Category: Oxygen Art Centre

   Join us at Oxygen Art Centre for the second “The Big Draw” event on Sunday, October 20th

Events:

1. Sunday, September 29, 2019 from 11:00am-4:00pm
2. Sunday, October 20, 2019 from 11:00am-4:00pm
3. Sunday, November 17 from 11:00am-4:00pm

 
Oxygen Art Centre transforms the gallery into a community open studio over three Sundays this Fall. This all-ages three-part series of collaborative drawing workshops is in connection with the world-wide event known as “The Big Draw.”
 
Facilitated by Oxygen Art Centre member and artist Anita Levesque, “The Big Draw” theme for 2019 is #DrawnToLife and explores the healing and unifying impact of mark making and drawing.
 
These family friendly drop-in art making sessions run from 11:00am to 4:00pm over three Sundays through the Fall. Each session will focus on a different theme. Events are free or by donation. Open to everyone, whatever age or experience.
 
The second session will be held on Sunday, October 20, 2019 from 11:00am-4:00pm. The theme for this session is “Self portraits.” Self-portraits have a long tradition in art history and visual culture. The second session in Oxygen Art Centre’s “The Big Draw” event series celebrates the unique and beautiful qualities of the human portrait and processes of documenting the self. Join us in our drawing lab to participate in observational drawings utilizing mirrors and microscopes, bling contour drawing, full body tracings, silhouettes, musical chairs, exquisite corpse, and the great fun of drawing while in motion.
 
Oxygen Art Centre is committed to ensuring all exhibitions, programs, and events are accessible to visitors. Our facilities are wheelchair accessible and equipped with one accessible washroom. Please contact Oxygen if you have any questions or concerns about this event.
 
“The Big Draw” is generously supported by Osprey Community Foundation, BC Lions Club, and Nelson and District Credit Union.
 
Press Contact:
Julia Prudhomme
Executive Director
Oxygen Art Centre
info@oxygenartcentre.org
250.352.6322
—
 

PUBLIC READING, WORKSHOP OCT. 23 AND 24 LAUNCHES 2019-2020 AUTHOR READING SERIES AT NELSON, B.C.’s OXYGEN ART CENTRE

            Much-honored B.C. author Kristjana Gunnars and Selkirk College creative writing instructor Leesa Dean will read from their works on Wed., Oct. 23 to inaugurate the 2019-2020 author reading series at Nelson, B.C.’s Oxygen Art Centre.

            The reading begins at 7:30 p.m. Oxygen, at 320 Vernon St. (alley entrance), the city’s only artist-run centre. Admission to the reading is free ($5 donation appreciated) and the event is open to the public.

            Icelandic-born Gunnars is a writer and painter from White Rock, B.C., whose books have twice been nominated for the Governor General’s Literary Award. Her novel, The Prowler (1989), was nominated in the fiction category, and a memoir about her father’s death, Zero Hour (1991), in the nonfiction category. She has also published collections of short fiction, cross-genre prose, translations, and essays. Her most recent publication is a book of poems, At Home in the Mountains, from Toronto’s Junction Press earlier this year.

            Gunnars also maintains an art practice, showing her work in Vancouver area galleries.

            Slocan Valley-based Leesa Dean’s collection of short fiction, Waiting for the Cyclone (2016), was nominated for the 2017 Trillium and ReLit Awards. She has also published poetry, non-fiction and interviews.

            The evening of Thursday, Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m. Gunnars will present a workshop at Oxygen entitled “The Four Parts of Writing: Why They Matter Equally.” Her workshop will explore how creating with words involves inspiration, interactions with self and community, the physical act of writing, and the world of editing and publishing.

            “Many writers,” Gunnars said, “make the mistake of neglecting one or more of these areas. As we explore these, I want to do so interactively and have everyone in the workshop contribute to the formation of as comprehensive a view of writing as possible.”

            Cost of the workshop is $10.

            The October reading and workshop is the first of four author presentations at Oxygen during fall 2019 and spring 2020. “We call the series ‘Home and Away,’” said Oxygen Art Centre Executive Director Julia Prudhomme.

             “Three of the four events pair a local author with a B.C. writer from elsewhere.” Prudhomme said. “Oxygen has a long tradition of promoting home-grown artistic talent while simultaneously bringing to the West Kootenay artists who can inspire local practitioners of the art form while broadening our local audiences’ knowledge of and appreciation for the arts.”

            The second event of Oxygen’s 2019-2020 reading series will feature two Nelson writers on Nov. 13, launching a new novel and reading by Ernest Hekkanen, and a reading by novelist and poetry slam host Josh Massey. The series is supported in part by the B.C. Arts Council and the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance, and co-sponsored by Nelson’s Elephant Mountain Literary Festival.

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Press Contact:

Julia Prudhomme

Executive Director

Oxygen Art Centre

info@oxygenartcentre.org

250.352.6322

CUTLINES: Kristjana Gunnars; Leesa Dean

MEDIA RELEASE: Closing Dinner for “Nostalgic Geography” exhibition at Oxygen Art Centre

 
 
Date:               Friday, September 27, 2019
Time:              5:30 PM
Location:        Oxygen Art Centre, #3-320 Vernon St. (alley entrance), Nelson, BC
 
Join us for the Closing Dinner of local artists prOphecy sun and Darren Fleet’s exhibition, “Nostalgic Geography: Mama and Papa have Trains, Orchards and Mountains in their Backyard” at Oxygen Art Centre.
 
The Closing Dinner celebrates the exhibition, and the support and collaboration that took place throughout the creation of the video and sound installation. The artists wish to invite the community to a shared meal in the gallery as a way to thank the many players that made this work possible, as well as to extend a seat at the table to others.
 
The dinner will be held in the gallery among the installation. Prepared by the artists, the meal will be vegan, vegetarian, and sensitive to dietary restrictions. This event is by donation, everyone are welcome to attend.
 
Press Contact:
Julia Prudhomme
Executive Director
Oxygen Art Centre
info@oxygenartcentre.org
250.352.6322
 
 
—
Julia Prudhomme
Executive Director / oxygen art centre
info@oxygenartcentre.org
www.oxygenartcentre.org
#3 – 320 Vernon St. Alley Entrance.
Nelson, British Columbia
(1) 250-352-6322

MEDIA RELEASE: Oxygen presents “The Big Draw,” a series of open, free drawing sessions for the community
Oxygen_PostCard-BigDraw
 
Events:

1. Sunday, September 29, 2019 from 11:00am-4:00pm
2. Sunday, October 20, 2019 from 11:00am-4:00pm
3. Sunday, November 17 from 11:00am-4:00pm

 
Oxygen Art Centre transforms the gallery into a community open studio over three Sundays this Fall. This all-ages three-part series of collaborative drawing workshops is in connection with the world-wide event known as “The Big Draw.”
 
Facilitated by Oxygen Art Centre member and artist Anita Levesque, “The Big Draw” theme for 2019 is #DrawnToLife and explores the healing and unifying impact of mark making and drawing.
 
These family friendly drop-in art making sessions run from 11:00am to 4:00pm over three Sundays through the Fall. Each session will focus on a different theme. Events are free or by donation. Open to everyone, whatever age or experience.
 
The first session will be held on Sunday, September 29, 2019 from 11:00am-4:00pm. The theme for this session is “The healing power of nature.” Nature has the power to calm and still the mind. To draw means to slow down, look meaningfully, and with curiosity. It is the difference between a long-held gaze versus a quick glance. Join us at Oxygen Art Centre to take part in this first drawing lab, providing opportunities to study, observe, and experience nature through observational drawing stations, rubbings, tracings, and drawing to audio landscapes.
 
Oxygen Art Centre is committed to ensuring all exhibitions, programs, and events are accessible to visitors. Our facilities are wheelchair accessible and equipped with one accessible washroom. Please contact Oxygen if you have any questions or concerns about this event.
 
“The Big Draw” is generously supported by Osprey Community Foundation, BC Lions Club, and Nelson and District Credit Union.
 
 
 
—
Julia Prudhomme
Executive Director / oxygen art centre
info@oxygenartcentre.org
www.oxygenartcentre.org
#3 – 320 Vernon St. Alley Entrance.
Nelson, British Columbia
(1) 250-352-6322
 

FOR   IMMEDIATE   RELEASE: Esker Foundation’s Director/Curator Naomi Potter presents free, public talk and workshop at Oxygen Art Centre

 

Upcoming Events: Fall Semester, Dinner, and Talks at Oxygen ArtCentre

Closing Dinner for prOphecy sun and Darren Fleet’s exhibition Nostalgic Geography at Oxygen Art Centre
Date:               Friday, September 27, 2019
Time:              5:30 PM
Location:        Oxygen Art Centre, #3-320 Vernon St. (alley entrance)
 
Join us for the Closing Dinner of local artists prOphecy sun and Darren Fleet’s exhibition, “Nostalgic Geography: Mama and Papa have Trains, Orchards and Mountains in their Backyard” at Oxygen Art Centre.
 
The Closing Dinner celebrates the exhibition and the support and collaboration that took place throughout the creation of the video and sound installation. The artists wish to invite the community to a shared meal in the gallery as a way to thank the many players that made this work possible, as well as to extend a seat at the table to others.
 
The dinner will be held in the gallery among the installation. Prepared by the artists, the meal will be vegan, vegetarian, and sensitive to dietary restrictions. This event is by donation, everyone is welcome to attend.

The Big Draw — Oxygen Community Open Studio
3 sessions: Sept. 29, Oct. 20, Nov. 17
Sundays 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Course Description:
Oxygen is pleased to present an all-ages three-part series of collaborative drawing workshops in connection with the world-wide event known as The Big Draw, facilitated by artist and educator Anita Levesque. The Big Draw theme for 2019 is #DrawnToLife and explores the healing and unifying impact of mark making and drawing. These family friendly drop-in workshops will run from 11-4 on three Sundays through the fall: September 29th, October 20th and November 17th.
Each event is free or by donation and open to all, whatever age or experience.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1863689567110979/

Moving into Abstraction with Natasha Smith
4 classes: October 1, 8, 15, 22
Tuesdays 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Course Description:
Through a series of projects, students will explore various techniques and alternative ways to develop ideas and image that will encourage a more abstract way of working. Using various media students will investigate mark-making, texture, line, shape, colour and composition and challenge their current methodology of image creation in this process focused course. Appropriate for students of all levels.
Course Fee: $150.00     Material Fee: $20.00
TOTAL FEE: $170.00
Click here for instructor biographies
Click here to Register
https://www.facebook.com/events/517301622406425/
 
Liminal Life Writing with Rayya Liebich               
5 classes: October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Wednesdays 6 – 8 pm
Course Description:
Fuel for creativity and healing can be found by revisiting the liminal periods in our lives such as birth, grief and separation. Discover how to transform your life stories into powerful prose using literary genres such as micro memoir, creative non-fiction, and letter writing. Classes include guided prompts, peer feedback, and take home tools.
Bring your courage and pen.  All skill levels and life experience welcome.
Course Fee: $135.00     Material Fee: $5.00
TOTAL FEE: $140.00 
Click here for instructor biographies
Click here to Register
https://www.facebook.com/events/405696953419726/
 
The Artist’s Journey with Susan Andrews Grace               
4 classes: Oct. 4, 11, Nov. 15, 29
Fridays 1 – 3:30 pm
Course Description:
The Artist’s Journey is a cross-discipline seminar that invites artists and writers to examine their creative process. Every creative person carries a map in their heart but sometimes forgets how to read it. The Artist’s Journey by Steven Pressfield will be our text. This is for those who have just begun the journey as well as those who’ve been trudging for a while but especially for those who are ready to throw in the towel.
Course Fee: $124.00    Material Fee: $21.00
TOTAL FEE: $145.00
Click here for instructor biographies
Click here to Register
https://www.facebook.com/events/411463786390796/

Structurally Porous and Perpetually in Progress – Naomi Potter, Director/Curator, Esker Foundation – Public Talk and Workshop
Friday October 4: 7:30pm
Structurally Porous and Perpetually in Progress – Public Talk – Free
Potter will speak on the development and progress of Esker Foundation as a generous, supportive, and caring contemporary art gallery. How does one build an institution without becoming too institutional, support the local while participating in a global conversation, and above all how to bring relevance and accessibility to the diverse and complex communities. Potter will speak about developing this model, and the curatorial and engagement focus that supports it.
Workshop: October 5 & 6
Group sessions:  Saturday 9am – 12 pm Sunday 1 – 4 pm
Individual sessions: TBA Saturday 1-5 Sunday 9-12
Workshop Description:
This workshop for artists, curators, art writers and others will hinge on both group and individual discussions about the various structures and institutions that make up the contemporary art world. With a focus on the interconnected spheres of the curator, the exhibition, the institution, and the various ways commercial can exist in an art practice, how does one navigate and participate with and through these as a professional artist, curator, cultural worker, or maker. This workshop will push participants to think critically about the value of their work across a variety of settings in cultural institutions and commercial contexts. Asking, what does it mean to be in the creative sector today?, what are the responsibilities?, and how does one make informed decisions about the direction or impact their work will make.
Individual Session:
Meet Naomi Potter one-on-one and tap into her knowledge and discuss your interests and practice. A One-on-one studio visit or time at Oxygen with Potter is available for Group Workshop participants for an additional fee of $50.
Group Workshop and Individual Session: Course Fee: $125 (7 spaces available) 
Group Workshop Only: Course Fee: $75 (5 spaces available)
Click here to Register
https://www.facebook.com/events/1532756306849156/
 
Ukulele 2 with Catherine McGrath  
6 Classes: Oct. 6, 20, 27 Nov. 3, 17, 24
Sundays 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Course Description:
This course is designed for people who have taken the preceding beginner class, the summer ukulele intensive, or who are able to play three-chord songs in the keys of C and G with a steady rhythm.  The class will explore new keys, new chords, and more complex strumming patterns as they relate to a bunch of fun songs from a variety of genres.
Course Fee: $150.00     Material Fee: $10.00
TOTAL FEE: $160.00
Click here for instructor biographies
Click here to Register
https://www.facebook.com/events/2954375354590623/
 
Idealand: Inspiring your imagination with perception games, facilitated by Kelly Shpeley  
3 Classes: Oct. 7, 21, 28
Monday 5:30 – 8:30 pm
Course Description:
Idealand is a series of exercises and perception games to help generate new ideas and ways of approaching your artistic practice. These techniques may be applied to any art form. This is a space for you to jumpstart your imagination.
Course Fee: $110.00     Material Fee: $30.00
TOTAL FEE: $140.00
Click here for instructor biographies
Click here to Register
https://www.facebook.com/events/542401823182308/
Oxygen keeps class sizes small, only hires experienced professional teaching artists and works hard to meet the needs of our creative community through the adult education programming.
For more information on courses and to register: www.oxygenartcentre.org,  education@oxygenartcentre.org.
Oxygen Art Centre is committed to ensuring all exhibitions, programs, and events are accessible to visitors. Our facilities are wheelchair accessible and equipped with one accessible washroom.
—
Julia Prudhomme
Executive Director / oxygen art centre
info@oxygenartcentre.org
www.oxygenartcentre.org
#3 – 320 Vernon St. Alley Entrance.
Nelson, British Columbia
(1) 250-352-6322