Artists from the Sookinchoot Youth Centre are staging a play and fashion show at the Vernon Public Art Gallery Wednesday.
Winter Moon Magic and Earth Woman: A Story of Creation is being presented by Sookinchoot’s young artists, and is just another example of the talent produced from the Vernon-based group, said Dauna Kennedy Grant, VPAG executive director.
The gallery is currently hosting the exhibition Made From Memory, which features two and three-dimensional artwork and video by 12 young talents from the Sookinchoot Youth Centre.
Some of the same artists will be playing roles in the fashion show and play.
“It’s great to see the diversity and creativity of youth in Vernon,” said Kennedy Grant. “2011 is the second year we have welcomed the Sookinchoot Youth Centre in our exhibition schedule, and the group will return again in 2012.
“Attendance at the opening reception of Made from Memory and Wayne LaRiviere’s exhibition Shadow Seeker was one of the best the gallery has ever had and we look forward to a full house for this special event as well.”
LaRiviere, who is one of several art teachers and mentors at Sookinchoot, also plays a significant role in the upcoming production as choreographer and set designer.
Clara Hovan, a Grade 12 student at W.L. Seaton Secondary School and the 2011 Queen Silver Star Miss Congeniality, is one of the artists in the exhibition and fashion show. Hovan will model her work titled Earth Woman, a functional sculpture including colourful fabric, feather necklace and leather mask, as part of the production.
Current VPAG director Mollie Bono is also an organizer of the event and is a strong supporter and advocate of arts for Aboriginal youth groups in the area.
Winter Moon Magic and Earth Woman; A Story of Creation will begin at 5 p.m. at the Vernon Public Art Gallery. Tickets for the fashion show and play are available at the gallery. Adults are $10 and children are free.
Exhibitions bye LaRiviere and the Sookinchoot Youth Centre are open for viewing at the Vernon Public Art Gallery until Wednesday, Dec. 21.
For more information, visit www.vernonpublicartgallery.com or call 250-545-3173.
