Earlier this fall, the Nanaimo Arts Council unveiled their latest installation at the Port Theatre.
Program co-ordinator with the arts council, John Collison-Baker, said that while the Art Around Town exhibits used to be displayed at different locations in the city, such as the Vancouver Island Conference Centre, for the past several years, the arts council has solely partnered with the Port Theatre.
Lisa Desprez, administrative co-ordinator with the theatre, said the choice to provide the space was made well before she took her position.
“It’s sort of one hand washing the other … It helps us greatly by not leaving us with bare walls, and we get a lot of comments and compliments,” she said.
Art Around Town is hung every three months or so in two hallways of the theatre and includes approximately 25 pieces of artwork.
“People come into the theatre for the theatre, and this is something they can do to kill time if they’re a bit early or to stretch during intermission,” Collison-Baker said. “It’s there primarily … to display the art and allow the artists a chance to show their work.”
For the first time, the display includes 3D works by Susan LaBerge, Bruce Farquharson and Don Bonner, displayed in the lobby area on plinths. Several of Collison-Baker’s photographs are also on show, including his Cabin in the Woods taken earlier this season.
“That cabin is actually the cabin that is at the Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park … It just caught my interest and it looked kind of cozy,” he said.
While the display at the Port Theatre includes 25 pieces, Nanaimo Art Council’s online gallery showcases 33 pieces of various mediums and subjects by art council members.
The president of the arts council, Steven Dennis, said they’ve maintained the online galleries beyond their inception during the COVID pandemic lockdowns because it increases exposure for artists in the community. However, he does encourage anyone interested in the online gallery to check out the Port Theatre display.
“Art online isn’t nearly as interesting as art in person and when you see it in person, it comes to life … To really experience art, you need to be up and close,” Dennis said.
Art Around Town can be viewed in-person and online until Jan. 25.
The Nanaimo Arts Council is accepting new members and more information can be found at www.nanaimoartscouncil.ca.
