<div dir="ltr"><span id="gmail-docs-internal-guid-6bf43704-7fff-bd9a-8448-ea64d2f18619"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"></p><div style="text-align:center"><font size="4"><b>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 8th, 2024 Lake Country</b></font></div><div style="text-align:center"><font size="4"><b><br></b></font></div><div style="text-align:center"><font size="4"><b>Bats in the Belfry: the Origins of Bat Sh#t Crazy</b></font></div><div style="text-align:center"><font size="4"><b><br></b></font></div><div style="text-align:center"><font size="4"><b>Jen Dyck and Steve Mennie</b></font></div><div style="text-align:center"><font size="4"><b><br></b></font></div><div style="text-align:center"><font size="4"><b>January 13 to March10</b></font></div><div style="text-align:center"><font size="4"><b><br></b></font></div><div style="text-align:center"><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif"><b><br></b></font></div><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-size:12px;line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><font face="arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Lake Coun</span><span style="font-size:11pt">try Art Gallery</span></font></p><div><p dir="ltr" style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-size:12px;line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline"><font face="arial, sans-serif">10356A Bottom Wood Lake Rd</font></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-size:12px;line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><a href="https://www.lakecountryartgallery.ca/" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line:none"><span style="font-size:11pt;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;text-decoration-line:underline;vertical-align:baseline"><font face="arial, sans-serif">lakecountryartgallery.ca </font></span></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-size:12px;line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><a href="mailto:lakecountryartgallery@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line:none"><span style="font-size:11pt;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;text-decoration-line:underline;vertical-align:baseline"><font face="arial, sans-serif">lakecountryartgallery@gmail.com</font></span></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-size:12px;line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline"><font face="arial, sans-serif">tel: 250-766-1299</font></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-size:12px;line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline"><font face="arial, sans-serif">Gallery Hours:</font></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-size:12px;line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline"><font face="arial, sans-serif">Tuesday to Sunday </font></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-size:12px;line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline"><font face="arial, sans-serif">9am to 3pm</font></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-size:12px;line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline"><font face="arial, sans-serif"><br></font></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-size:12px;line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline"><font face="arial, sans-serif">

</font></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;color:rgb(14,16,26);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline"><font face="arial, sans-serif">Lake Country Art Gallery Unveils its first Exhibition of 2024 with Artists Jen Dyck and Steve Mennie.</font></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-size:12px;line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline"><span id="gmail-docs-internal-guid-8dfc6fba-7fff-89a6-2477-17116b263a9a"><font face="arial, sans-serif"><br></font></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;color:rgb(14,16,26);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline"><font face="arial, sans-serif">The Lake Country Art Gallery is thrilled to announce its first exhibition of the year, "Bats in the Belfry: the Origins of Bat Shit Crazy," featuring the artwork of accomplished artists Jen Dyck and Steve Mennie. This exhibition, encompassing painting, drawing, and collage, promises to take visitors on a thought-provoking journey exploring various themes and observations reflective of our contemporary times.</font></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-size:12px;line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline"><font face="arial, sans-serif"><br></font></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;color:rgb(14,16,26);background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline"><font face="arial, sans-serif">Exhibition Details:</font></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-size:12px;line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline"><font face="arial, sans-serif"><br></font></span></p><ul style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type:disc;font-size:12pt;color:rgb(14,16,26);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;padding-left:7pt"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt" role="presentation"><font face="arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Exhibition Title:</span><span style="font-size:12pt;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline"> Bats in the Belfry: the Origins of Bat Shit Crazy</span></font></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type:disc;font-size:12pt;color:rgb(14,16,26);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;padding-left:7pt"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt" role="presentation"><font face="arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Artists:</span><span style="font-size:12pt;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline"> Jen Dyck and Steve Mennie</span></font></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type:disc;font-size:12pt;color:rgb(14,16,26);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;padding-left:7pt"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt" role="presentation"><font face="arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Dates:</span><span style="font-size:12pt;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline"> January 13 to March 10, 2024</span></font></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type:disc;font-size:12pt;color:rgb(14,16,26);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;padding-left:7pt"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt" role="presentation"><font face="arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Opening Reception:</span><span style="font-size:12pt;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline"> Saturday, January 13, 2024], from 1 to 3 pm</span></font></p></li></ul><p dir="ltr" style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-size:12px;line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline"><font face="arial, sans-serif"><br><br></font></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;color:rgb(14,16,26);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline"><font face="arial, sans-serif">Combining Dyck and Mennie unveils a unique perspective on the world. Dyck, known for her collage works, and Mennie, recognized for his drawings and paintings, present an exhibition that delves into the intricacies of contemporary existence.</font></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-size:12px;line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline"><font face="arial, sans-serif"><br></font></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;color:rgb(14,16,26);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline"><font face="arial, sans-serif">The Lake Country Art Gallery invites artists, art enthusiasts, the curious, and the extended community to join us for the Opening Reception on Saturday, January 13, from 1 to 3 pm. Opening receptions will allow attendees to meet the artists, engage in conversations, and gain a deeper understanding of the exhibition.</font></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;color:rgb(14,16,26);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline"><font face="arial, sans-serif">Don't miss the chance to see "Bats in the Belfry: the Origins of Bat Shit Crazy." The exhibition will run from January 13 to March 10. </font></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-size:12px;line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline"><font face="arial, sans-serif"><br></font></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;color:rgb(14,16,26);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline"><font face="arial, sans-serif">For more information, please contact the Lake Country Art Gallery at 250 766 1299 or visit the gallery website <a href="https://www.lakecountryartgallery.ca">https://www.lakecountryartgallery.ca</a>.</font></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-size:12px;line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline"><font face="arial, sans-serif"><br></font></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;color:rgb(14,16,26);background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline"><font face="arial, sans-serif">PHOTO NOTES:</font></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-size:12px;line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline"><font face="arial, sans-serif"><br></font></span></p><ol style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type:decimal;font-size:12pt;color:rgb(14,16,26);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt" role="presentation"><span style="font-size:12pt;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline"><font face="arial, sans-serif">Artists Jen Dyck and Steve Mennie delivering their artwork to the Lake Country Art Gallery</font></span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type:decimal;font-size:12pt;color:rgb(14,16,26);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt" role="presentation"><span style="font-size:12pt;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline"><font face="arial, sans-serif">Artists Jen Dyck, Steve Mennie and LC Art Gallery Curator Wanda Lock</font></span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type:decimal;font-size:12pt;color:rgb(14,16,26);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt" role="presentation"><span style="font-size:12pt;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline"><font face="arial, sans-serif">Artist Steve Mennie with LC Art Gallery Curator Wanda Lock</font></span></p></li></ol><p dir="ltr" style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-size:12px;line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline"><font face="arial, sans-serif"><br></font></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;color:rgb(14,16,26);background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline"><font face="arial, sans-serif"><br></font></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;color:rgb(14,16,26);background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline"><font face="arial, sans-serif">About Lake Country Art Gallery:</font></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;color:rgb(14,16,26);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline"><font face="arial, sans-serif">The Lake Country Art Gallery is a vibrant art space committed to showcasing thought-provoking contemporary art. The gallery serves as a platform for established and emerging artists, fostering a cultural exchange within the community.</font></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-size:12px;line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline"><font face="arial, sans-serif"><br><br></font></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;text-align:center;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><font face="arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Media Contact:</span><span style="font-size:12pt;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline"> Wanda Lock - curator email: <a href="mailto:wandalock@lakecountryartgallery.ca">wandalock@lakecountryartgallery.ca</a></span></font></p></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"></p><div style="text-align:center"><br></div><p></p></span><br class="gmail-Apple-interchange-newline"><div><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_signature" data-smartmail="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr"><div style="color:rgb(34,34,34)">attached files: 3 x photographs, 2 x posters, 1 x press release pdf</div><div style="color:rgb(34,34,34)"><br></div><div style="color:rgb(34,34,34)"><a href="http://www.lakecountryartgallery.ca/" style="color:rgb(17,85,204)" target="_blank">www.lakecountryartgallery.ca</a></div><div style="color:rgb(34,34,34)"><br></div><div><div><span style="color:rgb(136,136,136)">Petrina McNeill - </span><font color="#741b47"><i>Executive Director</i></font></div><div>m. 250-899-2805<font color="#741b47"><i><br></i></font></div><div style="color:rgb(136,136,136)"><font face="arial, sans-serif"><b>Lake Country Art Gallery</b></font></div><div style="color:rgb(136,136,136)"><font face="arial, sans-serif"><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/9ZBXw" style="color:rgb(17,85,204);font-size:13px;text-align:justify" target="_blank"><font color="#000000">10356A Bottom Wood Lake Rd, Lake Country</font></a><br></font></div><div style="color:rgb(136,136,136)">Open 6 days per week Tuesday to Sunday 9am - 3pm</div><div style="color:rgb(136,136,136)"><font face="arial, sans-serif" color="#741b47"><b><span style="font-size:13px;text-align:justify">250-766-1299</span></b></font></div><div style="color:rgb(136,136,136)"><font face="arial, sans-serif"><span style="color:rgb(63,63,63);font-size:13px;text-align:justify"><br></span></font></div><div style="color:rgb(136,136,136)"><span style="color:rgb(32,31,30);font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;font-size:13.3333px"><i>We respectfully acknowledge that the Lake Country Art Gallery and Art House are located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Syilx/Okanagan people</i></span></div><div style="color:rgb(34,34,34)"><span style="color:rgb(32,31,30);font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;font-size:13.3333px"><i><br></i></span></div></div></div></div></div></div>