The Vernon Public Art Gallery will open its annual members’ exhibition next week with a total of 76 works of art produced by 46 talented and creative artists. This is an increase in submissions from 2011, perhaps due to the new title; Exposed!.

Where: Vernon Public Art Gallery, 3228 31st Ave. Vernon BC, V1T 2H3, 250-545-3173
When: Thursday, November 8, 2012
Why: Members Exhibition “Exposed!”
Who: Vernon Public Art Gallery

“We are happy with the response from our call to artists. The new theme gave the artists the chance to indulge in something new for 2012 and we have a number of figurative drawings and paintings included in the exhibition. The quality of work is strong and we expect this exhibition to be popular and look forward to an increase in sales for our local artists!” said Dauna Kennedy Grant, Executive Director.

The annual exhibition not only provides members of the community the opportunity to exhibit their works in a public art gallery at no cost, it also provides a small source of revenue to the Gallery. Part proceeds of all art sales from Exposed! will support ongoing VPAG exhibitions and programming.

“We encourage the public to consider purchasing art as a gift this holiday season. All the artwork is original, and there is a variety of mediums and subject matters to choose from. Everything from sculpture to printmaking, in all different sizes and price ranges.” said Dauna Kennedy Grant, Executive Director.

To celebrate the accomplishments of the artists in Exposed!, the Gallery is hosting an opening reception on Thursday, November 8th, from 6-8pm. The event is open to members and guests are welcome by invitation.

Participation in the annual members’ exhibition is one of many benefits to becoming a Gallery member. In addition, members receive discounts on gift shop merchandise, events, and workshops such as the new Live Model Drawing Series which takes place at the Gallery on November 9, 23, and December 7, from 11am-1pm. Member fee is only $10, half the cost for non-members.

With the holiday season soon upon us, the Gallery will host the second annual members’ appreciation event “Get into the Spirit” on Thursday, November 29th, from 6-8pm. Sponsored by Okanagan Spirits, members and guests are invited to celebrate another memorable year at the Vernon Public Art Gallery. The event provides guests with signature drinks from Okanagan Spirits, live vocal and guitar music by Kelowna’s Harley David, 20% off purchases in the gift shop, and the chance to win fabulous door prizes. This is a ticketed event, although tickets for VPAG members are free, and guests are just $10. Tickets are available at the Gallery or by calling 250-545-3173.

Members’ Exhibition: Exposed!, November 8 – December 21, 2012
The VPAG annual members’ exhibition features a new twist; the title has been changed from Visual Vernacular to Exposed! From November 8 – December 21, the Caroline Galbraith Gallery will showcase works created by current members of the Vernon Public Art Gallery. Artists were encouraged to create new works under the ambiguous title Exposed!, of subject matters that were uncovered, revealed, divulged. Some artists chose to use raw materials, experiment with camera exposures, or simply create uninhibited. Artwork will be available for purchase, with partial proceeds supporting ongoing exhibitions and public programming at the Gallery. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, November 8, from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, offering food, refreshments, and live harp music by Holly Smith.

For more information about the members exhibition, to sign up for live model drawing sessions, or for ticket reservations to the members appreciation event, contact info@vernonpublicartgallery.com , 250-545-3173, www.vernonpublicartgallery.com

Images:

Julia Trops, The Sunbather, 2007, mixed media, 20 x 20 inches
Tina Siddiqui, Serenading the Breeze, 2012, collage on canvas, 16 x 16 inches