The Vernon Public Art Gallery and the Greater Vernon Museum and Archives are inviting guests, both members and non-members of all ages, to celebrate International Museum’s Day May 18.
The gallery and museum have partnered in an event called Art and Artifacts, which highlights two main components found in museums: contemporary art and historical artifacts.
The VPAG is inviting residents and visitors as it celebrates 68 years of service to the Okanagan by opening its doors to celebrate the occasion.
“It may surprise some people to know that the gallery is in fact a museum, and events such as this can showcase what Vernon’s cultural institutions are all about,” said VPAG executive director Dauna Kennedy Grant.
“The Vernon Public Art Gallery is a member of the Canadian Museum’s Association. In this regard, we are under the same category as the Vernon museum, the (Okanagan) Science Centre or even a zoo. Our role as a public art gallery is to provide an educational institution promoting and exhibiting regional, national, and international visual arts. The gallery also collects and preserves artwork, and we are here to engage and inspire the public through all visual art form.”
Visitors to the VPAG will be able to enjoy a free tour of the current exhibitions, as well as a retrospective of nine works by the late Joan Heriot from the gallery’s permanent collection.
“The gallery will offer the opportunity for guests to produce their own screen-printed T-shirt, by donation,” said Kelly MacIntosh, VPAG marketing and programming coordinator. “And of course, every good open house offers guests free cake.”
The Greater Vernon Museum and Archives is also offering a tour of its working print shop and will also provide information on the 14-foot tower clock, which sits outside its doors and recently underwent major repairs.
Visitors can also discover what happens in the process of accessioning an artefact, while children can participate in the Apple Label Contest, with prizes for the top three submissions.
In addition, Captain Thomas Dolman Shorts, who has been lost in time but not forgotten, will have his steam engine up and running.
Both venues will offer half-price membership discounts for guests that purchase and/or renew both a VPAG and Vernon museum membership on May 18.
The Vernon Public Art Gallery is located at 3228 31st Ave. and the open house will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Greater Vernon Museum and Archives is located at 3009 32nd Ave., and will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
