Organizers are scrambling to find space for a major international art event.
The Vernon Public Art Gallery is putting out the call for exhibition space for the 2015 Okanagan Print Triennial because the current gallery isn’t large enough and a new facility has not been constructed.
“Although disappointed that we aren’t utilizing this event to open the new facility, I am confident that our community will help us pull this off and welcome the world to what Vernon has to offer,” said Dauna Kennedy Grant, VPAG executive director.
The Okanagan Print Triennial showcases printmakers from across the western hemisphere.
“We have received an unprecedented number of submissions – 179 artists from more than 26 countries have asked to participate in the triennial,” said Lubos Culen, VPAG curator. “The quality of the submissions is very high, and we expect to have as many as 1,500 pieces to choose from for the exhibit.”
The current gallery does not have sufficient room to host the event.
“Our intention when we originally started planning this back in 2009 is the international show would be the opportunity for Vernon to host the world from within the walls of the new art gallery,” said Kennedy Grant.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for our community in terms of potential tourism dollars and solidifying the Okanagan as a destination for quality arts and culture. Unfortunately that hasn’t happened and we are now faced with having to limit this exhibition drastically or seek other options. I don’t want to see this as a missed opportunity for Greater Vernon.”
VPAG is approaching local businesses for temporary gallery space downtown to host the exhibition.
“This is not an ideal solution, but we need the space, and we need the help,” said Kennedy Grant.
Satellite space will be needed from March 9 to May 22, 2015.
