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<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">For Immediate Release
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Environmental art movement showcased through nine artists’ work<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black">Her Land: Perspectives in Eco-Art<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black">February 8 to May 11, 2025<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black">Kelowna Art Gallery<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black">Annie Briard, Sherri Chaba, Dana Claxton,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black">Csetkwe Fortier, Joice M. Hall, Gwen MacGregor,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black">Monique Martin, Tara Nicholson, Lyndal Osborne<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><i><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><a name="_Hlk178692282"><b><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">February 5, 2025 – Kelowna, BC:
</span></b></a><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk178692282"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">In recent years, some activists have resorted to targeting famous artworks like the
<i>Mona Lisa</i> or Vincent Van Gogh’s <i>Sunflowers</i> to draw attention to an environmental message. However, the nine artists featured in
<i>Her Land: Perspectives in Eco-Art</i> have taken a different tack — their artworks speak for themselves. Through their work, they stimulate thought-provoking conversations and challenge audiences to consider the urgency of environmental issues and human
relationships with the land. The exhibition runs from February 8 to May 11, 2025, at the Kelowna Art Gallery.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk178692282"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk178692282"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">“The exhibition emphasizes the powerful role of women in shaping the narrative of Eco-Art and highlights their ability to propose
transformative futures grounded in thoughtful stewardship of the earth,” says <b>
Christine May</b>, Curator at the Kelowna Art Gallery. “Each artist brings a unique voice to the conversation and is using their creative practice to challenge, inspire, and envision a more sustainable and inclusive world.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk178692282"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk178692282"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Through ephemeral and site-specific art installations, audiences will explore works created by
<b>Annie Briard</b>, <b>Sherri Chaba</b>, <b>Dana Claxton</b>, <b>Csetkwe Fortier</b>,
<b>Joice M. Hall</b>, <b>Gwen MacGregor</b>, <b>Monique Martin</b>, <b>Tara Nicholson</b>, and
<b>Lyndal Osborne</b>. Although similar themes emerge, such as ecological sustainability, Indigenous land rights, and the intersectionality of environmental justice, the ways that visitors can experience the response to these issues differ greatly from artist
to artist.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk178692282"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk178692282"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">For example, Vancouver-based artist
<b>Annie Briard</b>’s </span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk178692282"><i><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Infinite Retreat</span></i></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk178692282"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">
</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk178692282"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">invites viewers to navigate towering, 12-foot-tall sculptures that merge photography and installation, creating an immersive experience
that challenges the way we perceive reality. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk178692282"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk178692282"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Saskatoon-based artist
<b>Monique Martin</b>’s <i>Breathturn</i> is an expansive installation that encourages viewers to remove their footwear before stepping onto five massive silkscreened and hand drawn floorcloths, which lie beneath tree branches suspended above that contain more
than 12,000 silkscreened butterflies.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk178692282"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><br>
Paintings from the series </span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk178692282"><i><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Firestorm</span></i></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk178692282"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">
by West Kelowna-based artist <b>Joice M. Hall</b> may bring back memories that still feel recent. Although these meticulous oil paintings depict the
</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk178692282"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Okanagan Mountain Park Fire (2003), they echo the wildfires that impacted our city and its residents in 2023. Hall’s beautiful and haunting
works capture both the devastating impact of the fire and its aftermath.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk178692282"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk178692282"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Vancouver-based
<b>Dana Claxton</b> is a critically acclaimed artist who works with film, video, photography, single/multi-channel video installation, and performance art.
<i>Dirt Worshipper </i>is a powerful work that merges recorded performance with installation. The title, once a derogatory term coined in the late 1800s, is reappropriated by Claxton, transforming it from a symbol of marginalization into one of empowerment.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk178692282"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk178692282"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Penticton-based artist and ecological activist
<b>Tara Nicholson </b>explores the climate crisis through the lens of “frozen life.” Viewers will be able to walk into an imitation permafrost freezer which has been constructed in the space where they can view photographs of seed banks and permafrost samples.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk178692282"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk178692282"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Through their work,
<i>Her Land</i>:<i> Perspectives in Eco-Art</i> invites us to reconsider our place within the natural world and our responsibility to protect it for future generations.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk178692282"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk178692282"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">An
<b>Opening Reception</b> will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025, from 6 to 8 pm at the Kelowna Art Gallery. This event is free to attend.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk178692282"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk178692282"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">An
<b>Exhibition Tour with the Artists</b> will take place on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 10 am, at the Kelowna Art Gallery. It is included with the cost of admission (free for Members).<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk178692282"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk178692282"><i><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Her Land: Perspectives in Eco-Art</span></i></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk178692282"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">
runs from February 8 to May 11, 2025. It is curated by Christine May.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk178692282"></span>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><a name="_Hlk178692304"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk178692304"></span>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">The Kelowna Art Gallery is located at 1315 Water Street in the heart of Kelowna’s Culture District. For more information visit kelownaartgallery.com or call 250-762-2226.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">- 30 –<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><u><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Image Credits</span></u><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Annie Briard, <i>Through Walls of Gold</i>, 2024, inkjet print on silk. Courtesy of the artist.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Dana Claxton,
<i>Dirt Worshipper</i>, 2015, ink on fabric. Courtesy of the artist.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Gwen MacGregor,
<i>Treelines - #13</i> (detail), 2024,</span> <span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">
photograph mounted on plexiglass. Courtesy of the artist.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Tara Nicholson,
<i>Permafrost Freezer Samples, Research Center, Whitehorse, Yukon,</i> 2024, archival inkjet print. Courtesy of the artist<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Monique Martin,
<i>Breathturn, </i>2024, silkscreen installation. Photo courtesy of the artist.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Photograph of artist Monique Martin working on a floorcloth for
<i>Breathturn, </i>2024.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><u><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Resources</span></u><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"> Many of the Artists will be at the Kelowna Art Gallery and available for interviews February 5-8<sup>th</sup>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Exhibition Webpage:
<a href="https://kelownaartgallery.com/her-land-perspectives-in-eco-art/">https://kelownaartgallery.com/her-land-perspectives-in-eco-art/</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Instagram:
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/kelownaartgallery">https://www.instagram.com/kelownaartgallery</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><u><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">About the Kelowna Art Gallery <o:p></o:p></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><u><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p><span style="text-decoration:none"> </span></o:p></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">The Kelowna Art Gallery engages, inspires, and enriches the community it serves through the exhibition, collection, and interpretation of visual art. Work by Canadian
artists, both historical and contemporary, are presented in five distinct exhibition spaces. The Kelowna Art Gallery is invested in the idea that art helps to bring people together; and that life is simply better with art in it. Programs for people of all
ages and backgrounds help to instill confidence in ones’ creativity and to foster meaningful dialogue on matters important to Canadians.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><u><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">For additional high-res images, or to arrange an interview please contact:<o:p></o:p></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Joshua Desnoyers (he/him)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Marketing and Events Coordinator<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Kelowna Art Gallery<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">1315 Water Street, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9R3<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">250-762-2226 ext. 305<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="mailto:josh@kelownaartgallery.com">josh@kelownaartgallery.com</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="http://www.kelownaartgallery.com">www.kelownaartgallery.com</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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