January in Bruce County may be cold and grey outside but inside at the Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre, the gallery is alive with vibrant colours and textures with the new exhibit, ‘Renewal’.
More than 100 people attended the opening reception on January 10th to take in the exhibit that features 33 pieces chosen from 200 for the juried show by Studio Art Quilt Associates, Inc. (SAQA).
For larger view, click on image
Studio Art Quilt Associates, Inc. (SAQA) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote the art quilt. Over the past 35 years, SAQA has grown into a dynamic and active community of over 4,000 artists, curators, collectors, and art professionals located around the world.
‘Renewal’ explores the hopes and challenges that people experience through tactile works, intimate scale, and innovative techniques and materials that immerses visitors in a vibrant experience of colour, texture and style.
A feature of the exhibit is the ‘Touch Me’ table where samples of the works are laid out to encourage visitors to touch and pick up the fabrics that are used in the various art works.
At the exhibit opening on Saturday, January 10th, Bruce County Warden and Saugeen Shores Mayor Luke Charbonneau said that “… this beautiful exhibit brings together 33 exceptional pieces of textile art that are so bright and colourful, particularly in January one of our more dreary months in Bruce County. What makes this exhibit so interesting is the diversity and perspectives represented by the individual artists and their visions of what renewal means to them, and each piece makes us think about renewal through a different lens. In times of change and uncertainty, the theme of renewal resonates. Whether we are thinking about renewing our communities, our environment, our relationships or ourselves, these works are inspirational and an opportunity for reflection. I also want to thank the staff and volunteers who make this facility (Museum) the gem that it is in our County of Bruce and our community of Saugeen Shores.”
“We are thrilled to be able to host this incredible exhibit,” said Museum Executive Director, Cathy McGirr. “These works are a testimony to the creativity of the artists of SAQA and, from January to March, the Museum will also be hosting three guided tours of the exhibition with SAQA artists leading participants through the gallery, sharing insider perspectives on materials, techniques and creative inspiration.”
Museum members can attend the guided tours free of charge.
Related to the exhibit, an artist talk led by the co-chair of the SAQA Canadian Regional Exhibition Committee will also be held on Thursday, January 22nd, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., both in person and virtually, providing insight into the vision and artistry behind the exhibition. Artists Terry Aske, Helena Sheffer and Kit Vincent will join virtually to discuss their creative processes, materials and innovative techniques.
For more details on Renewal and related programming, visit brucemuseum.ca.
