CHARLOTTE COUNTY – Two galleries are showcasing the works of local artists in exhibits, including students.
Sunbury Shores is featuring Mary Conley’s unique and rare pop-up books as well as I-Chun Jenkins’ cut, folded and woven magazine paper works until mid-June.
Both artists have developed sophisticated and artistic artwork using the medium of paper.
The exhibit ‘Time Flies! So Have Fun!’ will showcase Conley’s pop-up books. Conley has returned to her hometown of Saint Andrews after years on the west coast. She spent her career as a family doctor, teacher, abortion provider and pro-choice activist and has been recognized for her role as an exceptional teacher and activist. She has been recognized with awards of distinction, as well as a recent honorary degree from the University of New Brunswick.
Conley acknowledges her lifetime passion for the arts, and, as well as graduating from several respected art schools in Hawaii and in Canada, she trained as a calligrapher, printmaker and designer. Her wide range of artistic interests, including painting and sculpting, is remarkable especially for her colourful and amusing one-of-a-kind pop-up books.
Based in Fredericton, Jenkins is an honours graduate from the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design. She began her career in fibre arts weaving scarves and shawls using yarn she dyed in the traditional Japanese wrap dyeing technique known as IKAT, which ensures that no two creations are identical. Later, her love of nature and focus on protecting the environment led her to reuse magazines as a source for her artwork, with pages meticulously cut, sliced, weaved, crocheted or folded together in beautifully delicate artworks. Her exhibition ‘Wonder’ includes twigs and moss found in nature.
Both exhibits are on display until June 13.
The Grand Manan Art Gallery is opening its summer exhibit on June 4 at 1 p.m.
With Swallowtail Lighthouse on Grand Manan in need of new shingles, the art gallery wanted to do its part to support the fundraising efforts. Its main gallery will house ‘Love for the Light’ featuring artists from Grand Manan and beyond who have answered the call and submitted works for this project. All proceeds from any sales, including the gallery’s normal commission, will go directly to the Swallowtail Restoration Fund.
The two smaller galleries in Grand Manan will highlight the work of student artists from the Grand Manan Community School. It is a tradition at the gallery that, when possible, these younger artists are part of the gallery’s opening show.
An opening reception will feature refreshments and speeches.
The artwork will be on display until June 23 at 6 p.m.