By Staff Writer – Vernon Morning Star

The Vernon Public Art Gallery is expanding its public programming for both artists and those wishing to explore their inner artist.

The sunny weather not only brings tourists to the gallery, but it also inspires art enthusiasts to learn a new medium, art practice or be inspired by other local, national and international artists, said VPAG executive director Dauna Kennedy Grant.

“The gallery would like to invite new participants to take part in our spring/summer programming and workshops. You don’t have to be an artist to take part, you just have to have the interest to learn,” she said.

One of the summer workshops the gallery is offering is on outdoor painting (en plein air) at various locations around the area.

“Instructor Marlene McPherson is a skilled landscape artist who is excited to share her knowledge and expertise as well as her artwork in the upcoming VPAG exhibition titled Okanagan Dream Series,” said Kennedy Grant. “The Okanagan scenery is something many artists use in their practice and what a better way to learn how to paint landscapes than in our own backyard.”

The VPAG is also offering one-day workshops, film screenings, peer critique sessions, curator tours and presentations over the summer season.

The following are some of the programs being offered:

Kelowna-based artist and teacher Amy Burkard will introduce techniques to further your thinking about felt-making  and expand on previous workshops taught at the VPAG to expose more of the limitless potential of this unique art form.

The workshop is open to all levels and pre-registration is required. Call the gallery at 250-545-3173 to register and for  costs.

Burkard will also provide an artist talk at 1 p.m. Saturday on her current exhibition at the VPAG titled Cozy, on display to July 26.

–– June 13, July 11, Aug. 8, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., learn to paint in natural light like the Impressionists at this series of outdoor summer painting workshops at various locations in Vernon.

Lake Country artist and instructor Marlene McPherson will guide participants through the process of painting Okanagan scenery. A special celebration of works will be presented on Aug. 8, the last of the three sessions, along with an artist talk by McPherson in conjunction with her exhibition at the VPAG.

A supply list will be provided, and participants are welcome to choose their own paint medium.   Pre-registration is required. Call the gallery for info and costs.

–– June 26, 6 to 8 p.m., the gallery will stay open late for a special screening of Pollock, a film about the legendary American modernist painter and major figure in the abstract expressionist movement, Jackson Pollock.

During his lifetime, Pollock enjoyed considerable fame and notoriety, but was regarded as a mostly reclusive artist. He had a volatile personality, and struggled with alcoholism for most of his life. In 1945, he married the artist Lee Krasner, who became an important influence on his career and on his legacy.

The film reveals the highs and lows of Pollock’s career and lifestyle in New York in the 1940s, in an entertaining and exciting portrayal by a stellar cast. Admission is by donation.

–– June 27 at 6 p.m., Vernon Camera Club member, photographer, and special guest Vivian Merchant offers a special presentation on interesting topics in the realm of photographic arts, such as “when does a photograph become a work of art?” or “is photography dead or more alive than ever in the age of digital imagery?” Join in the discussion on these hot topics and more.

Suggested donation for this drop-in session is $5.