The Reach Gallery Museum unveils a unique collection of local and regional visual art in the first Fraser Valley Biennale.
The new juried exhibition opening on June 16 features 26 artists who explore a variety of mediums including painting, drawing, installation, photography, sculpture, printmaking, video, film, and applied arts and crafts. The show is presented in collaboration with the Abbotsford, Mission, Maple Ridge and Langley arts councils.
“It’s going to be a real exciting mix and blend of visual art practices and different levels of experience,” said curator Scott Marsden. “We’re here to expose artists, present them to the public and present their work to each other because all of these artists work in isolation. I’m hoping this Biennale will be a catalyst to bring people together.”
On June 18, The Reach will host the Biennale Arts & Cultural Fair from 1-5 p.m. in Civic Plaza.
The Reach presents three other new exhibitions this summer as well.
The Tree: From Sublime to the Social, organized and circulated by the Vancouver Art Gallery, explores the tree’s significance in art spanning time, culture and media. The exhibit reveals a variety of different aesthetics and perspectives from some of British Columbia’s most well-known artists, including Emily Carr’s interpretations of West Coast forests and Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun’s politically charged works that explore environmental devastation. Vancouver Art Gallery assistant curator Emmy Lee will lead a guided tour on June 23 at 7 p.m.
Field 103W acknowledges the importance of memory, recognition, connection and reflection in the creation of art. Janet Bright’s paintings express the imprecision, fuzziness and gaps of memory through the use of paint drippings, scrapings and intentional undetailed brushwork. An artist talk will be held on June 30 at 7:30 p.m.
Our Communities Our Stories: You Look Marvelous! showcases women’s garments and accessories from the permanent collection.
The free exhibitions open on June 16 with a reception, including wine and hors d’oeuvres, from 7 to 9 p.m. Artwork will remain on display until Oct. 9.
For more information, contact The Reach at 604-864-8087 x111, email info@thereach.ca or visit www.thereach.ca.