Port Coquitlam, BC, Jan. 17, 2020 . . . Paintings, sculpture, turned wood and mixed media are part of the lineup of 2020 art exhibitions Port Coquitlam will unveil Jan. 23 in Leigh Square.

The winter exhibit runs until the end of April and features paintings and interactive sculptures by interdisciplinary artists Pierre Leichner and Edzy Edzed at the Michael Wright Art Gallery. The Outlet Gallery will showcase intricate turned-wood objects by Desmond Wilson and Bruce Campbell, and large scale drawings of tree bark by forester-turned-artist, Janna Kumi.

The Jan. 23 opening reception takes place at the Michael Wright Art Gallery from 6 to 8 p.m., and is an opportunity for the community to meet the artists and learn firsthand about their work and creative processes.

“Showcasing a variety of artwork at our civic facilities helps to make art more accessible for our residents while supporting those who create it,” said Mayor Brad West. “Our exhibitions provide an opportunity to appreciate talent and consider different perspectives. I encourage everyone to come check them out throughout the year in the heart of our downtown.”

This year’s exciting lineup of exhibitions feature a mix of emerging and well-established artists from Port Coquitlam and Metro Vancouver. Exhibitions explore the dynamics of gravitational force, time, whimsy, imagination, abstract landscapes and natural forces.

The spring exhibition, starting at the end of April, will feature work by talented high school art students from Riverside, Terry Fox and CABE secondary schools.

A selection committee made up of arts professionals, youth and representatives from Port Coquitlam’s art community selected the artists from the more than dozen applications that were received in the fall in response to the City’s call for proposals.

“It is very inspiring to meet the artists and learn more about how and why they create the work they do,” said Cllr. Nancy McCurrach, Council’s designate for arts and culture. “I learn so much at the openings that really deepens my appreciation of the art and the value it provides our community.”

More information about art exhibitions is available at portcoquitlam.ca/exhibitions. The Michael Wright Art Gallery, located in the Gathering Place in Leigh Square, is open to the public Tuesday to Friday from 1 to 5 p.m. and Saturday 12 to 4 p.m. The Outlet Gallery, at 2248 McAllister Ave, is open Monday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

See attached backgrounder for full exhibition information. Photos available upon request.

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BACKGROUNDER: 2020 EXHIBITIONS AND ARTISTS

WINTER EXHIBITIONS – Jan. 8 – Apr. 28, 2020

Opening reception: Jan. 23: 6-8 p.m.

• FEELING THE PULL: A New Spin on Gravitational Art – Edzy Edzed and Pierre Leichner
  Explores the force of gravity through paintings and interactive sculptures. This mixed media presentation aims to engage viewers visually and physically in the experience. Michael Wright Art Gallery
• TIME AND PROCESS – Janna Kumi (starts Jan. 17)
  Explores time and process through large scale intricate drawings and paintings of tree bark (growth) and wood (decay). Using simple colour pencils and ink, Kumi makes the detail visually arresting, challenging us to see the beauty in small fragments as part of a whole. Outlet Gallery
• TURNING WOOD INTO ART – Desmond Wilson and Bruce Campbell
  Combines the artists’ interests and expertise in both art and craft through an array of functional and decorative items. Wood turning is different from most other forms of woodwork: when the bark and outer layers are removed, unexpected colour, grain and figure emerge. Outlet Gallery

SPRING EXHIBITION – Apr. 30 – June 22, 2020

Opening reception: May 7: 6-8 p.m. – Michael Wright and Outlet Galleries

• IMAGININGS III: A COLLECTION OF PORT COQUITLAM STUDENT ARTWORK
  Terry Fox, Riverside, and CABE Secondary Schools
  Highlights the breadth, depth and possibilities of ideas through work created by local art students. Ideas and possibilities are the result of imagination which is fundamental to creating, making and learning and elevates thoughts from the mundane to the fantastic.

SUMMER EXHIBITIONS – June 30, 2020 –Sept. 28, 2020

Opening reception: July 9: 6-8 p.m.

• VISIONS FROM SUBCONSCIOUS – Vladimir Kolosov
  Captures the surreal representation of personal experiences and imaginings of what could have been as paint on a canvas does a much better job at showcasing emotions and thoughts than words alone. Michael Wright Art Gallery
• A BOY’S DREAM – David Carey
  Recreates the artist’s childhood imaginings of flying machines and cartoon characters coming to life through photos. Using The Wonder Book of Aircraft by Harry Golding as his inspiration, the artist uses the original captions from the book to add humour to his original photographs. Outlet Gallery 

FALL EXHIBITIONS – Oct. 1, 2020 – Jan. 4, 2021

Opening reception: Oct. 22: 6-8 p.m.

• ON VIEW FROM A DISTANCE – Chun Ping (Claire) Huang
  Showcases a collection of architectural based landscape paintings which combine abstract and representational images in layered, painterly compositions – examines the physical and metaphorical landscape of world around us. Michael Wright Art Gallery
• WAVE IMPRINTS: CAPTURING A WAVE – Kaitlyn Beugh
  This series of mixed media work combines paper with charcoal from beach fires to create ink, which Beaugh uses in a process of capturing ocean waves. This collaboration with nature creates works that are intimate, quiet, and intended to be viewed up close. Outlet Gallery

MEDIA CONTACTS

Carrie Nimmo
Manager of Cultural Development and Community Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel: 604.927.7915
Email: nimmoc@portcoquitlam.ca