SPRING EXHIBITIONS
Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art presents GEORGE CLUTESI: ḥašaḥʔap / ʔaapḥii / ʕc̓ik / ḥaaʔaksuqƛ / ʔiiḥmisʔap,
Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art presents the Vancouver premiere of the retrospective exhibition GEORGE CLUTESI: ḥašaḥʔap / ʔaapḥii / ʕc̓ik / ḥaaʔaksuqƛ / ʔiiḥmisʔap from January 20, 2024 – January 19, 2025. The exhibition is an exploration of the life and legacy of Clutesi, whose actions have left an indelible mark on the preservation and celebration of the Nuu-chah-nulth community’s cultural traditions and customs. Featuring an extensive collection of Clutesi’s artworks, the exhibition further honours his legacy through striking displays of archival photographs and news clippings of his varied achievements, a documentary film about his long-lasting impact, and a curated selection of artworks from contemporary Nuu-chah-nulth artists and scholars, inspired by Clutesi’s activism and scholarship. The name of the exhibition, written in the Tseshaht language, honours Clutesi’s many celebrated traits: ḥašaḥʔap (keep, protective) / ʔaapḥii (generous) / ʕac̓ik (talented) / ḥaaʔaksuqƛ (strong willed) / ʔiiḥmisʔap (treasure). A series of ancillary events will support the exhibition, including an opening celebration on Saturday, January 20, 2024, an artist panel discussion, workshops, a curatorial tour, and a book club event. For admission information and a full list of events and registration details, visit: billreidgallery.ca
(Bill Reid Gallery, 639 Hornby Street, Jan. 20 - Jan. 19, 2025)
Intersecting Orbits: Michael Morris and Joan Balzar
Exhibition Dates: January 27 - May 5, 2024
Opening Reception: Friday, January 26, 2024, 6:00-8:00PM
Co-curated by Lisa Baldissera and David MacWilliam, Intersecting Orbits presents the art, archives and collections of Michael Morris and Joan Balzar to celebrate their converging influence on conceptualism on the West Coast.
This exhibition is made possible due to the generous support of Odlum Brown and Christina Anthony, V.P. Director, Portfolio Manager.
Griffin Art Projects is open Fridays – Sundays, 12:00 – 5:00 pm. Admission is free.
(Griffin Art Projects, 1174 Welch St, North Vancouver, Jan. 27 - May. 5)
Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art presents XIÁM, February 7 - May 19, 2024
Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art presents the Canadian premiere of XIÁM from February 7 - May 19, 2024. Curated by BRG guest curator Jordanna George, the striking exhibition combines traditional storytelling and the contemporary medium of comics through the work of five Indigenous artists who come from a range of backgrounds across the Northwest Coast: Jordanna George (T’sou-ke), Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas (Haida), Gord Hill (Kwakwaka’wakw), Whess Harman (Carrier Wit’at), and Cole Pauls (Tahltan). While comics have only recently begun to be widely seen as a sophisticated form of art and literature, they have a long history of acting as a tool for people on the fringes of society to share education, news, lived experiences, opinions, or a much-needed laugh. XIÁM includes traditionally drawn works alongside digital pieces, both English and native languages, humour, and drama. XIÁM in the SENĆOŦEN language means “to tell stories, specifically fictional or traditional stories.” Admission information and a full list of events and registration details at: billreidgallery.ca
(Bill Reid Gallery, 639 Hornby Street, Vancouver, Feb. 7 - May. 19)
The land dreams in ceremonies: reparation
A relational land-based ceremonial-craft exhibition by Nikki Manzie.
Through Ukrainian folk-knowledge and crafts, along with ceremonies timed by the old calendar (moon cycles – misyats’), Manzie explores the intersection of “tradition” with “direct relationship” with the land, and what it means to root ancestral knowledge in a “good way” in territories where she is an uninvited guest. Her methodology includes: deep listening; reading the symbols and signs; dreams; research; relationship-building; mentorship and apprenticeship.
This exhibit documents her experiences, the resulting crafts, and the progression of personal land reparation ceremonies. And it asks audiences to engage in the questions and material for themselves.
(ccbc gallery, 1386 cartwright st, Mar. 7 - Apr. 25)
Sacred interactions: Ukrainian/Qu’wutsun’
Nikkie Manzie will explore and integrate the folk traditions and sacred knowledge of her Ukrainian grandparents within her exhibition.
She has practiced art and fine-craft-making for over 40 years and has been writing for 4 years.
She has worked as a therapist and teacher of earth-based spirituality and medicine for over 28 years.
The pieces I create are relational. Relational to the individual or community they are made for; to the lands I, as a guest, live and walk upon; to the spirits and ancestors; and to the materials I work with.
(1386 Cartwright Street, Mar. 7 - Apr. 25)
Tafoni: Weathering - Denise Jeffrey, Ellen Pelto, Celeste Nazeli Snowber, Carolyn Sullivan, and Sande Waters
Five women; a painter, a photographer, a potter, a sculptor, and a poet/dancer from across the continent, who have experienced the beautiful and unique settings of the Tafoni rock formations on the Gulf Islands, and found themselves motivated to create art. Each finds themselves interpreting the tensions between the weathering processes that create these formations and their captivating distinctiveness, experiencing the magnificence of Tafoni, but also its vulnerability.
Opening Reception March 14th 6-8pm.
(PoMoArts, 2425 St Johns Street, Mar. 14 - May. 4)
Permission to Play - Brianne Siu
Using ceramics as her medium Brianne Siu explores her childhood memories and the experience of play. Creating these playful objects motivated her to examine the concepts of boundaries, repetition, and permission. The pieces incorporate tactile elements, sounds, and colour to evoke the attention and imagination of viewers, translating the pleasure she felt in giving herself permission to play. The exhibition encourages you to reconnect with your childhood experiences and the uninhibited euphoria of play.
Opening Reception March 14th 6-8pm
(PoMoArts, 2425 St Johns Street, Mar. 14 - May. 4)
Relational / Reflexive - Jason Young
A debut solo show charting the development of Jason's intensive art practice. His work strives to investigate the space between queerness and abstraction through deconstructed portraiture, honoring members of Vancouver's Queer community. The portraits attempt to interpret the subject's identity by transcribing the physical and psychic space between the artist and the subject through intuitive, bold mark-making and color.
Opening Reception March 14th 6-8pm
(PoMoArts, 2425 St Johns Street, Mar. 14 - May. 4)
Cherry Blossoms: A Textile Translation 2024
Spring is here with the return of Cherry Blossoms: A Textile Translation, the 15th annual exhibition of textile art inspired by the cherry blossom.
Marvel at the beautiful & intricate works of art in a variety of mediums & techniques including quilting, embroidery, dying, felting, fashion, sculpture, appliqué, weaving & more. These 39 stunning works by 32 talented artists explore diverse interpretations & mediations on the cherry blossom's meaning & beauty through contemporary & traditional approaches & styles.
Co-produced by West Vancouver Community Arts Council, Vancouver Guild of Fibre Arts & FibreEssence.
Supported by North Shore News, District of West Vancouver, BC Arts Council.
(Silk Purse Arts Centre, 1570 Argyle Ave, West Vancouver, Apr. 3 - 28)
Bounty
Gardens are ancient symbols of sustenance & serenity, from practical patches for growing vegetables to cultivated tranquil retreats. Two talented North Shore painters offer diverse perspectives on what gardens are & what they symbolize, inviting us to partake in a feast for the senses & the soul. Mahtab Firouzabadi, inspired by classic Persian poetry in which gardens are often employed as symbols of paradise or places of sanctuary, transforms ideas of still perfection into energetic brushstrokes & chaotic colours, reflecting the fast-paced disruption of contemporary life. Through abstracted trees & flowers these gardens invite us inside to contemplate our place in the ever-changing world. Kim Rosin, interested in how plants grow, took up a community garden plot which has inspired this body of work. Documenting the flowers, plants & vegetables with vibrant colours & bold brushstrokes, she hopes to draw attention to issues of food scarcity & the vulnerability of nature. Through vivid micro views of these lovingly tended gardens, we are invited to enjoy their beauty while examining our own effects on the local ecosystems. Presented by West Vancouver Community Arts Council & Kay Meek Arts Centre.
(Kay Meek Arts Centre, 1700 Mathers Ave, West Vancouver, Apr. 9 - May 19)
Civilian Impressions: Remnants of Conflict Online Art Exhibit
War and conflict permeate the lives of everyone, not just those on the front lines. This art exhibit illustrates the experiences of civilians during conflict, including first-hand lived and viewed second-hand experiences. Featured in this exhibit are artistic interpretations in various mediums, including paint, sculpture, textile, and more. Presented by Coquitlam Heritage Society.
(Online)
OTHER EVENTS
Our Stories to Tell: Okâwîmâwaskiy
This program of shorts explores the reverence for the natural world that sustains and shapes our lives. Includes the films Shiringa: Amazon White Gold, Walking with Plants, Mãri Hi—The Tree of Dream, and Indigenous Plant Diva.
(The Cinematheque, 1131 Howe St. Suite 200, Apr. 24, 7:00 p.m)
PELAN Presents Seven Winters in Tehran
Seven Winters in Tehran retraces the fate of a woman who becomes a symbol of resistance and women’s rights even beyond the borders of Iran. With Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Best Actress, Holy Spider, Cannes 2022) as the voice of Reyhaneh.
(The Cinematheque, 1131 Howe St. Suite 200, Apr. 25, 7:00 p.m)
The Earring Show 2024
The Craft Council of BC presents year 11 of The Earring Show, an annual fundraiser, juried exhibition and sales opportunity for makers to showcase wearable art in a whole host of mediums.
Starting as a local, one-day fundraiser event, The Earring Show has grown each year, first accepting artists throughout North America and later accepting artists from around the world since 2021. The show has now adapted to the current world situation, transitioning to a virtual setting.
In 2024, The Earring Show remains a hybrid event, displaying earring submissions both at the CCBC Gallery in Vancouver and online. An opening event will be hosted on May 9, 2024 at the CCBC Gallery where winners will be announced.
(1386 Cartwright Street, Vancouver, May 9 - 23)
WORKSHOPS
ART WORKSHOP - Mixed Media Botanical Painting
This one-of-a-kind weekend workshop is designed to stimulate your creative side! It is packed with a variety of cool techniques and mediums. Make a unique background, homemade collage paper using fresh foliage and OPEN acrylics, and create a beautiful focal point without knowing how to draw! This contemporary art piece will leave a lasting impression.
This workshop is perfect for individuals of all skill levels, as no prior experience is necessary. You will NOT need to draw!
Time: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Everything is included!
(Sonya Iwasiuk Art Studio, May. 4 & 5)
Spontaneous Ink Pen Drawing with Wan Li Zhang
Explore your creativity & develop drawing skills by creating an intuitive ink drawing guided by an experienced artist. With just a black pen & blank piece of paper, start your artistic adventure by drawing an object as simple as a strawberry or a teapot. From there, filling the page with lines, dots, shapes, and even magical creatures. There are no rules, just endless possibilities waiting to be explored. Celebrated artist and experienced instructor Wan Li Zhang will guide us through the creative process, offering prompts to unlock your imagination and helpful hints to create your spontaneous drawing. All materials provided. Presented by West Vancouver Community Arts Council
(Silk Purse Arts Centre, 1570 Argyle Ave, West Vancouver, May. 13, 1:30 p.m)
