Art Exhibition: GPAG – Yeonmi Kim | Sai

to Nov 22nd. Sai is a Korean word that describes a state of being existing between time, space, and relationships. It encompasses coexistence, interconnections, process, and the present as a constantly moving energy. This series documents Kim’s journey as an immigrant, reflecting the sense of disconnection experienced as a stranger in an unfamiliar place, cultural transition, and inner reflection.

Created with limited colours and simple lines, Kim’s illustrated diary distills her thoughts, emotions, and everyday experiences into a form of visual poetry. Presented for the first time in this exhibition, the diary series is reinterpreted through different materials, including paper, wood, and fabric. By translating the same images into these distinct mediums, Kim explores how their inherent material qualities and characteristics transform the images, opening up new visual possibilities and interpretations. While rooted in her own personal experiences, Sai touches on feelings and struggles that many of us share. Uncertainty, loneliness, impermanence, and the longing to belong are part of the human experience, especially in a world that is constantly changing. Through these works, viewers are invited to pause and reflect on their own sense of identity, their capacity to find their way through difficult times, and their search for belonging.

An exhibition on display in the Main Gallery Oct. 29th – Nov. 22nd. Join us for an Opening Reception on Saturday, October. 31st, 2pm – 4pm; and for a free workshop on Nov. 14th, 2pm – 3pm. Find more info and register for the workshop online. All are welcome!

Art Exhibition: GPAG – Charles Keillor | Pacific Graphite

to Nov 22nd. Created using the most elemental medium, Keillor’s black and white graphite drawings explore the relationship between human habitats and the immediate natural world; as well as the connections between modes of transportation and infrastructure, architecture, lifestyle, the economy, and the environment. These stylized depictions aim to instill elements of anticipation, mystery, contemplation, and celebration for the viewer. Pacific Graphite reflects Keillor’s fascination with interpreting our local region, from the historic and recent past to the present day. His work focuses on our local landscapes and seascapes, with architectural, urban, industrial, and recreational components.

Originally from Vancouver, Charles Keillor is a full time artist now based in Nanaimo. Working in graphite, the high contrast and monochromatic nature of Keillor’s drawings results in a palpable tension. In combination with this tension, the stylized trees and natural features of the landscape juxtaposed with urban or architectural elements creates a strong sense of place and time, grounding the viewer within the scene.

Join us for an Opening Reception on Saturday, Oct. 31st, 2pm – 4pm; and for a free Artist Talk on Sat. Nov. 7th, 2pm – 3pm. All are welcome to attend, no registration required!

GPAG Opening Reception | Yeonmi Kim, Charles Keillor, Deb Willis

Join us at the Opening Reception of our newest exhibitions by Yeonmi Kim, Charles Keillor, and Deb Willis on Saturday, October 31st, 2pm – 4pm. All are welcome!

In the Main Gallery, Yeonmi Kim’s illustrated diary is transformed into an exhibition grappling with personal identity, reflecting on the sense of disconnection experienced as a stranger in an unfamiliar place, cultural transition, and inner reflection.

In the Eve Smart Gallery, Charles Keillor’s monochromatic graphite drawings explore the relationship between human habitats and the immediate natural world; as well as the connections between modes of transportation and infrastructure, architecture, lifestyle, the economy, and the environment.

In Joe’s Lounge, Deb Willis shares her experience travelling deep inside Canada’s only grizzly bear sanctuary, the Khutzeymateen Park north of Prince Rupert. Often portrayed as aggressive man-hunting animals, Willis sheds a new light, raising awareness of how important it is to set aside lands where these animals can live without human conflict.

GPAG: Artist Talk with Charles Keillor

Join us for a free Artist Talk on Saturday, November 7th, 2pm – 3pm. All are welcome, no registration required!

Created using the most elemental medium, Keillor’s black and white graphite drawings explore the relationship between human habitats and the immediate natural world; as well as the connections between modes of transportation and infrastructure, architecture, lifestyle, the economy, and the environment. Originally from Vancouver, Charles Keillor is a full time artist now based in Nanaimo. Keillor’s work is held in both private and corporate collections, and has been exhibited throughout the Lower Mainland, on Vancouver island, and at the Gibsons Public Art Gallery (2021). His exhibition, Pacific Graphite, is on display in the Eve Smart Gallery Oct. 29th – Nov. 22nd.

GPAG: ART FOR ALL | Pro-D Day Creation Stations

Join us on Tuesday, September 8th, 10am – 2pm for drop in creation stations with a variety of activities for kids of all ages! Plus, from 12pm – 2pm, we’ll be hosting a special checkerboard cedar mat weaving station with Red Cedar Woman. Try out some new crafts, including cedar weaving, beading, origami, collage, and more.

Entrance by donation, young children must be accompanied by an adult. No pre-registration required for this event. We hope you will join us!

GPAG: Artist Talk with Jeannette Sirois

Join us for an Artist Talk with Jeannette Sirois on Saturday, June 20th, 2pm – 3pm. Free to attend, no registration required. All are welcome!

Jeannette Sirois is a queer visual artist based on Salt Spring Island whose work focuses on representation, identity, and visibility. Sirois has exhibited her work in solo and group exhibitions across Vancouver Island and on the Lower Mainland. She holds a diploma in Design, a Bachelors of Fine Arts, and a Masters of Education in Visual Arts. Beyond her own individual artistic practice, Sirois also mentors visual arts students and collaborates with emerging artists and curators on exhibitions intended to foster dialogue and connection. At the Table | The Architecture of Control is a portrait-based exhibition highlighting the lived experiences, identities, and truths of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and examining the structures and systems that have regulated and defined trans and queer lives.

GPAG: OPENING RECEPTION | Jeannette Sirois, Kamala Todd et al., Coralie Swaney

Join us for the Opening Reception on Saturday, May 30th, 2pm – 4pm for the Opening Reception of our newest exhibitions. All are welcome!

In the Main Gallery, Jeannette Sirois’ At the Table | The Architecture of Control highlights the lived experiences, identities, and truths of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. In the Eve Smart Gallery, kin-between: monsters/beasts/relations opens space for the in-between, sharing expansive cosmologies that blur binaries, uphold radical kinship, and question the idea of what a monster truly is. Curated by Kamala Todd, kin-between: monsters/beasts/relations features the work of Senaqwila Wyss (Squamish Nation), Siobhan Joseph (Squamish Nation), Bracken Hanuse Corlett (Wuikinuxv and Klahoose Nations), Savanna Todd (Métis-Cree), and Candace Campo (Sechelt Nation). In Joe’s Lounge, Thinking Out Loud by Coralie Swaney melds portraiture with still life painting and explores the notion of the observer being able to look inside the mind of the subject.

Kids Camps: Painting with Acrylics

July 6– 8, 2022 | Wednesday – Friday; 10 – 3pm

Ages: 8-13, Max 12 participants

Cost: $140/$180 (Member/Non-Member)

Instructor: Bruce Edwards

This year we are delighted to offer 3 kid’s summer workshops, each combining art making with outdoor exploration.  In the morning participants learn to weave, collage or paint led by a senior artist/teacher. In the afternoon, walks and discussions take over as we explore natural spaces near the Art Centre. Workshops run 10:00 – 3:00 each day, with a break provided for lunch. Participants must bring their own lunch, a water bottle and a mask if needed for any indoor activities.

Kids Camps: Painting with Acrylics

July 6– 8, 2022 | Wednesday – Friday; 10 – 3pm

Ages: 8-13, Max 12 participants

Cost: $140/$180 (Member/Non-Member)

Instructor: Bruce Edwards

This year we are delighted to offer 3 kid’s summer workshops, each combining art making with outdoor exploration.  In the morning participants learn to weave, collage or paint led by a senior artist/teacher. In the afternoon, walks and discussions take over as we explore natural spaces near the Art Centre. Workshops run 10:00 – 3:00 each day, with a break provided for lunch. Participants must bring their own lunch, a water bottle and a mask if needed for any indoor activities.