Inside Out: Lana Schuster
Exhibition on view from July 25 – September 17
Artist statement:
I am interested in so many things about painting. The paint for one. I love to scoop it up, squeeze it out, and mix it around, watch the colours develop, spread it around, see what happens, how the colours and forms look against each other. The brushes for another. I have my favourites. Mostly the ones that hold a lot of paint. The ‘Why paint?’ Because I am compelled to, I can’t not. The ‘How to paint?’ Now it’s getting really interesting. Because this is what it’s really all about. I try to stay open to new ideas, to the suggestions of my voice inside, my outside voice. It is all about trusting the process and being willing to paint authentically, to be part of something new.
The beginnings of my process may start with observing what’s around me. Or it could be a response with something going on internally that I may or may not be aware of. That can be as dramatic as the experience of losing a loved one or simply just wanting to spread some paint around. I’m often moved to paint after I’ve spent time outdoors. Sometimes I start with a plan for a landscape or a concrete image and then I get lost in the paint and process and something completely non-objective emerges. My intuition takes over, if I let it, if I trust it, if I allow myself.
Creating these works surprise me every time. What you see in them is an expression of an experience, a record of an experience in time, something in the past that has passed but truly lives on in the painting. What you see in them is what you see in them – what is evoked or personally meaningful for you. I hope that in looking at them, you will feel something, see something, perhaps even experience something that resonates with you.
Descent into Classicism: Glenn Clark
Exhibition on view from July 25 – September 17
Artist statement:
When I was young, I dreamed and schemed of creating neo-classical paintings. There are a lot of ducks one must put in a row before mural size classical themed paintings can develop. Fifteen years ago, I took a couple years off my regular practice to build a studio and that opened the gate of possibilities.
I always get there it just takes me longer. Beyond the space and gumption, an artist needs the reason, finances, imagery, time, ambition and lots of practice to create this type of work. After visiting the Louvre in 2016 there was a jolt, my paintings would look to the past for guidance. It finally all came together and I suspect this descent is turning into something more akin to a spiral.
It always seemed to me that classical artists from previous centuries had better props to work with; horses, armor, castles and archaic ruins. I needed new models to push ahead and a photo shoot at a jousting event in Osoyoos was perfect to get started.
What drives an artist; is it the fear of death? The love for life and art are interconnected. When you look at centuries old work you sense a window into the past, a connection, a message or warning through this time hole called a painting. You see how things were, the humor, mood, fashion, cruelty of the time. It’s like the artists were reaching out through a one-way portal to the future, never wanting to let go, hanging on through their art.
Timing is everything and it’s a good time for artists to take cues from the eighteenth century and beyond when art famously rebelled against the status quo. People are consistent, history repeats. Neo-classicism, the art of the time of the French Revolution, arguably the most important chapter in the history of modern civilization; the perfect art for a time of upheaval. All these influences; art history, my own history, and the current events that are making history. You throw that in a studio with yours truly and this is what shakes out.
Ulrich J. Wolff: There Must Be Life
Vernon Public Art Gallery Welcomes Award-Winning International Artist Ulrich J. Wolff for Exclusive Exhibition
The Vernon Public Art Gallery is thrilled to announce the visit of renowned international artist, Ulrich J. Wolff, for the opening reception of his highly anticipated exhibition titled There Must Be Life. The exhibition will be on display at the Vernon Public Art Gallery from March 14th to May 15th, 2024.
Ulrich J. Wolff, winner of the 2021 Okanagan Print Triennial (OPT), an esteemed tri-annual exhibition alternating between the Vernon Public Art Gallery and the Kelowna Art Gallery, will be in attendance at the opening reception. The OPT, initiated in 2009 as a national open-juried print exhibition, has evolved into an international competition, attracting top printmakers from over 22 countries worldwide. Dauna Kennedy, Executive Director of the Vernon Public Art Gallery, expressed excitement about hosting Wolff’s solo exhibition this year, with the OPT concurrently taking place at the Kelowna Art Gallery.
“Wolff’s selection as the winner of the 2021 competition brings an international perspective to our community. His artistic skill and unique vision make this exhibition a must-see event,” said Dauna Kennedy.
Ulrich J. Wolff, from Germany, is not only an accomplished artist but also a respected teacher of etching and screen printing at the Kunstakademie Karlsruhe. With a background in painting and graphics from the State Academy of the Fine Arts Karlsruhe, Wolff has participated in over 240 national and international print media exhibitions in various countries.
There Must Be Life promises to captivate audiences with its diverse range of imagery, showcasing natural and urban landscapes, architecture, bodies of water, fields, forests, and vegetation. While dedicated to photographically constructed imagery and environments devoid of human presence, Wolff also includes haunting portraits which reflect the mysteries of the human condition.
The opening reception for Ulrich J. Wolff’s exhibition will take place on Thursday, March 14th, from 6-8 PM at the Vernon Public Art Gallery. The community is warmly invited to join in the celebration, meet the artist, and enjoy a short talk by Wolff about his exhibition. Light bites and drinks will be served, and entry is by donation.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to engage with the internationally acclaimed artist Ulrich J. Wolff and experience the compelling world of There Must Be Life at the Vernon Public Art Gallery. Entry is by donation.
Ulrich J. Wolff
The Vernon Public Art Gallery is pleased to introduce the exhibition titled There Must Be Life produced by Ulrich J. Wolff. Based in Karlsruhe, Germany, the artist and educator is known for his vast range of images including natural and urban landscapes, architecture, bodies of water, fields, forests, and vegetation. While dedicated to photographically constructed imagery and environments devoid of human presence, Wolff’s also includes haunting portraits which reflect the mysteries of the human condition.
Winner of the 2021 Okanagan Print Triennial (OPT), a tri-annual exhibition rotating between the Vernon Public Art Gallery and the Kelowna Art Gallery, Ulrich J. Wolff, is set to attend the opening reception on March 14th at the VPAG.
We apologize for any inconvenience but Mini Artists has been cancelled.
This session will begin with a tour of the exhibition Art from the Heart, featuring artwork from elementary school students. After viewing the exhibition, we will be decorating eggs to celebrate the beginning of springtime!
Join us on the last Friday of every month for a diverse exploration of art-making 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. Make sure you dress for the mess as all are invited to join in on the fun! Parents must accompany children for the duration of the session and admission is by donation.
Join us on the last Friday of every month for a diverse exploration of art-making 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. Make sure you dress for the mess as all are invited to join in on the fun! Parents must accompany children for the duration of the session and admission is by donation.
This session will begin with a tour of Tammy Salzl’s exhibition, Beautiful Parasites. Salzl’s work is inspired by surrealism, mythology, and folklore. After viewing the exhibition, we will make fairy wands!
Laurence Belzile
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.
Opening Reception on January 11 at the Vernon Public Art Gallery from 6:00 – 8:00 pm
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! Register for a chance to win a family membership to the Vernon Public Art Gallery!
Tammy Salzl
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. Generally, there are several dominant themes in Salzl’s artwork. The artwork is a commentary on the human condition often associated with societal norms and status. Some of the works examine consequences of human stewardship within the frame of ecological damage caused by development of heavy industry. The portrayal of human protagonists and animals is almost grotesque with dark undertones inevitably resulting in the feeling of fear and anxiety. Salzl’s work is influenced by surrealist art resulting in dreamlike scenes populated by real and imagined creatures.
Opening Reception on January 11 at the Vernon Public ARt Gallery from 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Tickets for the 38th annual Midsummer’s Eve of the Arts are officially on sale, with limited seating available.
Ticket prices range from $100 – $150 (+fees and tax) for individual seats, or $600 (+fees and tax) for a VIP table of four.
All VIP tickets will come with a complimentary 1 year individual membership to the Vernon Public Art Gallery! Other benefits include premium seating at a table of four on the deck, along with a complimentary bottle of wine at the table.
Midsummer’s Eve of the Arts is a benefit event put on by the Vernon Public Art Gallery each July, and will be taking place this year at the stunning Paddlewheel Hall. The event will feature a collection of curated artwork generously donated by local artists and all proceeds will support the VPAG’s purpose of connecting our community to the creative presence and possibilities within the visual arts through its exhibitions and activities. As Vernon’s longest-running art auction, the annual Midsummer’s Eve of the Arts fundraiser is a staple event in the Greater Vernon community, providing an opportunity for the art-loving community to come together and support a great cause. The impacts from this event are far reaching and only possible through the generosity of our local artists, businesses, volunteers and event attendees.
The event will feature a live auction filled with one-of-a-kind works of art available for bidding, and a silent auction with unique luxury packages donated from businesses far and wide including multiple travel packages to destinations like the Yukon, Victoria, Revelstoke and many more! Attendees can bid during the live and silent auctions while enjoying the ambiance of Paddlewheel, complete with music and captivating scenery. Attendees will be welcomed to the event with a complimentary glass of bubbly and have the chance to enjoy local BC wine, beer, and delicious hors d’oeuvres catered by Uprooted Kitchen and Catering, and Gumtree Catering. Thank you to our partners for their support of this event.
MEA 2024 Presented by Bannister Honda
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the event, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly at marketing@vernonpublicartgallery.com. Thank you for your continued support of the Vernon Public Art Gallery and the arts in our community.
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