Black Pool Blue Pool: Lori Sokoluk

March 3 – April 28, 2023
Media: abstract landscape acrylic paintings and collage

First Fridays

First Friday, March 3         

• Gallery open 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
• Opening Reception 6 - 8 p.m.
• Artist Talk starting at 6:30 p.m.

 First Friday, April 14*
^{*First Friday moved due to stat holiday on April 7}

•  Gallery open 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Artist's Statement:

In north-central Alberta where I live, the prairie begins its transition to boreal forest. The land begins to roll and bunch and crease. Hundreds of sloughs and lakes dot the landscape. Stands of trees surround and emerge from these bodies of water. In sunlight, the water reflects intense blue skies. In the shadow of a cloud or hill, the same water can look almost black. The tangle of trees forms windows through which we see peeks of sky or open fields.

To the artist’s eye, this landscape offers ‘pools’ of blue and black that become major elements in these highly abstracted paintings. White birch and aspen trunks are showcased by the intense colours that surround them.

From a distance, we often see the landscape in terms of large shapes. Looking immediately around us, it is full of complexity. My technique mimics this through the use of texture, marks and colour shifts that create subtle complexity within larger abstract shapes. As a result, the experience of the painting is interesting from across the gallery as well as when viewed up close. The longer we look, the more we see.

Returning to my Alberta roots after many years in Boston, New York City and Vancouver, these paintings offer a more mature artistic response to the landscape that has inspired me since childhood. In their essence, these bright bold paintings and collages reflect the dynamic summer landscape of Alberta.

About the Gallery:

The Viewpoint Gallery showcases original works of art by individual artists and collectives, and curated exhibitions. The gallery is in the lobby of the City of Red Deer Culture Services facility.  Visit our Viewpoint Gallery page for more information.

Address: 
5205 48 Ave (in the old intermediate school building)

Hours:
Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
First Fridays: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
*Facility closed: Friday, April 7 and Monday, April 10

Questions:
The City of Red Deer, Community Development
403-406-8820
culturemailbox@reddeer.ca

Evelyn Thurmeier: Trial and Colour 

March 3 – May 1, 2023
Media: acrylic paintings on Pantone® colour cards

First Fridays

First Friday, March 3         

• gallery open until 5 p.m.

 First Friday, April 14*
*First Friday moved due to stat holiday on April 7

•  gallery open until 5 p.m.

About the Artist:

I am a 16-year-old high school student and have been drawing and painting since I was small. As a teenager, I feel that I have had enough time to become good at what I do, but not enough to master it. Recently, I have been securing more time to do what I love, and this project is a result of that. In the future, I hope to follow this passion wherever it takes me.

I made these using pantone postcards and acrylic paint. I didn't buy these cards because I thought they were cool, although I do; I bought them because I wanted to challenge myself. Colour is a fascinating beast; we can use it to express countless things like emotion and tone. I wanted to explore it, even if only a little. I know that I can't tame the world, but by doing these paintings, I think I can understand parts of it a little more.

My inspiration for making these is to make a reconnection with colour. Sometimes the world seems so bleak, and using colour to explore it not only makes me happy, it also makes me hopeful. Colour gives richness to life and in doing this project, I gave a little to mine, in showing it, I hope to give a little back. I have always loved art, and in a lot of ways, I started this project so that I would have a solid reason to do nothing but paint for a few hours.

About the Gallery:

The Corridor Community Gallery is located adjacent to our ceramic arts studio in the lower level of the Recreation Centre. This space provides a public venue for local artists and allows us to share in the talents and interests of fellow community members.

Visit reddeer.ca/corridor for more information.

Address: 
4501 47A Ave, downtown Red Deer

Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 5:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Fridays: 5:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday  12:00 p.m. – 5 p.m.
*Facility closed: Friday, April 7 through Monday, April 10 for Easter weekend

Questions:
The City of Red Deer, Community Development
403-406-8820
culturemailbox@reddeer.ca