Gallery Vertigo – New Faces
Gallery Vertigo is an artist run centre in Vernon that has been around now for 10 years! This is in a large part thanks to the hard work and determination of Director Judith Jurica. This January, Judith handed over the reigns to Gallery Vertigo’s new team: Heidi Maddess and Amber Powell.
From Judith Jurica:
Thank you for all the support throughout this journey. I have enjoyed getting to know so many of you and it has been my pleasure to share in your creative and professional pursuits over the years. Although my participation as your executive director has come to its conclusion, Gallery Vertigo and all it represents will always be important to me. It has been an honour to serve in this capacity. I have tried to inspire and have in turn been inspired by you.
Gallery Vertigo has existed for over ten years…and look how far we’ve come! During this time we have consistently expanded our services to artists and to the entire community in order to meet a growing need. What began as a handful of artists with the dream of establishing an artist-run centre has evolved to become an important educational facility and lively hub of creative activity that enriches the cultural life of the North Okanagan immeasurably!
If I can leave you with one thought, it would be this…Gallery Vertigo is a reflection of the community it serves and it will continue to be exactly that. Our vision and the reality that is Gallery Vertigo will remain strong only with the untiring efforts of many. Your involvement is an essential part of the success of Gallery Vertigo.
Give your full support to the gallery staff and please remember that their spirits are strong, but their hours are short! Please volunteer regularly, sit on the board, and participate in every way possible. Not only will your efforts have a lasting effect on your community, the personal rewards will be great as well.
Welcome your new staff (read about them below) and please give them your wholehearted support! These talented, energetic people have been in training for the past several months and are well-prepared to make sure the transition is a smooth one. Both Heidi and Amber have some fresh new ideas to inject into your artist-run centre. The future looks bright for Gallery Vertigo!
Cheers,
Judith
Judith Jurica
Meet Gallery Vertigo’s New Director
Heidi Maddess, visual artist, has created through her current research
hybrids of drawing, painting, printmaking and digital media. After
completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Emily Carr University of Art +
Design, in Vancouver, Canada, she established her professional
practice through exhibitions at public and private art galleries,
alternative art spaces and international artist residencies. Her work
is in public and private international collections. Heidi completed a
Masters of Fine Arts degree with honours at the San Francisco Art
Institute, in California, USA, and presently resides in Vernon.
hybrids of drawing, painting, printmaking and digital media. After
completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Emily Carr University of Art +
Design, in Vancouver, Canada, she established her professional
practice through exhibitions at public and private art galleries,
alternative art spaces and international artist residencies. Her work
is in public and private international collections. Heidi completed a
Masters of Fine Arts degree with honours at the San Francisco Art
Institute, in California, USA, and presently resides in Vernon.
Heidi teaches Fine Arts at Okanagan College and will be
joining Gallery Vertigo as Executive Director.
joining Gallery Vertigo as Executive Director.
Meet Gallery Vertigo’s New Program Coordinator
Amber Powell grew up in Winfield, BC. She studied art at Okanagan College in 1987-88,
and continued her education at the University of Victoria where she studied
printmaking and drawing. Amber graduated from University of Victoria in 1991 with a BFA,
majoring in printmaking. She went on to do commercial art and design for 10 years and
continued to produce her own work as a member of a Vancouver studio and gallery.
and continued her education at the University of Victoria where she studied
printmaking and drawing. Amber graduated from University of Victoria in 1991 with a BFA,
majoring in printmaking. She went on to do commercial art and design for 10 years and
continued to produce her own work as a member of a Vancouver studio and gallery.
After returning to the Okanagan in the year 2000, Amber became a founding member of
Gallery Vertigo, where she continues to be a studio artist. She will be serving as Gallery Vertigo’s Program Coordinator.
Gallery Vertigo, where she continues to be a studio artist. She will be serving as Gallery Vertigo’s Program Coordinator.
