CANMORE – Bringing together a selection of the Bow Valley’s most notable three-dimensional artists, the Canmore Art Guild's Off the Wall exhibition is celebrating it's 15th anniversary this month.
The show was founded by curator Priscilla Janes, who will be showcasing a selection of her work at this year's exhibition at the guild's gallery in Elevation Place.
It is always a surprise to see what everybody brings to the show, Janes said. She added that every year is different and features some of the best three-dimensional art in the Bow Valley.
“I never know what to expect,” Janes said. “It’s like Christmas opening up everybody’s boxes and seeing what they’ve created over the past year.”
Off the Wall originally featured three local artists when it launched in 2003, but expanded in 2005 opening up to all Canmore Art Guild (CAG) members.
Janes said she launched Off the Wall because the CAG Gallery traditionally only showcases two dimensional art. She wanted to celebrate three-dimensional art using an exhibit dedicated solely to that artistic endeavour.
“We felt too selfish to carry on as three people,” Janes laughed. “We realized who else could exhibit.”
She said she gets excited about the exhibit each year, adding that she is already planning for the 2020 show.
Off the Wall has included various artists throughout the years by connecting with new artists who arrive in the valley, or unearthing hidden talents through mutual connections.
“It’s changed just in the fact that people are changing their art practices themselves – things evolve,” Janes said. “The show is always a surprise.”
Co-curator Kari Woo said it has been a thrill helping Janes bring together this year’s exhibit.
“It’s unconventional and three-dimensional works from Bow Valley artists,” said Woo, who will have her interactive art installation “Prayer Beads” on display at the show
The annual exhibit is a special experience, Woo said, because it is the only one in the CAG Gallery that is dedicated to solely three-dimensional works.
She added it is always inspiring creating the Off The Wall exhibit because she gets to see first-hand the new ideas that are being embraced and pushed by her fellow artists while providing a deeper understanding of the thriving arts community in Canmore.
“I’m always amazed at the eclectic group of work that comes in,” Woo said. “I feel like it helps me to know and understand our arts community better.
"It inspires me to experiment and go in new directions.”
The pieces are especially incredible, Janes added, because many of the artists have full-time jobs and still find the time to craft amazing pieces of beauty.
The three-dimensional showcase is especially exciting because it a one time a year event. Woo added that in Canmore this is one of, if not the only, opportunity to celebrate three-dimensional art as one exhibit.
While some of the artists have their work shown in public galleries, or in their personal studios, for some of the contributors, Woo said, it is the only chance to see certain artist's works.
“This exhibition is not limited to professional artists,” she said. “There’s no limit to the scope of people practices here – it could be a hobby.”
The exhibition features the work of 20 Bow Valley artists and includes, sculpture, ceramics, paper art, wood running, fabric art installation art, fine furniture, jewelry and stained and fused glass.
New exhibitor and CAG member Lynne Kemshead said she is excited to be part of this year's Off the Wall exhibit.
Kemshead assisted Janes in helping set up the show and will have five works on display.
“I’m really quite in awe of the quality of work,” she said. “For a small community, the level of expertise of craft and pure art is amazing.”
Kemshead is new to the Bow Valley and moved to the area after working as a full-time art teacher for 31 years.
“I would love to be able to bring my students to this show,” Kemshead exclaimed.
Off the Wall Three Dimensional works by Bow Valley Artists will be at the CAG Gallery, Elevation Place until Nov. 26. The gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
