-Public invited for Centre events Oct. 23-24 exploring three new exhibitions-

The Confederation Centre Art Gallery (CCAG) is getting set to host their first opening events since early 2020 and is inviting the public to celebrate three new exhibitions this weekend.

The events are focused around three new exhibitions at the CCAG, including St. John’s-based Mi’kmaw painter Nelson White, whose portrait series Tukien (Awaken) celebrates indigenous artists and activists. This project is a collaboration with the Grenfell Art Gallery (Corner Brook) and co-curated by Mathew Hills and Pan Wendt.

The two other new shows being recognized include Give Me Shelter, which features 13 artists from St. John’s, and Alexis Bellavance: ốps, a video installation looking at the constant and regular breathing of the sea and sky by the Montreal-based artist.

>>Two Events, One Weekend!

The CCAG has scheduled a two-day opening, including a ticketed sit-down event on Friday, October 23 and an afternoon of public tours on October 24. Both events require pre-booking and spaces are limited. The Friday October 23 opening is an evening gathering from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Patrons can meet the artists, view the new works, hear live music and enjoy delicious appetizers and drinks, all included in a $25.00 ticket. Tables of two or four are available; tickets can be purchased in person at the Confederation Centre Box Office, or by calling 902.566.1267.

The second event—the October 24 Guided Tours of the new exhibitions—are free-of-charge and will each run for 45 minutes, with a maximum of 10 people per tour. Pre-registration is required for one of four timeslots: 1 p.m., 1:15 p.m., 2 p.m., and 2:15 p.m. Interested patrons should RSVP to Evan Furness at 902.628.6112 or [email protected].

>>13 Emerging Artists from St. John’s

Culminating several years of studio visits and research, the CCAG is presenting Give Me Shelter, a two-gallery survey of emerging artists based in the city of St. John’s, NL.

The exhibition features a variety of mediums, ranging from painting and drawing, to video and photography, to sculpture and textile work, including several artists working with hooked rugs. “The show will provide an important platform for St. John’s artists to showcase their work outside their home province, and the publication that will accompany the exhibition is a key part of this exposure,” offers Gallery Director Kevin Rice.

The exhibition is part of CCAG’s Studio Watch Series and is supported by the RBC Foundation.  “I really enjoyed getting to know the artistic scene in St. John’s,” says exhibition Curator Pan Wendt, “and while this is a broad survey, it also pinpoints some aspects of the culture of St. John’s that I didn’t expect to encounter.”

Wendt continues, adding that the capital is an international city, with a richness that goes beyond a lot of the stereotypes around Newfoundland culture. “Most of the artists [there] are not actually from the city, which shelters many subcultures and guests from around the world. This became a theme for a show—St. John’s as a sort of safe harbour, a place one can carve out a unique identity.”

Give Me Shelter displays a complex variety of artistic projects, many of which refer to history and tradition, while at the same time demonstrating the modernity of St. John’s today. The show includes artists: Nicholas Aiden, Greg Bennett, Pepa Chan, Hazel Eckert, Jose Gonzalez, Ashley Hemmings, John McDonald, Jason Penney, Emily Pittman, Daniel Rumbolt, Mimi Stockland, April White, and Olivia Wong.

Give Me Shelter has received research and logistical support from Eastern Edge Gallery, the Rooms Art Gallery, Emma Butler Gallery, and Christina Parker Gallery. The Centre would like to gratefully acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts.