Visual Arts Alberta is hosting a new show with a unique concept. It's an exhibition of art by various Alberta artists collected by various Alberta artists.
"This is based on the idea of what artists actually have in their homes," began executive director Chris Carson, explaining the idea behind Alberta Collects. "It's a slightly different notion of what we as artists actually look at. It's actually quite an impressive show."
Artists whose works appear in the show include Tom Gale, Karen Dugas, Jane Ash Poitras, Shane Golby, Margaret Witschl, Les Graff, Noni Boyle, H.G. Glyde, Liz Ingram, Allen Ball, ThinkItem/Adrien Koleric, Ed Bamiling, Jeneen Frei Njootli, Sarah Fuller, Del Hillier, Sara McKarney, Angela Marie Schenstead, Wendy Tokaryk, Ethan Wills, Gillian Willans, Bernard Hippel, Alex Janvier, and Mary Longman.
These works come from the collections of Jean Lindsay, John and Barbara Maywood, Chris Carson, Sharon Moore-Foster, Paddy Lamb, Margaret Witschl, Sydney Lancaster, Sara McKarney, Joe Clare, Heather Shillinglaw.
It's a wonderful retrospective of contemporary and historical contributions to the Alberta arts scene.
At the same time, the VAAA will be conducting a unique Cultural Exchange in the front room. The three-month community engagement project is intended as a joint recycling program and fundraising effort, coupled with a social experiment.
"It's an opportunity for artists and the public to either exchange or buy art materials or books. It's based on the idea of an alternative economy. Rather than necessarily going to stores to buy things, this is an opportunity to buy things that other artists are not using right now," Carson explained.
The program will allow Alberta artists to donate, purchase or exchange core cultural property (such as art books, art supplies and equipment, among other cultural materials) and also meet, connect with and support other artists in the community.
Everyone can participate by bringing in items not in use as donations or exchange pieces as the VAAA works to offer a creative meeting place. This unique system means that the inventory of goods will shift constantly, so people are encouraged to return often.
Most of the prices will be relatively low – even in the $1 to $2 range – with maximums probably topping out around the $15 mark.
"We're trying to keep things really cheap. The whole idea is to get objects to be used again."
Proceeds will go to the VAAA for programming.
Alberta Collects and the Cultural Exchange run through to Sat., Feb. 27, 2016. Please note that the gallery will be closed from Dec. 20 to Jan. 5, 2016.
The Visual Arts Alberta Association Gallery is located on the third floor at 10215 112 St. in Edmonton. Call 780-421-1731 or visit www.visualartsalberta.com for more information.
And while you're in the neighbourhood…
The Sculptors' Association of Alberta is having a one-day "blink and you'll miss it" pop up sale in the Harcourt House Annex, right next to the Visual Arts Alberta Gallery.
The Big, Small, Short, and Tall Pop-Up Sculpture Show features VASA member Helen Rogers along with Shirley Adams, Bonnie Bigley, Stuart Ballah, Fran Cuyler, Will Johnson, Ivano Ongaro, , Ellie Shuster, Keith Turnbull, and Ritchie Velthuis. Many of the artists will be in attendance.
The sale runs today only from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Harcourt House Annex is located at 10215 112 St. in Edmonton. Call 780-426-4180 or visit www.harcourthouse.ab.ca for more information.
Lando on cloud 9
The December Group Selling Exhibition is on now at the Lando and features some familiar names and works to the St. Albert arts crowd.
Shirley Cordes-Rogozinsky and Kristine McGuinty are just two of the contributors to the show, along with Ruby Mah, Pam Weber, Teresa Healy, Waclaw Pietucha, Roger Colson, Linny D. Vine, Shirley Elias, Steven Friedman, John Snow, Joe Fafard, Illingworth Kerr, Victor Vasarely, Dori Csengeri, Mary Frances, Mel Bolen, Rod and Denyse Simair, Stewart Steinhauer, and Chris Van Zanten.
The show runs until Mon., Dec. 28.
The Lando Gallery is located at #103, 10310 124 St. in Edmonton. Call 780-990-1161 or visit www.landogallery.com for more information.
Students becoming old masters
The annual Hidden Talent Fine Art Show takes place tomorrow from 1 to 4 p.m. The school is located at #107, 25 Chisholm Ave. Call 780-419-2055 or visit www.hiddentalentartschool.com for more information.
