Vernon is about to make a mark in the art world.
The Okanagan Print Triennial runs from March 19 to May 21.
“We are so excited to launch this much anticipated exhibition with our community and we are so thankful to everyone who has contributed to making the project a huge success for our community,” said Dauna Kennedy Grant, Vernon Public Art Gallery executive director.
VPAG received close to 200 submissions by artists from more than 30 countries for the juried event. They range from intricate wood block prints to large scale digital images.
“The exhibition includes outstanding quality artwork that would not disappoint audiences in New York or Paris,” sad Kennedy Grant.
The OPT is a collaborative project of the Vernon Public Art Gallery, the Kelowna Art Gallery, and the University of B.C. Okanagan.
“Printmaking has always been a kind of hybrid medium and has constantly adapted to and embraced current technologies,” said Briar Craig, an associate professor with UBCO’s Creative and Critical Studies.
“The rapid changes that occur in all forms of media technology today have only fuelled print-making and printmakers with even more options and possibilities.”
The art gallery is urging North Okanagan residents to attend the triennial.
“This is an exhibition so big we are forced to expand outside the gallery and into a secondary satellite location at the corner of 31st Street and 31st Avenue, just a block away,” said Kennedy Grant.
There will be an opening reception March 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the gallery, with a presentation and exhibition tour starting at 6:30 p.m.
The opening reception is open to the public, offering locally crafted beer and wine, signature cocktails, and appetizers by local caterers.
Admission to the gallery, including the satellite location, is by donation.
The VPAG is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 3228 31st Ave. under the Vernon parkade. The satellite location will be open Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the corner of 31st Street and 31st Avenue.
