MAR - JUN Newsletter VPAG

MAR - JUN 2022

SUPPORT THE VPAG OUR GOAL YOU INSPIRE US to do what we do.

We need your support to reach our annual fundraising goal of $90,000.

ACCESSIBILITY The VPAG deeply believes that visual culture should be accessible to and enjoyed by all.

LIFELONG LEARNING At the VPAG we strive to make learning a lifelong affair. We offer education opportunities for all ages to empower our community with creative possibilities.

Donor involvement is critical for the Vernon Public Art Gallery to meet its annual fundraising target of $90,000. Make a general donation or a donation towards a cause of your choice by giving monthly, annually, or at the frequency of your choosing.

Donate at www.vernonpublicartgallery.com

Empowered by art; inspired by you.

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR The VPAG has been hard at work ensuring the COVID pandemic has minimal impact to our programming and operations. While we continue to maneuver this global issue, we remind you that the gallery is here to provide you with critical creative content through these challenging times. What better way to disconnect from the chaos than submersing yourself in the quiet contemplation that the VPAG provides.

I’m excited to welcome Brigitta Kocsis to the VPAG with her exhibition #techboyz, starting on March 17th.

Our annual exhibitions, Art from the Heart, and Art & Soul, from School District No.22 Elementary and High School students provide the youth of our community with the opportunity to showcase their artistic talent within the walls of a professional art gallery.

We are currently working on the Annual Midsummer’s Eve of the Arts as it is right around the corner on July 20th! If you would like to volunteer or donate artwork or packages to this year’s MEA, please contact us at the gallery. Thank you for your patience and support as we all transition through this challenging time.

Looking forward to seeing you at the VPAG during 2022, specifically at our next opening reception on March 17th at 6 pm.

Kind Regards, Dauna Kennedy

This exhibition is proudly sponsored by:

Front cover Brigitta Kocsis #techboyz 4 2021, oil on canvas detail Back cover #Techboyz 4 2021, oil on canvas detail

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Spring

MARCH 16

Art from Heart SD# 22 Elementary School

17 26

2022

MAY 26

- Opening Reception - UBCO - Emergence

Opening Reception 6 - 8 PM

- Katie Green: Behind the

Family Saturdays

- What does hearing loss

Mask look like?

28

Mini Artists

- Teen Junction: Through Our Eyes

APRIL 21

28

Family Saturday

30

Mini Artists

Art and Soul SD# 22 Secondary schools

25

Mini Artists

30

Family Saturdays

JUNE 25 27

Family Saturdays

MEA PREVIEW Exhibition Mini Artists

UPCOMING EVENTS 26

May

OPENING RECEPTION BEHIND THE MASK KATIE GREEN WHAT DOES HEARING LOSS LOOK LIKE? THROUGH OUR EYES TEEN JUNCTION

27

June

MEA AUCTION PREVIEW

EXHIBITIONS B R I G I T TA KO C S I S - # T E C H B O Y Z March 17 - May 18 2022 #techboyz is a series of paintings that bring together different strategies and techniques to express Kocsis’ relationship towards the subject of everyday live of young adults. Focusing on the everyday lives of young tech workers in the Mile-End neighbourhood in Montreal, capturing a special moment in time where they regain a sense of freedom after long periods of isolation.

She investigates the shifting concept of the human body and its environment, challenging the spaces between abstraction and representation within the structural and theoretical formations in the painting process. It is a visual investigation into the aspects of the susceptible segment of young adult male workers trying to integrate into society. Kocsis’ paintings capture the psychological aspects of human existence and condition by portraying these male figures within tight groupings that seem so distant from each other.

My Work focuses on investigating the shifting concepts of the human body and its enviorment.

- Brigitta Kocsis

Brigitta Kocsis, #techboyz 1, 2021, detail, oil on canvas,

In contrast with the accurate modeling of the human forms in her previous work, Kocsis’ figures in the exhibition are often slightly distorted, contributing to the psychological tension between the viewer and and the subject matter.

In Contrast with the accurate modeling of the human forms in her previous work, Kocsis figures in the exhibition are often slightly distorted, contribution the psychological tension between the viewer and and the subject matter.

EXHIBITIONS

ART FROM THE HEART SD# 22 Elementary schools March 16 - April 14, 2022 Art from the Heart is the annual exhibition by elementary students from School District No#22 Their artwork delights the viewers with their creativness under the guidance of their art teachers.

ART AND SOUL SD# 22 Secondary schools Artwork created by secondary students from School District No#22 displays a maturity of handling various mediums and more importantly, demonstrates a strong conceptual approach.

Jamie Robinson, Apple, Acrylic, 2022, detail

April 21 - May 18, 2022

BEHIND THE MASK MAY 26 - JULY 19, 2022 KATIE GREEN Covid - 19 amplified mental health ramifications for various communities.

Partnering with Artist Katie Green, the VPAG aims to provide a unique opportunity for our community to contemplate these global challenges in a local context via artistic expression. Partnering with the Social Planning Council and the Downtown Vernon Association, the VPAG will engage with marginalized communities in Vernon with Green and a mental health support professional. They will lead participants through a series of workshops where masks will be created through an intimate, storytelling process, creating an experience, rather than existing in separation.

Participants will then be photographed wearing their masks in a setting of their choosing. In the end the photographs will be included in an exhibition at the VPAG. This Event serves the purpose of representing our marginalized citizens in a positive vision surrounding the notion that they are communicating from “Behind the Mask”.

Stay tuned for more information!

Katie Green’s Behind the Mask is supported by the Canadian Council for the Arts

PROGRAMMING

MINI ARTISTS

March 28

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Exploring the painting process inspired by Brigitta Kocsis.

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 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. Due to Covid-19, pre-registration is required to ensure social distancing and sanitation protocols are followed. Pre-register by emailing education@vernonpublicartgallery.com

April 28

Education programming sponsored by:

Warm and Cool inspired by SD#22.

May 30

Watercolour creations inspired by Katie Green.

FAMILY SATURDAYS

March 26

1-3:30 PM

Exploring the painting process inspired by Brigitta Kocsis.

Family Saturdays take place on the last Saturday of each month with an art project suitable for little kids and big kids alike. Parents/guardians are encouraged to participate and create their own piece of art as well. The workshop starts promptly at 1 p.m each month, and families are welcome to stay the entire session from 1 p.m to 3:30 p.m, or leave earlier. All materials for the workshops are supplied and the workshop will be running at 50% capacity in order to maintain proper social distancing and sanitation protocols.

April 30

Please pre-register online to guarantee a spot. $5/members $9/non-members.

Warm and Cool inspired by SD22.

May 28

Watercolour creations inspired by Katie Green.

PHILANTHROPY CIRCLES

Core membership

Innovation circle

ACTIVE SUPPORTERS - $35 +GST

ACTIVE SUPPORTERS - $240 +GST Charitable Tax Benefit Receipt for $200

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)

All core benifits PLUS: • Acess to North Americal Reciprocal Program • Exclusive spring recognition event for all circle members • Recognition in the Annual Report Provides dynamic, innovative and creative individuals an entrance into the world of philanthropy through active engagement with the gallery. *philanthropy circles are eligible for monthly installments

S

Discovery circle

Influence

ACTIVE SUPPORTERS - $500 +GST Charitable Tax Benefit Receipt for $315

ACTIVE SUPPORTERS - $1250 +GST Charitable Tax Benefit Receipt for $740

All core benefits, innovation circle benefits PLUS: • Recognition on the annual donor wall and in the Annual Report • 1 complimentary catalogue selected by the curator • Annual tour of permanent collection and new aquisitions

All core benefits, innovation circle benefits, discovery circle benefits PLUS: • 3 complimentary catalogues selected by the curator • 20% Gallery Shop discount • 2 VIP tickets for Midsummer’s Eve of the Arts • 2 complimentary drinks at each opening reception

For those with an avid enthusiasm for the Arts. The Discovery Circle provides members exclusive access to the gallery and its collections, while contributing to the sustainability of VPAG’s programming and its impact in Greater Vernon.

For those who champion local arts and recognize the support needed for core programs. As the only dual-membership, your passion for the gallery and in-depth access is extended to two patrons.

MEMBERSHIP BERSH EM IP

VPAG M

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Student $10.50 | Individual $35 | Family $50 | Corporate $150 | (+GST)

THANK YOU In July 2021, we hosted our 35th annual benefit event, Midsummer’s Eve of the Arts.

With the support from our amazing artists, sponsors, donors, and guests we raised over $63,000 in the continued support of our gallery programs and exhibitions!

If you are interested in participating this year please contact us!

Email: admin@vernonpublicartgallery.com Call the gallery: 250 545 3173 Or stop by the gallery in person

VPAG PARTNERS CORPORATE PARTNERS

2022 SPONSORS

Opening receptions sponsored by:

Family Saturday Sponsored by:

Other Ways to Be a Part of Art LEGACY GIVING: Remember the Vernon Public Art Gallery in your will with a legacy- support the arts for generations to come SECURITIES: Donate publicly traded securities or shares and be exempt from the capital gain tax.

VOLUNTEER: Your time and expertise are integral to our events and programming. Be a part of the VPAG volunteer team.

JAN - MAR EXHIBITIONS Ramble On was a group exhibition of artworks from UBC UBCO, profileratio, 2021, etching and aquatint

Okanagan Gallery’s Public Art Collection, a rambling tour, which introduced some of our newest acquisitions including works by Judith Schwarz, Sheldon Louis, Tania Willard and Neil Cadger.

This ehibition presented a variety of artistic mediums sculptures, paintings, prints and video artworks by a diverse roster of artists: alumni, faculty, local, Indigenous, international, figurative, abstract, emerging and established. Providing viewers with insight towards a variety of different artists, their practices and the various media used to create thought-provoking, insightful works.

depictions of deities, martyrs and the struggles between monsters, demons and gods placed upon unearthly planes of existence.

Creating his own Mythical heroes, villains and entities within limitless expanses that are both infinite and intentionally sparse, inviting the viewer to glimpse at alternate realities of potential futures and undiscovered pasts, blending antiquity with imagination.

Unsettle The Settler: Dismantling Systemic

Keenen Marshan , 2021, Let us Heal let us Grow, Acrylic on canvas, Kama Creative

Stephen Scott, Untitled, 2021, ink, acrylic and pastel on paper, 28 x 21 inches

Steve Scott’s creations of From the Void are inspired by ancient

Oppression is composed of Okanagan Nations established and emerging artists who have joined together to advocate aboriginal interdisciplinary and multimedia arts development promotion, education community involvement and production.

Coralee Miller, Coyote , 2021 , Acrylic, on canvas

Hidden Spirits, by Coral Miller, consists of works inspired by traditional Syilx/Okanagan Oral Stories. Connecting Coralee’s daily life and environment through cultural perspectives and sharing integral teachings of bravery, forgiveness, responsibility and transformation. As a Syilx/Okanagan woman and a member of the Westbank First Nation. Working as a guide at the Sncewips Heritage Museum, where she is able to further her passion for storytelling, culture and art.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES:

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

STAFF:

Executive Director: Dauna Kennedy Curator: Lubos Culen Learning and Community Engagement Curator: Kelsie Balehowsky Marketing & Events Coordinator: Tamo Barber Gallery Shop Attendant: Jordan MacDonald Development and Administration: Jenessa Carey Indigenous Engagement Coordinator: Rory Hierzer Preparator: Amber Powell Bookeeper: Trudy Kemper

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

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