showcase an artist duo, and MFA candidates at UBCO’s MFA Program. Jessie Emilie Schmode and Troy Teichrib present their work in the Community Gallery, with a focus on figuration and urban graphic abstraction. Please join us for the opening reception of these new exhibitions on Jan 11th, from 6-8 pm. Browse our events calendar within this newsletter to stay up to date on activities and events coming to you in 2024. See you at the VPAG! Dauna Kennedy, Executive Director

ENGAGE EXPLORE ENRICH

EXHIBITIONS

Tammy Salzl, Purity Ball

TA M M Y S A L Z L BEAUTIFUL PARASITES JANUARY 11 - MARCH 05

Tammy Salzl's exhibition titled Beautiful Parasites is a multi-media installation consisting of paintings, sculptural objects, video, and sound composed by Canadian composer Greg Mulyk. Salzl's artwork is quite overtly surrealistic and ambiguous in meaning. The artwork employs imagery which is obscure, and it provides visual cues for the viewer to decipher possible parallel narratives. The subject matter is multilayered and often based on various cultures fables, fairytales, and myths, while incorporating Salzl's autobiographical references and parallel interpretations of appropriated narratives and imagery. Salzl's exhibition Beautiful Parasites is packed with different potential narratives and subject matter. Even though the exhibition has strong environmental undertones and messaging, Salzl's subject matter extends to questions of female identity(ies), human condition, ecology, politics, and religion. Examined through feminist lense, Salzl's protagonists are powerful messengers on the side of progress and ready to recognize what actions are to be taken. Despite the positive messaging regarding the subject matter, Salzl creates environments which have a propensity to invoke uncertainty and anxiety. In her often-surrealistic rendering of the figures and animals, the viewer is invited to decipher possible narratives which are not linear; on the contrary, the possible narratives have a verticality of meaning instead of proposing a grand narrative. Salzl's modus operandi includes a strong analysis of sources from mythology, fairytales, and fables and consequent synthesis further creating new relationships between the protagonists and the environments they occupy.

Jessie Emilie Schmode, Elegance Indoors

Troy Teichribl, Dragon Fruit

JESSIE EMILIE SCHMODE TROY TEICHRIB Jessie Emilie x Eye Factory: Reconnection JANUARY 11 - MARCH 05

Current MFA Candidates and artist duo, Jessie Emilie Schmode and Troy Teichrib will be showcasing recent paintings in an exhibition titled: Jessie Emilie x Eye Factory: Reconnection. The paintings focus on figuration and urban graphic abstraction. Left: Tammy Salzl, Medusa’s Bestowal

Laurence Belzile, Sans Titre 6, Untitled

LAURENCE BELZILE THROUGH THE GARDENS JANUARY 11 - MARCH 05

Laurence Belzile’s exhibition titled Through the Gardens, features colorful abstract paintings with both softness and forcefulness. Born in Gaspésie, QC in 1994, Laurence Belzile now lives and works in Vancouver, BC. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University with a major in painting and drawing, and a Master of Fine Arts from Laval University.

SD 22 Students: Voices of Vernon

STUDENTS WITHIN SD22 VOICES OF VERNON

JANUARY 11 - MARCH 05 Voices of Vernon--a collaborative project in partnership with Vernon and District Immigration and Community Services Society, Family Resource Center, ORL Vernon Library, School District 22 and Vernon Public Art Gallery--took place in November 2023. Voices of Vernon provided high school students an opportunity to listen, learn, and share in the stories and histories of culturally diverse community members. The primary goal was to foster intercultural understanding and community connections through the mediums of storytelling and creative expression. After each talk, students were invited to participate in an art project facilitated by the Vernon Public Art Gallery. The art project was designed to empower students to share a piece of their personal journey. Students were encouraged to illustrate their dreams, a memory sparked by the talk they had just heard, or an important part of their story. Subsequently, students shared their creations with their peers, engaging in a collaborative effort to arrange their individual drawings into a cohesive storyboard. This creative process allowed students to assign purpose and meaning to their collective story while acknowledging that our stories coexist, and at times, interconnect.

CALENDER OF EVENTS

JANUARY 11

OPENING RECEPTION

6-8 PM

CRIT CLUB

3:30-5 PM

MINI ARTISTS

10-11 AM

F A M I L Y S AT U R DAY

1-3:30 PM

FEBRUARY 10

VPAG DRAG STRORYTIME

10-12 PM

VA L E N T I N E ’ S P R O M : A N A R T A F T E R DA R K EVENT

7-11 PM

CRIT CLUB

3:30-5 PM

w i n t e r w i n t2024 er FEBRUARY 02

MINI ARTISTS

10-11 AM

F A M I L Y S AT U R DAY

1-3:30 PM

MARCH 14

OPENING RECEPTION

6-8 PM

O P E N I N G DAY - A R T FROM THE HEART

11-4 PM

CRIT CLUB

3:30-5 PM

MINI ARTISTS

10-11 AM

F A M I L Y S AT U R DAY

1:00-3 PM

EVENTS

OPENING RECEPTIONS On January 11, join us at the Vernon Public Art Gallery for the opening reception of four new exhibitions: Beautiful Parasites by Tammy Salzl, Through the Gardens by Laurence Belzile, and Voices of Vernon a project in partnership with the Vernon & District Immigrant & Community Services Society, SD 22, The Family Resource Center, The Vernon Library ORL Branch, and the VPAG. Along with Jessie Emilie x Eye Factory: Reconnection by MFA Candidates/Artist duo Jessie Emilie Schmode and Troy Teichrib. On March 14, we welcome German artist, Ulrich J. Wolff. Wolff was the winner of the 2021 Okanagan Print Triennial exhibition. Wolff will present his new exhibition titled: There Must Be Life. On March 16, join us for the Opening Day of the SD 22 exhibition: Art from the Heart by elementary students within the district. Admission for Opening Receptions is by donation, and light bites and drinks will be served.

DRAG STORYTIME Join us on February 10th at 10:00 am for Drag Storytime, a fun all ages event featuring stories, songs, rhymes and an art activity, with award-winning drag artist, Freida Whales! All stories have been preapproved by a certified children’s librarian from the Vernon Public Library. Register for a chance to win a family membership to the Vernon Public Art Gallery!

VA L E N T I N E ’ S P R O M

VPAG Valentine’s Prom: an Art After Dark Event Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Vernon Public Art Gallery! Our Valentine’s Prom is the perfect way to celebrate love, art, and good vibes. Get ready for an Art After Dark experience like no other! Bring your partner, friends, or come solo and meet new people who share your passion for art and music. The event is sponsored by Woolley & Co, and the VPAG is excited to be partnering with Becky’s Back Door Beans to bring you some incredible local Musical talents, Norsu, and DJ BG. Enjoy a specialty free welcome drink inspired by a classic spiked punch upon entry, and get entered to win some of our fabulous door prizes. Brennan from Pranic Forest will be on location doing specialty prom inspired caricatures. Take a classic prom photo in the photo booth, or design your very own Valentine’s cards while experiencing Beautiful Parasites, the exhibition by Tammy Salzl, an immersive installation transporting you to a magical fairytale place. Prizes for the King, Queen and everything in between will be announced during the end of the evening. Purchase your tickets today! Pre-purchase for $25 or purchase for $30 at the door.

PROGRAMMING

F A M I L Y S AT U R DAY Family Saturday takes place on the last Saturday of each month with an art project suitable for little kids and big kids alike. Parents and guardians are encouraged to participate and create their own piece of art as well. All materials for the workshops are supplied. Suggested ages are 5 years old and up. Sign up online at www.vernonpublicartgallery.com/family-saturday

SCHOOL TOURS The Vernon Public Art Gallery provides primary and secondary students in the Greater Vernon Area with a variety of educational programs. Our workshop curriculum is structured around the exhibitions in fall, winter, and spring, providing students with the opportunity to attend at least three times throughout the school year. The 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. More info at www.vernonpublicartgallery.com/school-programs

REGIONAL REACH Regional Reach is a travelling art education program designed to meet the needs of our schools in the outlying areas of Greater Vernon. The VPAG now has 2 circulating Regional Reach art kits that teachers can sign out. The kits include all the art materials and a detailed teacher’s guide with 10 cross curricular lessons. More info at www.vernonpublicartgallery.com/regional-

MINI ARTISTS Join us on the last Monday of every month for a diverse exploration of artmaking 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 a mess! Parents must accompany children for the duration of the session. Admission is by donation. Sign up online at www.vernonpublicartgallery.com/ mini-artists

CRIT CLUB Crit Club is a workshop and critique program dedicated to supporting high school school students in their artistic pursuits and development. Each session will begin with a presentation by an established guest artist. Following the presentation, the guest artist will lead a workshop inspired by their practice. After the workshop, students are invited to share their completed or in process artwork(s) with the group for a critique session. Crit Club members will also have an opportunity to exhibit their artwork at VPAG. Sign up online at www.vernonpublicartgallery.com/critclub

MEMBERSHIP

Core membership ACTIVE SUPPORTERS - $35 +GST Core benefits • Newsletter + e-news • Access to Regional Reciprocal Program • 10% Gallery Shop discount • Members only events • AGM voting priviledges • Access to Art Rental Program Membership types • Individual • Student • Family (4 people) • Corporate (5 people)

influence discovery

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core membership

S tu de n t $ 10.50 | Indi vi d ua l $ 35 | Fa m i l y $ 5 0 | C o r p o r a t e $ 1 5 0 | ( + G S T)

UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS

ULRICH J. WOLFF THERE MUST BE LIFE MARCH 14 - MAY 15

The Vernon Public Art Gallery welcomes international artist, Ulrich J. Wolff as he visits Vernon for the opening reception of his new exhibition. Winner of the 2021 Okanagan Print Triennial (OPT), a triannual exhibition rotating between the Vernon Public Art Gallery and the Kelowna Art Gallery, Ulrich J. Wolff, is set to attend the opening reception of his exhibition titled: There Must Be Life, on at the VPAG from March 14th – May 15th 2024. The OPT is an award winning project and was launched in 2009 as a national open juried print exhibition in partnership between the VPAG, the Kelowna Art Gallery and the University of British Columbia (Okanagan Campus). In recent times, the project has grown to international heights, with over 100 applicants from around the world, 28 artists were chosen to participate in the 2021 OPT. Wolff being one of the 28 artists, won the solo exhibition, awarded the following OPT. The Opening Reception will take place on March 14th from 6-8 PM at the Vernon Public Art Gallery. The VPAG invites the community to attend this reception to celebrate the visiting international artist, Ulrich J. Wolff, who will be flying in for the opening and giving a short talk about his exhibition. Light bites and drinks will be served and entry is by donation.

SPONSORSHIP

VPAG SPONSORS Thank you to our 2023 sponsors and partners! We look forward to another great year!

VPAG PARTNERS

Thank you to Wayside for being the 2024 print sponsor The Vernon Public Art Gallery Society gratefully acknowledges financial support from: