The downtown Vernon arts scene is about to become an even busier hub with the opening of a new space.
Located on two floors in the same building that houses the Towne Theatre and a recently opened internet lounge, The Hub features a large ground floor exhibition/concert space on 30th Avenue, with upstairs studios for working artists in all disciplines, as well as a classroom, jam space and an eventual recording studio.
The brainchild of local actor/all-round theatre guy Matt Brown, The Hub is expected to officially open in January, 2012, however, a few events are taking place this month for people to get a taste for what’s in store.
“This is an invitation to see something that has been planted and what will be a continuation leading up to our grand opening,” said Brown. “The Hub is an arts collective, a centre to showcase almost anything that falls under the guise of art. It is coming together through collective projects whether it be painting, filmmaking, photography, drama….”
This month’s events revolve around visual art and music with a joint art exhibition by Ryan Robson and Skye Moore that will include a performance by singer-songwriter-guitarist Katlyn Corak.
“What we’re pushing with the studio is to join all forms of art, to have musicians perform while artists are painting or have cross-over classes where people can learn figurative art by using someone from a drama class to model,” said Corak.
Robson, who paints large-scale expressive figurative work from a female perspective, is a member of The Hub Arts Collective that also includes fellow studio artists Jill MacDonald, Emily Rice and Erin Foggoa.
She became interested in The Hub when Brown explained its mandate and goals to her.
“He not only talked about it, he put his words into action,” she said. “We want artists to feel comfortable to push the boundaries of their art and to encourage youth to be part of this. We will show art that is non-traditional and more conceptual and edgy.”
That will be apparent with Moore’s mixed-media acrylics, which are bright, editorial and modern in focus, with an interest in tattooing.
In addition, The Hub is working with the Caetani Cultural Centre on its upcoming Lantern Festival.
There will be a lantern making workshop at The Hub this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (A workshop is also taking place that day at the Caetani centre with James Postill.) The cost is $10 and all materials will be provided.
The Lantern Festival parade will leave from The Hub, Oct. 29 at 6 p.m. and carry on to the Caetani house on Pleasant Valley Road.
The art exhibition opening, featuring Robson, Moore and Corak, takes place Oct. 28 in the two main-floor spaces at The Hub, located in the former 30th Avenue Pawn Shop beside the Towne Theatre. The event runs from 8 to 11 p.m. and donations will be accepted at the door.
