What’s New

Through Those Trees is a solo exhibition of artworks by artist Halie Finney. Finney’s pieces are known for their illustrative, and lively characters that narrate generations her Métis family’s heritage and memories within the Lesser Slave Lake region.

The exhibition is open to the public now through January 19th at the Grande Prairie Public Library during their regular business hours. Through Those Trees has been brought to you by Travelling Exhibitions (TREX) NW and was curated by artist and curator Becca Taylor on behalf of TREX SW.

Special thanks to the TREX NW program sponsor KMSC Law LLP

Join us in December! Exciting things are happening at the Gallery and we hope you’ll join us for some new art experiences over the holidays.

Main Level: The very popular “Passion Projects” continues to be on display until January 9th, the two newest exhibitions, “Bleeding Borders” and “Rest Stops: Mapping Out the Permanent Collection.”

Second Level: Two community art installations cover the entire second level of the Gallery. All ages are welcome to participate in the drop-in activity spaces to create artwork of their own and contribute to this evolving mural by drawing, writing, collaging, or sculpting.

We continue to be a Free Admission Gallery, we’re open regular hours, and our seven gallery spaces provide plenty of room to distance during your visit.

HOLIDAY HOURS
December 24-27 Closed
December 31 Open 10 – 2 pm
January 1, 2022 Closed

REGULAR GALLERY HOURS
Sunday: 1 pm – 5 pm
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: 10 am – 6 pm
Wednesday: 10 am – 6 pm
Thursday: 10 am – 9 pm
Friday: 10 am – 5 pm
Saturday: 10 am – 5 pm

General Description

One of the largest square footage art galleries in Alberta, the Art Gallery of Grande Prairie is a place which enriches our community through the creation, conservation and sharing of art. 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 20,000 visitors annually.  It holds a collection of mid century artwork of roughly 850 pieces, mostly from the Peace Region in Northern Alberta.

Reporting to the Curator, Exhibitions & Collections, the Curatorial Assistant, Exhibitions & Collections (Assistant) has supports logistics, scheduling, development, and installation of exhibitions while having direct responsibility for exhibition promotion; graphic design elements, social media marketing. They provide valuable support in the research of exhibitions and monitoring of the Permanent Collection.  They will join a team which thrives on respect, integrity, excellence and being responsive to our community and each other.

Closing date for application: Friday, January 14th, 5PM MST

Position start date: Flexible to suitable candidate

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm (some weeknights and weekends required)

Hours: 35 hours per week

Compensation:

• $40,000 – $48,000 annual salary commensurate with education / experience
• The position includes a generous health benefit plan covered by the Gallery
• Paid days off on special days of the calendar
• Generous annual sick leave
• Development opportunities, particularly in curatorial practice

The position may have opportunities to curate or co-curate exhibitions. Some duties at the Gallery’s front desk are required in order to monitor the safety and security of exhibitions.

Specific Duties

Promotion of Exhibitions and the Collection

• Promote exhibitions and collections to the general public through the Gallery website, social media channels, print and any other opportunities.
• Design graphic materials for the purposes of work area promotions; posters, web banners, pamphlets

Curatorial Projects

• Assist in the research, development, installation and execution of curatorial projects and exhibitions as directed by the Curator, Exhibitions & Collections.

Permanent Collection

• Ensures all aspects of the physical and records management of the archival, artifact and other collections at the Museum are handled according to legal requirements and are up to professional standards. This includes: accurate and up to date record keeping, appropriate standards of storage, security and risk management and taking preventative conservation action as directed.
• When required and necessary, assist in the development and application of works to the Canadian Cultural Property Export Review Board.
• Is involved in the planning, developing, and mounting of temporary and permanent exhibitions from the Collection, which includes the Temporary Art Loan program.
• At the discretion of the Curator, Exhibitions and Collections, may have the opportunity to curate exhibitions from the Collection

Administration / Organization

• Assist with researching and administering education-related tasks, such as grants, program statistics, report writing, research for exhibitions, filing and archiving.
• Other duties as assigned by the Curator, Exhibitions & Collections or the Executive Director.
• Work from the front reception desk and greet all visitors and offer information on exhibitions and programs.
• Receive and forward calls to staff.
• Receive payments for registration, operating cash and issuing receipts according to gallery policies.
• Perform opening and closing procedures as specified.

Qualifications

• A Certificate, Diploma or Degree in Fine Arts, Art History, Curatorial or Museum Studies from an accredited education program with a specialization in a Fine Arts related discipline OR equivalent experience.
• Computer literacy, photography and design skills; MAC environment, Adobe Illustrator/In Design, Office

Assets

• Knowledge of art packing, crating, framing and other preparatory skills
• Knowledge of curatorial practice in an art museum setting; developing exhibitions, artist relations
• Administrative skills; templates, data entry, organizing, filing, archiving
• Working with the public and delivering a positive experience for visitors
• Familiarity with digital technology; cameras, basic editing software

Please send a cover letter and CV, and any inquiries, to:

Curator, Exhibitions & Collections
103, 9839 – 103 Avenue
Grande Prairie, AB
T8V 6M7

EMAIL: info@aggp.ca

Closing date for application: Friday, January 14th, 5PM MST

We thank all who may apply, and only those who are short-listed will be contacted for an interview.

Printer Friendly Version of Curatorial Assistant Job Posting

  Travelling Exhibitions (TREX) NW caught up recently with one of our most enthusiastic venues, St.Catherine Catholic School, to ask why and how they partner with TREX to bring resources to their classes. Apart from bringing culture and connection to communities, TREX is designed to be educational as well. 

  With education in mind, each exhibit includes educational guides paired with the works. These are wonderful resources that include: information on the pieces, suggestions on talks, ideas and themes to present to students, as well as ideas for hands-on activities. 

  We asked our contact at St.Catherine, Elizabeth Hutchinson, a few questions about her and the students’ thoughts on TREX.

Q: How do the students feel about the artworks?
  “They are always very curious when the crates arrive. There is a pride that ‘real work’ from galleries is being displayed in their school. Responding to the artwork creates a fabulous connection with the greater community. It has been fascinating to see how students express their likes and dislikes. They often question ‘Is this art?’, while considering their predefined ideas about what art should look like. They have to navigate their personal preferences, the voice of the artist, and authority of the gallery.”

Q: Do students/teachers like working with the educational packages provided with the exhibits?
  “The educational catalogues are such a rich resource! They make it easy for teachers to bring arts integration and high engagement into their lessons. Teachers who are new to the arts can navigate techniques and ideas with guidance and experienced teachers can dig deeply into the content. Any extra copies of packages are hung onto to find other ways the lessons can tie into the new curriculum at a later date!”

Q: Would you say the students have valuable experiences from interacting with art in person?
  “Absolutely, students connect the work to their own memories, family customs, and experiences. They see how artwork they are doing has a value beyond technique and realism, with a stronger focus on process and the exploration of ideas. It brings new perspectives and a variety of voices into the school in a highly inviting and nonthreatening format.”

Q: Why do you feel it is important for the school to take part in the TREX program?
  “Art has this incredible ability to draw kids into learning with an even playing field. It is highly engaging and accessible to children of all abilities. It shows children a diverse range of ideas and values and welcomes them to respond with their own truth. Providing children with invitations to view, understand, and make art builds space for children to explore creativity and their own unique voice.”

Q: If there’s anything else you’d like to say or highlight please do.

   “As an arts integration school we absolutely love the TREX program as a resource to bring authentic art experiences into our school. This has been doubly important during the challenges we’ve faced with covid, as opportunities to invite artists to work with children directly have been postponed. The program is such a rich educational resource, and the AGGP is always eager to support our programming and extend our ideas in learning and education.”

TREX would like to thank Elizabeth for her input and feedback, and for providing an amazing snapshot into St.Catherine and their students’ work.


Thank you to the TREX NW program sponsor KMSC Law LLP