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Newsletter - August 2003
s.p.a.c.e.t.r.a.s.h.2.0.0.3 Science and technology have distilled our world into a sterile test tube. Yet, what important aspects of the world and ourselves have been left behind in the process? In this exhibition, s.p.a.c.e.t.r.a.s.h.2.0.0.3, Joanne Bristol uses everyday objects like tinfoil and eyeglass lenses as a means to reclaim what has been lost after science and technology have solidified our experiences within a wholly rational universe. Yet, despite the triumph of science, many of us still read our horoscope daily in order to guide our future actions. Bristol recognizes this contradiction by juxtaposing astronomy with astrology in order to remind us of more ambiguous and subtle ways we create an underÐstanding of our lives. Bristol's approach is playful and inviting. Titles of her pieces, like Model of the Universe, made from the scrap of a Chevy Nova hit by a small satellite, encourage the viewer to bring their own experiences to the work. Joanne Bristol, like the science she critiques, doesn't know all the answers. She leaves it with the viewers, among the hints and clues that link her sculpÐtures, to collectively create the answers. Joanne Bristol is a multi-disciplinary artist, writer, teacher and curator. She has a BFA from the University of Saskatchewan and an MFA from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design. Her work has been exhibited across Canada, including Saskatoon, Toronto, Montreal and Halifax. She currently lives and works in Banff, Alberta.
LIFE CYCLES Brandon artist Zvezdelina Nikolova is an accomplished fabric artist in paint and batik who has been working on her craft for over ten years. Recently, she has undergone a transformation in her practice by beginning to experiment with stained glass. This exhibition will describe her progress as she applies her interest in landscape and florals to a new media. Nikolova regards her art practice as a means of eliciting joy and pleasure, both in the artist and her audience, by creating and viewing a beautiful object.
in the COMMUNITY GALLERY HOME SPACES Gayle Freed-Stern JULY 7 - AUGUST 17, 2003 Gayle Freed-Stern is a Winnipeg artist who has quietly been working on her drawings and paintings for over 10 years. Her current work mixes oil stick, drawing and collage to create small intimate depictions of domestic spaces that speak of the importance of memory and our places of origin. Freed-Stern writes, "I use collage, photocopy and painted images to recreate the fragmenting of these places in time and their reconstruction in memory, which is as accurate or ambiguous as our fleeting visits allow. The pieces are framed entrances into rooms where we once could, but no longer may, attain shelter, except by remembrance."
RECENT PHOTOGRAPHS AUGUST 18 - SEPTEMBER 27, 2003 Christine writes in her artist statement: "Walking through the woods; you come across the skeleton of an old car. While exploring the exterior of the rust eaten body you notice the beauty of the moss that grows on the metal. The car does not function like a car anymore, but instead it has become something of beauty." Brandon photographer, Christina van den has been perfecting her colour photographs for the last five years. The work in the community gallery explores the way nature recycles discarded objects, often retrieving a new kind of beauty and utility through the process of decay or rust.
upcoming WORKSHOP HARDANGER EMBROIDERY/LOVE BRANDON Popular during the Renaissance period with its roots originating from Scandinavia, this weekend workshop of embroidery is a must for both the beginner and advanced student. Participants will be introduced to hearts with satin ships and tulips worked in silk. Various stitches will be looked at and taught, such as Klosters, Kloster variation, Kloster Bars, Eyelets, ship motif, Tulip motifs, Herringbone, Cable, cutting, Woven Bars, Dove's Eyes and Beading. Students will also learn to ply silk. Kits and material lists are available. Participants wishing to mount their pieces in shaker boxes, please inform us upon registration. Registration Deadline: September 19, 2003.
upcoming ACTIVITIES... HEAR YE! HEAR YE! SECOND ANNUAL HALLOWEEN EXTRAVAGANZA CHALK THE BLOCK!
EDUCATION & OUTREACH Well it has been one interesting year! It has been wonderful to get to know the Manitoba Arts community and what a wonderful group of people they are! Immigrating from Alberta and setting my roots down in Manitoba has truly been a growing experience. What started out as a job in the arts has turned into a personal campaign to encourage arts education as a key to learning. The energy and enthusiasm that the local school divisions have shown towards arts education is very encouraging indeed! So the decision has come down to do I stay or do I go back to Alberta? Even though this contract has come to an end, I have decided to stay. Recently I just received my teachers certificate and would love to continue to contribute my time and energy to arts education as an elementary teacher. Another positive part of this position has been my involvement with the Art Educators Network÷a group of art teachers from Brandon School Division that have come together to address and deliver arts initiatives for Brandon and the southwest. One project that is in the works is a website to be used as a resource for teachers, students and artists. This will include information on art elements, disciplines, student galleries, lesson plans and the Gallery's education department contribution: a list of fabulous websites and links to open the door to new ideas and information on the visual arts. I know from my own personal experience as a teacher at a reserve school with limited resources the internet became one of my most valuable research tools, and in today's push for technology used as a learning device, the internet can be extremely important. Even though my position with the gallery has come to an end, I will still be involved in the creation of this website and hope that teachers from all disciplines will find this a valuable tool. I also hope to continue my relationship with the Art Gallery as an occasional instructor of children's workshops and would like to be involved in the pursuit of arts education funding through the ArtsSmarts initiative. Again, I thank the southwestern Manitoba community for opening its arms to me and making me feel welcome. Much love!
WELCOME OUR NEW STAFF
We are pleased to welcome Tracey Otto, Jimmy Schultz, and Jennifer Woodbury to the Gallery.
Tracy, our incoming preparator, is new to Southwestern Manitoba. She has been busy this summer with the installation of our new exhibitions.
Working with Tracey this summer is Jimmy Schultz, who comes to us from TEAM HOPE.
Finally, our new Executive Director, Jennifer Woodbury, is happy to return to her native Manitoba after a five-year tenure at The Banff Centre for the Arts.
DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE
I can scarcely believe that I have only been in Brandon for a few short weeks. Many warm and wonderful people have made me feel so welcome. Folks are proud of Brandon and it is easy to see why. The city itself is beautiful to behold. Coming down 18th Avenue from Highway Number 1, I was greeted by a view that is comparable to some of the beautiful vistas that met me each morning in Banff, Alberta. There is palpable pride in the success and growth of the city. A newly renovated gallery boasts an exhibition space and teaching facilities to rival that of any city in Canada. But best of all, the city and surrounding area are chock a block full of creative and talented people with visionary ideas and a strong desire to put art and culture at the centre of what makes Brandon so great. These are exciting times and I feel truly privileged to be here.
But I sense amid all the change and growth that some things and people have been forgotten. I have vivid memories of the vibrant and close relationship the Gallery had with artists and the community in the mid 1990s. Back then the Gallery and its educational programs were a creative forum for local and regional artists. I'd like to find a way to repair this important link. At the AGM on June 19, Board Chair Michael Cox and myself, invited feedback from the community about the how to make the Gallery serve the needs of both artists and the larger community. I promised an open door policy, which is sadly physically limited by a fire door, but I have turned no one down who has asked to see me. I am an outsider here, so I need to listen for and understand what the community wants. Send me a letter or an email, if that's more comfortable. I truly want to hear from you.
I do know that the Board's decision to let go the Gallery's stalwart curator, Chris Reid, has created some legitimate concern. Chris Reid worked hard to forge links with the artists in this community and beyond. She has left behind a legacy of promises and programÐming that I will endeavour to uphold with an eye to the financial constraints that led to her departure. But, ultimately, I will be developing a plan to recover the vital artistic vision that a curator brings to a public gallery.
As the end of her contract nears Melissa Hart, has chosen to depart the Gallery in order to facilitate her job search for a teaching position. The substantial groundwork she has laid for outreach and education will be built upon in the future. The Gallery's links with the school divisions in the region is essential in maintaining our relevance to Westman society.
Meanwhile, under Kevin Conlin's tireless stewardship, the Gallery's studio programs remain a strong presence. With the amazing new facilities and outstanding teachers that support the program, AGSM is poised at the edge of a brilliant future as an innovative contemporary art space. Our capacity to link all levels of experience with the visual arts from the casual gallery goer, the young beginner artist, to the advanced professional, is quite simply unique not just in Manitoba but in all of Canada, as well.
Finally, I am grateful to a talented staff and Board whose sense of humour and endless patience has made these last few weeks fun, as well as productive. These are truly exciting times for the Gallery and as I uncover all the human potential in this community, I grow more and more enthusiastic about what the future will be.
ART INSTRUCTORS
The AGSM is always looking for qualified art instructors, and if you have a background in the arts/craft and would like to teach, drop us a line:
Kevin Conlin, Studio Programs, Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba, 710 Rosser Avenue Unit #2, Brandon MB, R7A OK9.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT ART GALLERY GIFTS
Art Gallery Gifts sells Framed Fine Art and Craft Work including Ceramics, Jewelry, Metal and Wood work by local and regional artists. The Gift Shop is located in the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba.
OPPORTUNITIES
Uniquely Manitoba offers You:
• An adjudication process with feedback on your products' marketability, pricing, packaging and more.
Art Gallery Gifts in the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba is seeking Artists and Grafters to submit work to sell in our Gift Shop. For more information, contact Allison at 727-1036.
ART GALLERY GIFTS
NOW LOCATED ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF THE ART GALLERY IN THE TOWN CENTRE
Be tempted by our unique selection of gifts.
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