Image: Isabelle Hayeur, Pyrocumulonimbus, 2021
Date: March 10, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Vernon Public Art Gallery Announces Upcoming Exhibitions, March 2025
Vernon, BC – The Vernon Public Art Gallery (VPAG) is thrilled to announce a powerful and diverse series of exhibitions for the spring season. Featuring renowned artists and local talent, these exhibitions offer an exceptional opportunity for visitors to engage with timely themes of environmental change, creative expression, and youth art. All exhibitions will be on display at the Gallery from March through May 2025.
“It is with great pleasure that the Vernon Public Art Gallery presents Wild Times, an exhibition by the renowned Canadian artist Isabelle Hayeur. A visionary in environmental art, Hayeur’s large-scale photographic works provide a profound exploration of the consequences of climate change. Her works are a call to action, capturing the destruction of natural habitats through the lens of forest fires in British Columbia and Quebec during 2020 and 2021.
At the Vernon Public Art Gallery, we are committed to presenting works that inspire critical reflection on a variety of issues, and Isabelle’s work allows viewers the opportunity to consider issues around environmental sterwardship. Her photographs not only document the ecological aftermath of devastating fires but also challenge us to consider our role in shaping the future of our planet. We hope that this exhibition will spark meaningful conversations about how we can work together to protect our natural environments for future generations.” Said Executive Director, Dauna Kennedy.
Isabelle Hayeur: Wild Times
Image: Isabelle Hayeur, Steelhead Provincial Park 02, 2021
Exhibition on view from March 13 – May 13, 2025
Isabelle Hayeur’s exhibition Wild Times presents a compelling photographic exploration of landscapes ravaged by wildfire. Focusing on the destructive effects of human development and natural disasters, Hayeur’s work captures the devastating aftermath of forest fires in Quebec and British Columbia during the 2020 and 2021 summer seasons.
The exhibition features images taken from the largest wildfire in Quebec’s history, near Las Saint-Jean, and active fires in British Columbia in 2021. The photos highlight the apocalyptic scale of these fires, with towering smoke plumes obscuring the sun and changing the very appearance of the landscape. Satellite views emphasize the vast scale of the burning infernos, while Hayeur’s work critiques the management of forest ecosystems and the impact of climate change, particularly prolonged droughts.
Through her photographs, Hayeur indirectly advocates for prescribed burning as a natural and necessary process in maintaining a healthy forest ecosystem. The exhibition Wild Times is both a stark reminder of the existential risks we face due to environmental mismanagement and a call to action for more sustainable practices.
Art from the Heart
Image: Caleb T: Heart, mixed media collage, Hillview Elementary, Gr. 3
Exhibition on view from March 15 – April 10, 2025
The Art from the Heart exhibition celebrates the creativity and talent of elementary students from School District No. 22. Guided by their art teacher, these young artists have created an inspiring array of works that will delight viewers of all ages. The exhibition provides a glimpse into the vibrant imagination of the students and their ability to express themselves through various mediums.
The Art from the Heart exhibition will open on Saturday, March 16, with a special reception inviting the public to celebrate their achievements with artists and their families. This is a wonderful opportunity to support the next generation of creative talent and experience the joy and originality that these students bring to their art.
Art and Soul
Exhibition on view from April 17 – May 14, 2025
Art and Soul features the work of secondary school students from School District No. 22, showcasing a more mature approach to various art mediums and conceptual development. This exhibition highlights the depth of talent within the community’s youth, offering a rich and thought-provoking collection of work that demonstrates not only technical skill but a strong understanding of artistic expression.
This exhibition serves as a platform for young artists to present their work to the public and be celebrated for their creative vision and artistic growth. Art and Soul will open with a special reception on April 17.
Opening Receptions & Events
In addition to the exhibitions, the Vernon Public Art Gallery will host several exciting events, including artist talks, opening receptions, and community celebrations. Visitors are encouraged to join the opening receptions for Isabelle Hayeur: Wild Times on March 13, Art from the Heart on March 16, and Art and Soul on April 17.
Visitor Information:
The Vernon Public Art Gallery is located at 3228-31st Ave, Vernon, and is open Tues-Fri: 10am-5pm and Sat: 11am-4pm. Admission is by donation. For more information on upcoming events, exhibition schedules, and ticketing, please visit https://vernonpublicartgallery.com/.
About the Vernon Public Art Gallery
The Vernon Public Art Gallery is the premier visual arts institution in Vernon, BC, dedicated to engaging the community through art exhibitions, educational programs, and cultural activities. With a focus on both regional and national artists, VPAG fosters an appreciation for contemporary art in a welcoming and accessible environment.
For media inquiries or additional information, please contact:
Paula Irving
Marketing & Events Coordinator
250 545 3173
