Fantastic Worlds Interactive Experiences
Looking for something fun to do away from the winter chill? Come explore the two free interactive experiences in Fantastic Worlds.
Looking for something fun to do away from the winter chill? Come explore the two free interactive experiences in Fantastic Worlds.
February 3 Update:
We’re now open with the new exhibition, Fantastic Worlds.
The Carlstrom Family Green Space is closed while building maintenance continues in the space.
Posted January 25, 2022:
Last weekend, the Art Gallery was closed due to unexpected emergency maintenance in the building.
The Gallery will continue to be closed this week due to the building maintenance.
During this closure, staff will also continue with installing the new exhibitions that will open next month.
We’re tentatively scheduled to resume regular hours on Tuesday, February 1st. Please continue to check our social media and e-newsletters for updates.
Thank you for your patience.
The Board of Directors of the Art Gallery of Grande Prairie (AGGP) have announced Jeff Erbach is stepping down from his position as Executive Director of the organization. The change will be effective February 4.
The Board wished to make the announcement to all the Gallery supporters, members, partners, and its extended arts community.
Mr. Erbach has served as Executive Director at the AGGP since early 2017. Originally from Winnipeg, MB, Jeff has over 25 years background in community outreach and arts administration.
The Board of Directors and Gallery staff thank him for his contributions to the Gallery and wish him well in his future endeavours. While an interim Executive Director has not been selected yet, they also wish to emphasize the Gallery vision and quality of service to the community will be unchanged during the transition as they seek to hire a new Executive Director of the AGGP.
The Board will be posting for this position in the coming weeks and details can be found on the AGGP social media and here on our website.
Next week we will begin installing Fantastic Worlds, a group exhibition from 16 artists, with 20 works from the collection of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts.
Fantastic Worlds asks us: how do we imagine the future? What other kinds of realities are possible? What would happen if time and space could bend, stop, or fast-forward?
Each of the works is a playful invitation to imagine and build worlds, new experiences, and ways of seeing. This generative and exploratory aspect of the fantastic is why historically, especially during challenging times of economic crisis and war, these artistic strategies have often surged to grapple with uncertainty, change, and the large, complicated question of the future. By offering an outlet of creative investigation that does not conform to the boundaries of our surroundings, the works in Fantastic Worlds express both the desire and potential to construct new pathways forward and challenge existing assumptions or barriers.
Check the exhibition page for updates here.
This exhibition was curated by Robin Lynch, Curator/Manager of Travelling Exhibitions Northwest
Featured artwork: Inflow, Alice Mansell, pencil on paper, 1978. From the collection of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts.
The Travelling Exhibitions Program Northwest is sponsored by KMSC Law LLP
Fantastic Worlds was sponsored by Canadian Tire, Grande Prairie
Photographer Nahanni McKay uses her art to advocate for wildlife preservation. Her works question the impact of human activities in Canada’s National parks, and anywhere that people may encroach on the natural habitats of wildlife populations. Working in Banff in 2016, McKay was inspired to create her series called “Loop 14” after an incident with a wolf living around a campsite in Banff. Currently, “Loop 14” is being displayed in the exhibition “Habituate, Acclimate,” which is touring with Travelling Exhibitions (TREX) NW this season.
TREX NW has partnered with the Grande Prairie Regional College Fine Arts Department, to bring you a free live talk and Q&A with the accomplished photographer on January 10th, 2022 via Zoom at 11:30 AM Mountain Time. Please email: tkinderwater@gprc.ab.ca for access!
Bio:
Nahanni is a Metis artist and photographer based in Banff, Canada. Born and raised in the Rockies, her creative practice has focused on National Parks in Canada and the human impact on surrounding natural environments. Growing up in Banff National Park,
Nahanni understands the relationship between tourism and wildlife. Her work expresses the need to learn to coexist in order to prevent further harm to the animals.
Nahanni is a photography graduate from Emily Carr University of Art & Design in Vancouver BC. She completed her Photography Practicum at the Banff Centre and is currently working full time as an artist creating artwork for galleries and publications internationally, including the 2022 European Cultural Centre alongside the Venice Biennial. She is also the other half to Seven Shirt Company, a small independent screen printing and design shop.
When she’s not dabbling in the arts space, Nahanni is also a professional event and headshot photographer. Her previous gigs include Banff Mountain Film & Book Festival, Alvvays and Shred Kelly.
While you can find Nahanni creating in the studio, you can also find her exploring in the backcountry or enjoying a nice cold brew by the river.
(from her bio-www.nahannimckay.com)
Email tkinderwater@gprc.ca for the free zoom link, and register on the Facebook Event Page here: https://www.facebook.com/events/325066335997857/
The festival hosts an array of activities throughout the downtown core including Bonnetts Energy Centre, Montrose Cultural Centre, and Muskoseepi Park. It aims to create a unique experience centered around ice and snow, to embrace the northern winters, provide residents an event to look forward to during this season, and encourage community connection. Click HERE for all the details.
Free Art Activities at the Art Gallery of Grande Prairie
January 14-16
Free
Inviting the community to an Interactive Community Art Experience in the gallery space! Scratch & Shape Community Mural and Illuminate & Glow Community Art Installation are two interactive activity spaces you will be able to experience on the second level of the Art Gallery.
Skating Oval
January 14-16 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Free
Grande Prairie DownTown Association will bring back the skating oval at Montrose Cultural Centre. Grab your skates and helmets and enjoy this classic outdoor activity. While you’re there join in the nostalgia of warming up beside one of the fire pits!
Crokicurl
January 14 -16 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Free
If you’ve never heard of Crokicurl, you are going to want to bring the family down to try this game out! It is a combination of crokinole and curling, curling rocks will be provided just be sure to bundle up for this outdoor activity.
Ice Slide
January 14 -16 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Free
Enjoy this fun and frosty activity as a part of the Grande North Winter Festival.There will be a glowing ice slide for you to experience this winter, come try it out.
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:
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
Curatorial Projects
Permanent Collection
Administration / Organization
Qualifications
Assets
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
The Art Gallery of Grande Prairie is located within the Montrose Cultural Centre in Grande Prairie, Alberta.
#103, 9839 – 103 Avenue
Grande Prairie, Alberta
T8V 6M7
(780) 532-8111
(780) 539-9522
info@aggp.ca
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
Sunday: 1 pm – 5 pm
Holidays: Closed
Closed Mondays
We acknowledge that we are located on Treaty 8 territory—the ancestral Land of the sovereign Dane-zaa, Nehiyawak, Dene, and Otipemisiwak Nations. We acknowledge the many Indigenous Peoples who have lived and cared for these lands for generations. We are grateful for the traditional Knowledge Keepers and Elders who are still with us today and those who have gone before us. We make this acknowledgement as an act of reconciliation and gratitude.
The Art Gallery of Grande Prairie also recognizes that Land Acknowledgments are not enough. Through our actions we commit to truth, reconciliation, decolonization, and allyship in support of Indigenous lifeways and wellbeing.