The Virtual Water Gallery went live with its first in-person exhibition from May 21 to June 17, 2022, at artsPlace in Canmore (AB). Alongside pieces from the Virtual Water Gallery, winning paintings from Rockies Repeat Youth Climate Challenge were exhibited. Several events were held in tandem with the VWG exhibit, including a public opening on May 25th and a VIP grand opening on June 3rd. During the opening events, artists and water experts shared their unique experiences and perspectives on the collaboration process to co-create the pieces exhibited. Patrick Cheechoo used humour in his presentation, performing a goose call and releasing the tension from a sober display of landscape affected by climate change.
The Virtual Water Gallery partnered with the Canadian Water Resources Association (CWRA) to offer an array of art-science events and activities at the CWRA 2022 National Conference in Canmore. These events consisted of an exhibition viewing with CWRA participants on June 5th, a plein air painting event led by Virtual Water Gallery artists, a ‘Draw Me A River!’ watercolour Family Sunday workshop led by Louise Arnal, and a ‘Pour Me A River!’ Teen Art workshop led by Megan Leung at artsPlace. The Virtual Water Gallery artists attended the CWRA conference free of charge to permit unique art-science exchanges, and creatively illustrated the science presentations from the conference using their artistic perspectives. More information about these events in this CWRA Water News article (pages 22/23).
Enjoy exploring the 3D exhibition and photo gallery below!
Support & funding acknowledgement: The Virtual Water Gallery is part of the Global Water Futures program which provided financial support. Corinne Schuster-Wallace and Louise Arnal received a Connection Grant ($21,723) from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC Connection Grant # 611-2021-0301). This grant funded parts of the artists’ travels and stay in Canmore for the exhibit's grand opening, supplies for the exhibition, and social science surveys. We thank the Town of Canmore, artsPlace, GWF and the CWRA for their support in securing this funding. The artsPlace art workshops and the plein air painting activity were all funded by a University of Calgary Faculty of Arts Engagement Grant ($5,000) awarded to Tricia Stadnyk and Louise Arnal.
