“Adjustment,” by Connie Potter, is one of the collection of art pieces that will be displayed at the Beaverlodge Art and Culture Centre in “Prologue,” a juried exhibition of artworks by second-year students in the Visual Arts program at Grande Prairie Regional College until Feb. 27.
At the Beaverlodge Art and Culture Centre each February, we look forward to the annual exhibition of creative new art of the students enrolled in the Visual Arts Program at Grande Prairie Regional College (GPRC.)
What thought-provoking and innovative creations will these motivated second-year students showcase this year as they work toward their diplomas and enter the world of art?
Marina Fridman of GPRC’s Fine Art Department says that often themes that arise in an artist’s early work continue to grow in significance and rigor of exploration throughout their careers. Hence the exhibition title: “Prologue.” In a literary work, a prologue introduces important themes that will appear later in the story.
“We look forward to seeing how the ideas present in our students’ exhibited works resurface as they continue their artistic education!” says Fridman.
There is always as an air of anticipation and surprise when the college van drives up to our door loaded with this year’s crop of new art along with a couple instructors and a few students who tumble out to unload and busy themselves curating their exhibit. The shows never disappoint; each year we can expect a broad range of individual expression: paintings, drawings, mixed media, and three-dimensional work, all based on instructor assignments.
Fridman says the students are looking forward to gaining some real-world experience as they go through the process of choosing which of their projects to feature in the BACS’ exhibit.
“We’re very appreciative of the opportunity to showcase the student art beyond the walls of the college.”
First public art show helps artist overcome social unease
Much of Leah Penner’s inspiration for her art comes from her childhood growing up in Goodfare and the natural environment that surrounded her family’s farm. Penner’s first art show at the Beaverlodge Art and Culture Centre, opening Feb. 2, showcases her careful attention to detail as revealed in her rendering of this farmyard strutter.
Not every creative person enters the art world by earning a degree from an educational institution. Some, like Leah Penner, have been inspired and encouraged by an artistic parent or simply grew up with a deep and innate interest in the creative process.
Admittedly, embarking on her first solo art exhibit has been somewhat daunting for Penner.
“As life has trials for all people, my biggest battle was and still is overcoming social anxiety. Shyness was and is my constant challenge to overcome.”
Penner credits plunging into the creative process in preparation for this exhibit with helping her to conquer her social unease.
“Art brings me the boldness and happiness that shyness tries stealing. Every stroke of the paintbrush is one positive step ahead for me. ”
Growing up on a farm in the Goodfare area exposed Penner to a side of the natural world that she embraces and emphasizes in her carefully detailed paintings. Many of her exhibited works will feature the natural world – including farm and wild creatures – that has inspired her since a young child.
“The Artist’s Heart,” Penner’s exhibit in the Art and Culture Centre’s Mini Gallery opens along with the GPRC Students’ show on Sunday, Feb. 2 (until Feb. 27) at 2 p.m. with artists present and the Tea Room in full service. BACS is open to the public free of charge.
Submitted by Cathrine Gabriel
