What’s New

The Art Gallery of Grande Prairie is proud to announce the addition of its new Acting Coordinator, Programs and Exhibitions, Jim Merrithew.  Jim will be taking up the position for Jamie-Lee Cormier, who begins her one year maternity leave at the end of November.

Executive Director, Jeff Erbach, is eager to get Jim plugged in and up to speed. “Jim has an extensive and diverse background, rooted in community development practices.  He’s so well rounded and such a pleasant person that we feel really lucky to welcome him to the team”.

Jim’s work will be to continue the momentum developed by Jamie-Lee.  Along with the Programs and Exhibitions Assistant, Jim will be overseeing the visitor experience, working with Curators in developing and implementing public programs, which includes Gallery tours, workshops and camps, and will lead exhibition and program promotion.

Jim says, “I am pleased to be joining the talented team at the Art Gallery. During the time I have lived in the Peace Region, I’ve visited the Gallery numerous times to view the exhibitions. The opportunity to contribute to the Gallery’s programs and goals is quite exciting.”

Jim is the former Supervisor of Tourism in Grande Cache and worked at their Tourism and Interpretive Centre where he oversaw budgeting, inventory control, staffing, grant writing and the visitor experience.  He has an extensive background in retail sales and both residential and commercial construction and maintenance, most recently as a worker with Alberta Parks.  He has a long artistic practice in photography and has been a community volunteer for sports and heritage related festivals, events and activities.

The Art Gallery of Grande Prairie is proud to announce that Campbell Davis will serve as Gallery Ambassador to the community this year.

The program provides direct mentorship to a young person to develop their skills in community leadership, diplomacy, social skills, strategic thinking, marketing, public speaking and more.  The Ambassadorship reflects the Gallery’s dedication to developing strong public programs for teenagers and for community development.

Executive Director, Jeff Erbach, is excited about working directly with Campbell.  “Campbell is a conscientious and really bright person.  His dedication to our community makes him well suited to assist us in communicating about the broad social and cultural benefits the Gallery’s work has through the Arts”.

Campbell will be attending a number of Gallery and community events during his tenure.

Campbell hopes to deepen his knowledge of the Gallery while promoting it to the community, saying, “Through the Ambassador program I have been given the opportunity to learn about the Gallery and also engage with the community. I hope to complete the program with an extensive knowledge of how the Gallery functions and also obtain many connections around Grande Prairie.”

Campbell is a 15 year old student in Grade 9 through Wilson Hill Academy.

Gallery Ambassador Sponsor:

An event centuries in the making, this special gathering welcomes for the first time in Western Canada Itchiku Kubota’s delicate and invaluable kimonos made in a lost 16th century Japanese style.

The exhibition features 48 kimono with brilliant designs brought to life by the creative genius of Itchiku Kubota (1917-2003), an extraordinary artist who won international recognition through exhibitions in North America and Europe for his unconventional designs, distinctive use of color, and intense commitment to his art and craft. His revival and modernization of ‘tsujigahana’, a textile art form lost for centuries, has also assured him a special place in Japanese legacy.

Itchiku Kubota: What do the Mountain Spirits Ponder?, will open to the public on November 22, but this is a unique and special opportunity to witness the welcoming and unveiling of a signature piece while celebrating Japanese culture.

The evening includes;

• Japanese fusion cuisine
• Unveiling of Itchiku Kubota masterwork kimono
• Booming Tree Taiko Drummers
• Sneak Peek information about the Gallery’s 2019 exhibitions and programs

A Celebration of Japanese Culture
Tuesday, November 6, 2018
7:00 – 9:00 pm
LOCATION: Four Points by Sheraton Grande Prairie, 6702-106 Street
Tickets are $50 each, or 2 for $85

Thank you to our sponsors!

Exhibition Sponsor:

Exhibition Partners:

The exhibition tour is organized by the International Chodiev Foundation.

Deadline: Monday, October 1, 2018 at 5:00 pm MST

General Description

One of the largest square footage art galleries in Alberta, the Art Gallery of Grande Prairie is a place of art preservation, inspiration and exploration. We offer free admission, tours, programs, and activities for all ages. The Art Gallery presents an average of twelve art exhibitions per year and welcomes over 25,000 visitors annually while our traveling exhibitions will stop in roughly 25 venues annually throughout Peace Region and will see over 140,000 visitors.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Coordinator has responsibility for the development, logistics, scheduling, preparation, and maintenance of public programs while assisting in the launching and promotion of exhibitions. As a supervisor of the Program & Exhibition Assistant, they are responsible for supporting the priorities and attitudes that exemplify the values, professionalism, mission and vision of the Gallery.

As needed, they will establish relationships with some education and arts-based community stakeholders, identifying and leveraging opportunities to enhance the program’s visibility within the provincial and national arts community. Some facilitation of programs and gallery sitting at the front desk is also required.

Position:        Coordinator, Programs & Exhibitions

Term:             November 12, 2018 to November 12, 2019 (term maternity leave)

Salary:            $40 – $48,000 per year

Benefits:        The Gallery offers a generous health plan and covers the full plan cost

Deadline:       Monday, October 1 at 5pm MST

Specific Duties

The Carlstrom Family Green Space

·      Maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of the Green Space.

·       Implement learning activities with direction from the Curator, Learning.

·       Ensure regular inventory of art supplies and organize supplies in dedicated storage areas.

·       Oversee the pre-cutting assignments for ongoing activities.

·       Install artworks in conversation with Gallery Curators.

·       Assist in the development, design, installation and dismantling of Green Space activities.

·       Organize and file all Green Space related documents and materials.

Programs/Exhibitions

·       Research, develop, schedule/register, prepare and implement Gallery programs with direction from the Executive Director and Gallery Curators as needed.  This includes, but is not limited to, art camps, artist/curator talks and group and school tours.

·       Assist, and oversee some work, in the preparation, installation and deinstallation of exhibitions and artworks as needed and with direction from Gallery Curators.

·       Oversee some work in the shipping and receiving of artwork on an as needed basis and with direction from Gallery Curators.

·       Ensure effective inventory and controls of program materials.

Promotion

·       Assist in identifying target groups for specific programs and exhibitions and develop appropriate web, on site, and social media strategies and material.

·       Promote educational programs to target groups and individuals including educational institutions and the general public.

·       Research, coordinate, prepare and represent the Gallery at conferences, trade fair booths and community events when needed.

Community/Gallery Art Events

·       Identify opportunities and develop, prepare and implement Gallery programs in collaboration and support of community art events.  This includes, but is not limited to Libricon, the Children’s Festival and Culture Days.

·       Organize and deliver Gallery art receptions, openings and special events as required.

Administration / Organization

·       Assist with researching and administering program and exhibition-related tasks, such as grants, program statistics, report writing, research for exhibitions, filing and archiving.

·       Serve in the front reception area (gallery sitting), when required, as a monitor of public participation and greeter.

·       Handle contracts and ensure payments with vendors, artists, Curators and other service providers and cultural workers.

·       Supervise the Programs & Exhibitions Assistant, which includes management of their time, priorities and work.

·       Oversee program budgets as needed.

·       Assist with researching and administering exhibition and tour related tasks, such as grants, program statistics, report writing, research for exhibitions, filing and archiving.

·       As needed, coordinate the travel, accommodation and other requirements for visiting guests and artists in cooperation with other Gallery staff.

·       Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Skills and Abilities

Required

·       The ability to work well independently on several projects concurrently and excellent verbal communication, writing / editing, organizational, creative thinking, problem solving and interpersonal skills.

·       Strong initiative and customer service skills.

·       Demonstrated skills in interpretation of material, syllabus design and public communication.

·       The ability to work independently and as part of a team and to respond to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

·       A proven track record of establishing and meeting deadlines.

·       Flexible, discreet and able to maintain confidential information, knowledge of correct protocol for specific situations.

·       Experience and comfort with facilitation of committee meetings.

·       Possess a valid driver’s license.

Assets

·       Demonstrated ability to adequately use Microsoft Office applications, Adobe Photoshop, website browsers and both Windows and MAC platforms.

·       Demonstrated passion for the Arts and for life-long learning.

·       Knowledge of social media marketing and an understanding of Web-based writing and communications.

·       Demonstrated high energy level and flexibility, pleasant persona coupled with sound judgment.

·       Office administration experience.

·       The ability to work well in a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural environment.

The Gallery welcomes all applications but only those short listed for the position may be contacted.  All applications must be received by the Gallery by the due date (no postmarks);

Cover letter and CV

ATTN: Executive Director, Coordinator position

Deadline: Monday, October 1 at 5pm MST

Email: info@agpp.ca

OR mail to:
Art Gallery of Grande Prairie
103, 9839 103 Avenue
Grande Prairie, AB
T8V 6M7

The Art Gallery of Grande Prairie proudly announces the launch of a new program, the Youth Arts Laboratory, which sees 3 young participants ages 13-17 engaged in arts activities in a professional gallery setting.

With the new program, the Gallery aims to inspire, empower, and challenge each participant.  Executive Director Jeff Erbach is excited about the outcomes. “This is a really extraordinary opportunity for young people to develop and hone their skills under professional guidance and in a real world setting.  Each participant is contracted and remunerated for their time, so it’s like a series of internships where they each can select the types of projects they’d like to work on.”

By creating an opportunity for young people to receive mentorship on projects at a professional organization, the Gallery is developing future leaders through the Arts.  By example, one of the arts projects for youth involves the unpacking and installation of a professional art exhibition.  The work can be delicate, expensive and complex, which instructs participants on creative problem solving and diligence.  Other projects include work with the Gallery Permanent Collection, marketing and promotion of the program, developing arts learning programs, and more.

Participant Grace Larson, from Composite High School, is eager to get going. “The Youth Arts Laboratory is a unique program that I’m excited to be a part of! I’m looking forward to developing my own professional skills through the arts”.

Participants in the program include Grace Larson, Mia Cook and Sophie Picard.  The program wraps up on April 1, 2019 and is supported by ATB Financial, Prairie Mall and Grande Prairie Rotary Club.

The Art Gallery is organizing a fun volunteer weekend at the Great Northern Casino, September 8th and 9th, 2018, with proceeds supporting our exhibitions and programs for the entire year. There are 28 different shifts across a wide range of different volunteer duties, including chip running, money counting, and more.

Each volunteer will earn a FREE art publication and a FREE Gallery membership, giving you access to special member only events.

Volunteers who sign up for BOTH Casino days will receive one (1) ticket to our Annual Art Auction!

We’d love to have your support for all that we do.  For more information, please contact Melanie at melanie@aggp.ca or 780-357-7485.