Category: Oxygen Art Centre

LOST CAT! OXYGEN OFFERS FREE ALTERED BOOK WORKSHOP WITH RAYYA LIEBICH

Altered Books with Rayya Liebich

Saturday, February 24, 2024

1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Where: Oxygen Art Centre, #3-320 Vernon St. (alleyway access behind Baker St.)

Admission is free

Oxygen Art Centre presents a series of community art events entitled Lost Cat! Taking place during the Spring 2024 semester, the series offers free art-making sessions with local artists. 

The third workshop of the series takes place on Saturday, February 24, 2024, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at Oxygen Art Centre. Writer and educator Rayya Liebich leads the workshop, which will guide participants in altered book and poetry practices.   

This all levels, all ages workshop is for anyone who likes to create and doesn’t want to be bound by rules! Using the container of a hardcover discarded book, participants will be introduced to a variety of artistic mediums (blackout poetry, book folding, collage, stenciling, stamping, and more) to transform their book into a unique creation. 

This hands-on and fun project reveals infinite possibilities of creative play, celebrates divergent thinking, and results in artworks as diverse as the people who made them. Inspiring examples and a wide array of materials will be provided. 

The public are invited to attend the third Lost Cat! event at Oxygen Art Centre on Saturday, February 24, 2024, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. All materials provided. No experience necessary. Interested participants are expected to take part in the full two-hour session. Contact Oxygen Art Centre with any questions about the sessions or access needs to the facility.

Lost Cat! is generously supported by the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance. Learn more about upcoming events via Oxygen’s website and social media.

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Image Credit: Rayya Liebich, headshot, 2023; Courtesy the artist

Press Contact:

Julia Prudhomme

Executive Director

Oxygen Art Centre 

info@oxygenartcentre.org

250-551-6329 

Artist Bio:

Rayya LIEBICH (she/her) is a Canadian writer and educator of Lebanese and Polish descent. Winner of the Richard Carver Award for Emerging Writers (2019), The Geneva Literary Award (2015), and The Golden Grassroots Chapbook Award (2015), she holds a degree in English Literature from McGill University and a B. Ed from The University of Victoria. Her debut full-length poetry collection Min Hayati was released in  2021 by Inanna Publications and her poetry and prose have appeared in literary journals internationally. Passionate about writing as a tool for transformation and changing the discourse on grief, she teaches poetry and CNF to youth and adults in beautiful Nelson, BC.
—

Natasha Smith (she/her)

Education Coordinator/ oxygen art centre

education@oxygenartcentre.org

www.oxygenartcentre.org

#3 – 320 Vernon St. Alley Entrance.

Nelson, British Columbia

Tel: 250 551 6329

Oxygen Art Centre acknowledges with gratitude that we are located on the tum xula7xw/ traditional territory of the sn̓ʕay̓ckstx/the Sinixt People. As uninvited guests we honour their ongoing presence on this land. We recognize that the Sylix, Ktuxana, and Yaqan Nukij Lower Kootenay Band peoples are also connected with this land, as are Métis and many diverse Indigenous persons.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Deadline to apply: February 16, 2024, by 12:00 PM Midnight (PST)Method: Google Form Information: Oxygen’s website Oxygen Art Centre is currently accepting submissions to the Exhibition and Residency program. The goals of Oxygen Art Centre are to stimulate the creation, exhibition, and discussion of contemporary art in all disciplines; to encourage cultural development and professional practices in artists; to engage in community development through art-based projects; and to achieve diversity in all programming. We accept submissions from professional and emerging artists, researchers, curators, collectives, and arts organizations. Oxygen ArtCentre encourages applications from BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, and persons with disabilities. Artists are paid according to CARFAC Fee Schedule, with additional support for accommodation, travel, materials, catalogue, and more, depending on the project. All projects are contingent on funding. Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals expressing interest in an exhibition, a residency, or both. Oxygen’s Submission Guidelines are structured to offer an introduction to you and your practice; you are not expected to have a resolved project at the time of application. We are interested in hearing about your approaches, ideas, and methodologies with which you might approach collaboration with Oxygen. Please review full submission guidelines on Oxygen’s website for more information. The deadline to apply is February 16, 2024, at 12:00PM Midnight (PST) via Google Form. All applications will be reviewed by Oxygen’s Exhibition& Residency Committee, which is composed of professional artists and cultural workers. Only successful applicants will be contacted. We are grateful to all artists for their interest in Oxygen Art Centre and express thanks for their time composing an application and for sharing their work with us. Contact info@oxygenartcentre.org with any questions or to submit via an alternative application method.

LEARN MORE

APPLY

COMMUNITY

Altered Books with Rayya LiebichEvent #3: Saturday, February 24, 2024, 1:00 – 3:00 PMAdmission is free. This all levels, all ages workshop is for anyone who likes to create and doesn’t want to be bound by rules! Using the container of a hardcover discarded book, participants will be introduced to a variety of artistic mediums (blackout poetry, book folding, collage, stencilling, stamping, and more) to transform their book into a unique creation.

LEARN MORE

EDUCATION

Oxygen Art Centre’s Spring 2024 semester is now open for registration! Offered in two parts—February to April and May to June—reserve your spot to learn a new technique or advance an existing one, take part in life drawing sessions and critical discourse, get creative with our incredible professional artist instructors and fellow students across screen printing, digital photography, performance, drawing, and everything in between! Course offerings available both in-person and online. To register, visit Oxygen’s website to access extended details and Google Form links for each course. Payment can be made via e-transfer, credit card, PayPal, and cheque. Contact Natasha Smith (Education Coordinator) via education@oxygenartcentre.org with any questions about the courses or how to apply.

Art Speak – Peer to Peer Work Sharing #1 Facilitated by Emilie Leblanc Kromberg IN PERSON 6 Classes: February 8, 15, 22, 29, March 7, 14 Thursdays: 5 – 6:45pmTOTAL FEE: $72Registration Deadline: February 1, 2024REGISTERIntro to Digital Photography (Part 1) with Louis Bockner IN PERSON 2 Classes:  February 10 & 11 Saturday & Sunday: 10am – 2pmTOTAL FEE: $140Registration Deadline: February 2, 2024REGISTERBeginner Painting: An Introduction to Colour (Part 1) with Catherine MacIntosh IN PERSON 4 Classes: Feb. 13, 20, 27, Mar. 5  Tuesdays: 5:30 – 8:30pmTOTAL FEE: $230Registration Deadline: February 6, 2024REGISTERInvestigating the Art of Acting: Clown to Naturalism with Marya Folinsbee & Valerie Campbell  IN PERSON 1 Class: Feb. 25 Sunday: 10am – 5pmTOTAL FEE: $150Registration Deadline: February 16, 2024REGISTERPainting from a Model #1 (No Instruction) IN PERSON 1 Class: March 3 Sunday: 1 – 5 pmTOTAL FEE: $40Registration Deadline: February 23, 2024REGISTERSanctuary with fanny kearse ONLINE 4 Classes: Feb 5, 12, 26, March 4 (no class Feb. 19) Mondays: 6:30pm – 8:30pmTOTAL FEE: $105Registration Deadline: January 29, 2024REGISTERWhat the F#$% Do They Want or How to Write Successful Exhibition Proposals w/ Susan Andrews Grace and Maggie Shirley ONLINE 3 Classes: Feb. 13, 20, 27  Tuesdays: 6:30 – 8:30pmTOTAL FEE: $120 / $190Registration Deadline: February 6, 2024REGISTERONLINE Figure Drawing  (No Instruction) By ZOOM 5 Classes: Apr. 3, 10, 17, 24 May 1 Wednesdays: 6 – 8 pmTOTAL FEE: $80Registration Deadline: March 27, 2024REGISTERBalkan Choir with Bessie Wapp IN PERSON 6 Classes: February 8, 15, 22, 29, March 7, 14 Thursdays: 7 – 9pmTOTAL FEE: $190Registration Deadline: February 1, 2024REGISTERFigure Drawing #1  (no instruction) IN PERSON 4 Classes: Feb. 12, 26, Mar. 4, 11 (no class Feb 19) Mondays: 6:30 – 8:30pmTOTAL FEE: $48Registration Deadline: February 5, 2024 CLASS FULL / register for waitlistREGISTERFine Art Screen Printing with Marcus Dénommé IN PERSON 4 Classes: Feb. 14, 21, 28, Mar. 6  Wednesdays: 6 – 9pmTOTAL FEE: $265Registration Deadline: February 7, 2024REGISTERLino Printing in Colour – Reduction Technique with Myra Rasmussen IN PERSON 1 Class: Mar. 2 Saturday: 10am – 4pm TOTAL FEE: $125Registration Deadline: February 23, 2024REGISTERIntro to Digital Photography (Part 2) with Louis Bockner IN PERSON 2 Classes:  March 9 & 10  Saturday & Sunday: 10am – 2pmTOTAL FEE: $140Registration Deadline: March 1, 2024REGISTERLeaning On / Leaning Against: An Introduction to Autotheory w/ Eimear Laffan ONLINE 6 Classes: Feb 8, 15, 22, 29 March 7, 14  Thursdays: 6 – 8pmTOTAL FEE: $155Registration Deadline: February 1, 2024REGISTERDreaming into Poetry with Rose Nielsen ONLINE 5 Classes: Feb. 14, 21, 28, Mar. 6, 13 Wednesdays 6:30pm – 8:30pm TOTAL FEE: $130Registration Deadline: February 5, 2024REGISTER

YOUTH EDUCATION

ROCK / PAPER / SCISSORSIN PERSONWhen: 4 classes: February 12 – March 11, 2024 (no Class Feb 19) / Mondays, 4:15 pm – 5.45 pmWho: Youth, 11 – 14 yrsWith: 2 artist instructors:// Marcus Dénommé – Printmaker// Rayya Liebich – Poet & WriterStudent Fee:  $60 (All materials included)REGISTERWORM / HOLEIN PERSON When: 5 classes: February 9 – March 8, 2024 / Fridays, 4:15 pm – 6:15 pm (2 hours)Who: Youth, 15 – 18 yrsWith: 2 artist instructors:// Catherine McIntosh – Visual Artist// Myra Rasmussen – Multi-disciplinary ArtistWhat: Ad Hoc SculptureStudent Fee:  $75 (All materials included)REGISTER

EXHIBITION

The Hungry Mist (A Névoa Faminta) Curated by Rodrigo D’Alcântara Artists: Bento Leite, Dyó Potyguara, Simon(e) Jakiriuma Paetau + Cecilia Vilca1 December 2023 – 3 February 2024 Hours of Operation: Wednesdays + Thursdays, 1:00 to 4:00 PM; Fridays + Saturdays, 1:00 to 5:00 PM Admission is free. Oxygen Art Centre presents the group exhibition, The Hungry Mist (A Névoa Faminta) guest curated by Rodrigo D’Alcântara (Brazil/Canada) featuring international artists Bento Leite (Brazil), Dyó Potyguara (Brazil), and Simon(e) Jakiriuma Paetau (Germany/Colombia), with a digital exhibition by Cecilia Vilca (Peru). Guest curator Rodrigo D’Alcântara conceived of the exhibition as a response to the global pandemic alongside the very state of collapse and acute uncertainties of life caused by the current neo-colonial system. D’Alcântara’s curatorial practice focuses on Brazilian contemporary art and Latin American futurisms and continues this research as a doctoral candidate at Concordia University (Montréal, Canada). The Hungry Mist (A Névoa Faminta) as a concept and exhibition title draws on spiritual implications of the pandemic. It directly alludes to an Indigenous Brazilian Guarani-Nhadeva cosmology that foresaw an invisible smoke arriving to take people’s lives. At once concerning the material and ephemeral, The Hungry Mist (A Névoa Faminta) looks to repetitions of systemic colonial violence on bodies, the land, and our communities to contend with the present towards alternative futurities. Promotional materials feature design by Keiko Lee-Hem (Nelson, Canada). An exhibition catalogue including documentation, curatorial texts and art writing responding to the project will be available shortly following the exhibition close with text in both Portuguese and English, translated by Lara Bourdin (Montréal, Canada).

This project is generously supported by the Canada Council for the Arts, the British Columbia Arts Council, the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance, and the Regional District of Central Kootenay.

LEARN MORE

O2 EXHIBITION

Oxygen Art Centre announces the second exhibition in the window project entitled O2, featuring the Ink & Moon Collective now on view from4 December 2023 to 8 February 2024.  Located on the Stanley Avenue side of the Nelson Trading Company building (430 Baker Street) in downtown Nelson, B.C., O2 is a window-turned-gallery.  The exhibition features a retrospective of prints from their 2023 and previous calendars.

Artists:Keiko Lee-Hem, Myra Rasmussen, Melissa Owen, Slava Doval, Carron Mulligan, Rayya Liebich, Gina Sanche, Katie Sawyer, Catherine McIntosh, Tammy Everts, Andrea Levin, Brandy Erin, Nikki Pelletier Artist Statement: We are a group of women passionate about making art and social change. Since 2012, we have produced a calendar with original lino prints. Over the years we have shared skills, evolved, and ventured from black and white to the world of colour. Each year we choose a theme to interpret through carved and printed lino block. What started as a way to create connection and inspiration, has grown into an opportunity to raise funds for organizations that are close to our hearts. In this window exhibition we will display our past calendars as well as some of our favourite prints from past years. The theme for the 2024 calendar is Wild Hope and all proceeds from calendar sales will be donated to youth-led climate initiatives. Calendars can be purchased at Notably Books, Zinnia Textiles, or online.

OXYGEN ANNOUNCES CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS TO EXHIBITION AND RESIDENCY PROGRAM

 Deadline to apply: February 16, 2024, by 12:00 PM Midnight (PST)

Method: Google Form

Oxygen Art Centre is currently accepting submissions for the Exhibition and Residency program. 

The goals of Oxygen Art Centre are to stimulate the creation, exhibition, and discussion of contemporary art in all disciplines; to encourage cultural development and professional practices in artists; to engage in community development through art-based projects; and to achieve diversity in all programming.

We accept submissions from professional and emerging artists, researchers, curators, collectives, and arts organizations. Oxygen Art Centre encourages applications from BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, and persons with disabilities. Artists are paid according to the CARFAC Fee Schedule, with additional support for accommodation, travel, materials, catalogue, and more, depending on the project. All projects are contingent on funding.

Applicants can submit proposals for an Exhibition or a Residency or both an Exhibition and Residency. Please review full submission guidelines on Oxygen’s website for more information.

The deadline to apply is February 16, 2024, at 12:00 PM Midnight (PST) via Google Form.

All applications will be reviewed by Oxygen’s Exhibition & Residency Committee, which is composed of professional artists and cultural workers. Only successful applicants will be contacted.

We are grateful to all artists for their interest in Oxygen Art Centre and express thanks for their time composing an application and for sharing their work with us.

Contact info@oxygenartcentre.org with any questions or to submit via an alternative application method.

Image Credit: Installation documentation of Vance Wright’s Tracelines exhibition by Kenton Doupe, Summer 2023

Press Contact:

Julia Prudhomme

Executive Director

Oxygen Art Centre

info@oxygenartcentre.org

250-551-6329 

—

info@oxygenartcentre.org

www.oxygenartcentre.org

#3 – 320 Vernon St. Alley Entrance

Nelson, British Columbia , V1L 4E4

Tel: 250 551 6329

Oxygen Art Centre acknowledges with gratitude that we are located on the tum xula7xw/ traditional territory of the sn̓ʕay̓ckstx/the Sinixt People. As uninvited guests we honour their ongoing presence on this land. We recognize that the Sylix, Ktuxana, and Yaqan Nukij Lower Kootenay Band peoples are also connected with this land, as are Métis and many diverse Indigenous persons.

 Season’s Greetings from Oxygen Art Centre

WINTER BREAKOxygen Art Centre will be closed for the winter holidays from December 23, 2023, to January 7, 2024. We look forward to re-opening to the public on Wednesday, January 9, 2024 from 1 – 4PM with our current exhibition, “The Hungry Mist (A Névoa Faminta)” guest curated by Rodrigo D’Alcântara and featuring artists Bento Leite, Dyó Potyguara, Simon(e) Jakiriuma Paetau w/ guest artist Cecilia Vilca. We wish you all a safe and cozy break See you in 2024! BOARD OF DIRECTORSOxygen Art Centre welcomes the newly elected 2023-24 Board of Directors! Carol Wallace (Secretary), Marilyn Lee (Treasurer), Alison Talbot-Kelly, and Laurel Terlesky return for their second terms. Gabby Asbell returns in a voting capacity as the Youth Chair. Christine Wallace officially joins the board after serving in an interim capacity since February 2023, along with Vincent Karcher and Riya Garg who were voted in at the November 2023 Annual General Meeting. Special thank you to Samonte Cruz for their time and expertise as they step down this year. Oxygen is an artist-run centre governed by a volunteer Board of Directors primarily composed of practicing artists elected by the membership. The governance board fulfills key responsibilities of a non-profit board. In addition, the board develops and executes fundraising campaigns and undertakes projects that enhance the centre’s overall sustainability. Directors are elected for a term of two years and may be re-elected or reappointed two more times for a maximum of six years. The 2023-24 Board of Directors are committed to their ongoing anti-oppression and decolonialization work with focus on developing organizational practices and protocols to enact radical care. We look forward to a year of collaboration and planning, and are grateful for their contribution to the artist-run centre.LEARN MOREEDUCATIONOxygen Art Centre’s Spring 2024 semester is now open for registration! Offered in two parts—February to April and May to June—reserve your spot to learn a new technique or advance an existing one, take part in life drawing sessions and critical discourse, get creative with our incredible professional artist instructors and fellow students across screen printing, digital photography, performance, drawing, and everything in between! Course offerings available both in-person and online. To register, visit Oxygen’s website to access extended details and Google Form links for each course. Payment can be made via e-transfer, credit card, PayPal, and cheque. Contact Natasha Smith (Education Coordinator) via education@oxygenartcentre.org with any questions about the courses or how to apply. Art Speak – Peer to Peer Work Sharing #1 Facilitated by Emilie Leblanc Kromberg IN PERSON 6 Classes: February 8, 15, 22, 29, March 7, 14 Thursdays: 5 – 6:45pmTOTAL FEE: $72Registration Deadline: February 1, 2024REGISTERIntro to Digital Photography (Part 1) with Louis Bockner IN PERSON 2 Classes:  February 10 & 11 Saturday & Sunday: 10am – 2pmTOTAL FEE: $140Registration Deadline: February 2, 2024REGISTERBeginner Painting: An Introduction to Colour (Part 1) with Catherine MacIntosh IN PERSON 4 Classes: Feb. 13, 20, 27, Mar. 5  Tuesdays: 5:30 – 8:30pmTOTAL FEE: $230Registration Deadline: February 6, 2024REGISTERInvestigating the Art of Acting: Clown to Naturalism with Marya Folinsbee & Valerie Campbell  IN PERSON 1 Class: Feb. 25 Sunday: 10am – 5pmTOTAL FEE: $150Registration Deadline: February 16, 2024REGISTERPainting from a Model #1 (No Instruction) IN PERSON 1 Class: March 3 Sunday: 1 – 5 pmTOTAL FEE: $40Registration Deadline: February 23, 2024REGISTERSanctuary with fanny kearse ONLINE 4 Classes: Feb 5, 12, 26, March 4 (no class Feb. 19) Mondays: 6:30pm – 8:30pmTOTAL FEE: $105Registration Deadline: January 29, 2024REGISTERWhat the F#$% Do They Want or How to Write Successful Exhibition Proposals w/ Susan Andrews Grace and Maggie Shirley ONLINE 3 Classes: Feb. 13, 20, 27  Tuesdays: 6:30 – 8:30pmTOTAL FEE: $120 / $190Registration Deadline: February 6, 2024REGISTERONLINE Figure Drawing  (No Instruction) By ZOOM 5 Classes: Apr. 3, 10, 17, 24 May 1 Wednesdays: 6 – 8 pmTOTAL FEE: $80Registration Deadline: March 27, 2024REGISTERBalkan Choir with Bessie Wapp IN PERSON 6 Classes: February 8, 15, 22, 29, March 7, 14 Thursdays: 7 – 9pmTOTAL FEE: $190Registration Deadline: February 1, 2024REGISTERFigure Drawing #1  (no instruction) IN PERSON 4 Classes: Feb. 12, 26, Mar. 4, 11 (no class Feb 19) Mondays: 6:30 – 8:30pmTOTAL FEE: $48Registration Deadline: February 5, 2024REGISTERFine Art Screen Printing with Marcus Dénommé IN PERSON 4 Classes: Feb. 14, 21, 28, Mar. 6  Wednesdays: 6 – 9pmTOTAL FEE: $265Registration Deadline: February 7, 2024REGISTERLino Printing in Colour – Reduction Technique with Myra Rasmussen IN PERSON 1 Class: Mar. 2 Saturday: 10am – 4pm TOTAL FEE: $125Registration Deadline: February 23, 2024REGISTERIntro to Digital Photography (Part 2) with Louis Bockner IN PERSON 2 Classes:  March 9 & 10  Saturday & Sunday: 10am – 2pmTOTAL FEE: $140Registration Deadline: March 1, 2024REGISTERLeaning On / Leaning Against: An Introduction to Autotheory w/ Eimear Laffan ONLINE 6 Classes: Feb 8, 15, 22, 29 March 7, 14  Thursdays: 6 – 8pmTOTAL FEE: $155Registration Deadline: February 1, 2024REGISTERDreaming into Poetry with Rose Nielsen ONLINE 5 Classes: Feb. 14, 21, 28, Mar. 6, 13 Wednesdays 6:30pm – 8:30pm TOTAL FEE: $130Registration Deadline: February 5, 2024REGISTEREXHIBITIONThe Hungry Mist (A Névoa Faminta) Curated by Rodrigo D’Alcântara Artists: Bento Leite, Dyó Potyguara, Simon(e) Jakiriuma Paetau + Cecilia Vilca1 December 2023 – 3 February 2024 Hours of Operation: Wednesdays + Thursdays, 1:00 to 4:00 PM; Fridays + Saturdays, 1:00 to 5:00 PM Admission is free. Oxygen Art Centre presents the group exhibition, The Hungry Mist (A Névoa Faminta) guest curated by Rodrigo D’Alcântara (Brazil/Canada) featuring international artists Bento Leite (Brazil), Dyó Potyguara (Brazil), and Simon(e) Jakiriuma Paetau (Germany/Colombia), with a digital exhibition by Cecilia Vilca (Peru). Guest curator Rodrigo D’Alcântara conceived of the exhibition as a response to the global pandemic alongside the very state of collapse and acute uncertainties of life caused by the current neo-colonial system. D’Alcântara’s curatorial practice focuses on Brazilian contemporary art and Latin American futurisms and continues this research as a doctoral candidate at Concordia University (Montréal, Canada). The Hungry Mist (A Névoa Faminta) as a concept and exhibition title draws on spiritual implications of the pandemic. It directly alludes to an Indigenous Brazilian Guarani-Nhadeva cosmology that foresaw an invisible smoke arriving to take people’s lives. At once concerning the material and ephemeral, The Hungry Mist (A Névoa Faminta) looks to repetitions of systemic colonial violence on bodies, the land, and our communities to contend with the present towards alternative futurities. Promotional materials feature design by Keiko Lee-Hem (Nelson, Canada). An exhibition catalogue including documentation, curatorial texts and art writing responding to the project will be available shortly following the exhibition close with text in both Portuguese and English, translated by Lara Bourdin (Montréal, Canada).This project is generously supported by the Canada Council for the Arts, the British Columbia Arts Council, the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance, and the Regional District of Central Kootenay.LEARN MOREO2 EXHIBITIONOxygen Art Centre announces the second exhibition in the window project entitled O2, featuring the Ink & Moon Collective now on view from4 December 2023 to 8 February 2024.  Located on the Stanley Avenue side of the Nelson Trading Company building (430 Baker Street) in downtown Nelson, B.C., O2 is a window-turned-gallery.  The exhibition features a retrospective of prints from their 2023 and previous calendars. Artists:Keiko Lee-Hem, Myra Rasmussen, Melissa Owen, Slava Doval, Carron Mulligan, Rayya Liebich, Gina Sanche, Katie Sawyer, Catherine McIntosh, Tammy Everts, Andrea Levin, Brandy Erin, Nikki Pelletier Artist Statement: We are a group of women passionate about making art and social change. Since 2012, we have produced a calendar with original lino prints. Over the years we have shared skills, evolved, and ventured from black and white to the world of colour. Each year we choose a theme to interpret through carved and printed lino block. What started as a way to create connection and inspiration, has grown into an opportunity to raise funds for organizations that are close to our hearts. In this window exhibition we will display our past calendars as well as some of our favourite prints from past years. The theme for the 2024 calendar is Wild Hope and all proceeds from calendar sales will be donated to youth-led climate initiatives. Calendars can be purchased at Notably Books, Zinnia Textiles, or online.  LEARN MORE

JOINSupport your artist-run centre by becoming an Oxygen Art Centre Member. Oxygen Memberships run from $2 (Senior/Student) to $5 (Single) to $10 (Families) and significantly help our organization. Become a member today! MEMBERSHIP BENEFITSEvents, Tours and Artist TalksVolunteer, Networking and Mentorship ExperienceRegular mailings and newslettersVoting Privileges at Oxygen Art Centre’s AGMAccess to current Exhibition Publications and CataloguesArtist-in-Residence and Exhibition ToursRegister ONLINE or by MAIL Already a Member? Consider making a Donation.REGISTERImages (top to bottom): (1-15) OAC Education program promotional images, 2023; (16) Youth Art Retreat promotional graphic w/extension, 2023; (17) The Hungry Mist, Promotional graphic for the project, Design by Keiko Lee-Hem, 2023; (18) Documentation of the O2 window exhibition featuring work by the Ink & Moon Collective, December 2023; (19) “Become a Member” text overlaid on an image documenting an installation in progress at Oxygen Art Centre, 2015;

F O R   I M M E D I A T E   R E L E A S E 

Nurture Your Creativity – REGISTER NOW for Oxygen’s Adult Education Art Courses for 2024

Oxygen Art Centre (OAC) is excited to launch their art education program for the whole of 2024.

The program features three semesters with 39 different courses in a myriad of disciplines including writing, film, singing, acting, printmaking, painting, and drawing. Oxygen’s unique programming and incredible local artist instructors provide inspiring experiences to learn and create together.

The semesters feature various course formats. In person courses are held at Oxygen Art Centre and boasts 18 weeks of programming, whereas online programming is offered throughout the whole year.

“Oxygen’s art education programming is constantly evolving. We are excited to be welcoming new instructors and offering innovative new courses and content for creatives of all levels,” says Education Coordinator Natasha Smith.

Learn the fundamentals of drawing and painting, try out printmaking techniques like lino printing and silkscreen, learn16mm low-tech film processing, be an actor, be a clown, and start dreaming into your creative side. Oxygen’s 2024 Education program has something for everyone and at all stages in their artistic practices.

To register and to learn more about the semesters, classes, and instructors, visit Oxygen’s website. Registration takes place through Google Forms on a first-come, first-serve basis. Class sizes are small, ranging from seven to twelve students in each.

Registration for Oxygen’s 2024 education program is now launched and will remain open until classes are full. Some courses have limited capacity so don’t wait to register! Contact Oxygen’s Education Coordinator, Natasha Smith at education@oxygenartcentre.org or 250-551-6329 with any questions.

Join the magic that is learning a new skill and exploring creative processes this year at Oxygen Art Centre.

For more information on courses, Oxygen Gift Certificates, and to register: www.oxygenartcentre.org,  education@oxygenartcentre.org.

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Photo Cutline: Multi-colour Lino Print by Myra Rasmussen

—

Natasha Smith (she/her)

Education Coordinator/ oxygen art centre

education@oxygenartcentre.org

www.oxygenartcentre.org

#3 – 320 Vernon St. Alley Entrance.

Nelson, British Columbia

Tel: 250 551 6329

Oxygen Art Centre acknowledges with gratitude that we are located on the tum xula7xw/ traditional territory of the sn̓ʕay̓ckstx/the Sinixt People. As uninvited guests we honour their ongoing presence on this land. We recognize that the Sylix, Ktuxana, and Yaqan Nukij Lower Kootenay Band peoples are also connected with this land, as are Métis and many diverse Indigenous persons.

EDUCATIONOxygen Art Centre’s Spring 2024 semester is now open for registration! Offered in two parts—February to April and May to June—reserve your spot to learn a new technique or advance an existing one, take part in life drawing sessions and critical discourse, get creative with our incredible professional artist instructors and fellow students across screen printing, digital photography, performance, drawing, and everything in between! Course offerings available both in-person and online. To register, visit Oxygen’s website to access extended details and Google Form links for each course. Payment can be made via e-transfer, credit card, PayPal, and cheque. Contact Natasha Smith (Education Coordinator) via education@oxygenartcentre.org with any questions about the courses or how to apply. Art Speak – Peer to Peer Work Sharing #1 Facilitated by Emilie Leblanc Kromberg IN PERSON 6 Classes: February 8, 15, 22, 29, March 7, 14 Thursdays: 5 – 6:45pmTOTAL FEE: $72Registration Deadline: February 1, 2024REGISTERIntro to Digital Photography (Part 1) with Louis Bockner IN PERSON 2 Classes:  February 10 & 11 Saturday & Sunday: 10am – 2pmTOTAL FEE: $140Registration Deadline: February 2, 2024REGISTERBeginner Painting: An Introduction to Colour (Part 1) with Catherine MacIntosh IN PERSON 4 Classes: Feb. 13, 20, 27, Mar. 5  Tuesdays: 5:30 – 8:30pmTOTAL FEE: $230Registration Deadline: February 6, 2024REGISTERInvestigating the Art of Acting: Clown to Naturalism with Marya Folinsbee & Valerie Campbell  IN PERSON 1 Class: Feb. 25 Sunday: 10am – 5pmTOTAL FEE: $150Registration Deadline: February 16, 2024REGISTERPainting from a Model #1 (No Instruction) IN PERSON 1 Class: March 3 Sunday: 1 – 5 pmTOTAL FEE: $40Registration Deadline: February 23, 2024REGISTERSanctuary with fanny kearse ONLINE 4 Classes: Feb 5, 12, 26, March 4 (no class Feb. 19) Mondays: 6:30pm – 8:30pmTOTAL FEE: $105Registration Deadline: January 29, 2024REGISTERWhat the F#$% Do They Want or How to Write Successful Exhibition Proposals w/ Susan Andrews Grace and Maggie Shirley ONLINE 3 Classes: Feb. 13, 20, 27  Tuesdays: 6:30 – 8:30pmTOTAL FEE: $120 / $190Registration Deadline: February 6, 2024REGISTERONLINE Figure Drawing  (No Instruction) By ZOOM 5 Classes: Apr. 3, 10, 17, 24 May 1 Wednesdays: 6 – 8 pmTOTAL FEE: $80Registration Deadline: March 27, 2024REGISTERBalkan Choir with Bessie Wapp IN PERSON 6 Classes: February 8, 15, 22, 29, March 7, 14 Thursdays: 7 – 9pmTOTAL FEE: $190Registration Deadline: February 1, 2024REGISTERFigure Drawing #1  (no instruction) IN PERSON 4 Classes: Feb. 12, 26, Mar. 4, 11 (no class Feb 19) Mondays: 6:30 – 8:30pmTOTAL FEE: $48Registration Deadline: February 5, 2024REGISTERFine Art Screen Printing with Marcus Dénommé IN PERSON 4 Classes: Feb. 14, 21, 28, Mar. 6  Wednesdays: 6 – 9pmTOTAL FEE: $265Registration Deadline: February 7, 2024REGISTERLino Printing in Colour – Reduction Technique with Myra Rasmussen IN PERSON 1 Class: Mar. 2 Saturday: 10am – 4pm TOTAL FEE: $125Registration Deadline: February 23, 2024REGISTERIntro to Digital Photography (Part 2) with Louis Bockner IN PERSON 2 Classes:  March 9 & 10  Saturday & Sunday: 10am – 2pmTOTAL FEE: $140Registration Deadline: March 1, 2024REGISTERLeaning On / Leaning Against: An Introduction to Autotheory w/ Eimear Laffan ONLINE 6 Classes: Feb 8, 15, 22, 29 March 7, 14  Thursdays: 6 – 8pmTOTAL FEE: $155Registration Deadline: February 1, 2024REGISTERDreaming into Poetry with Rose Nielsen ONLINE 5 Classes: Feb. 14, 21, 28, Mar. 6, 13 Wednesdays 6:30pm – 8:30pm TOTAL FEE: $130Registration Deadline: February 5, 2024REGISTERCALL FOR PROPOSALS: EXTENSIONCall for Proposals: Artists and Artist Facilitators for Youth Art Retreat (2024) *extended* Oxygen Art Centre announces a public Call for Proposals to artists and artist educators to fulfil two (2) positions for their Summer 2024 Youth Art Retreat project. The deadline to apply has been extended to Monday, December 18, 2023, at 12:00 PM Midnight (PST). Google Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScDjjFloiALM6MP-Z0Mr5L9xA5ZH3g2FiBCtmV86sZi5emCNQ/viewform?usp=sf_link Oxygen’s Youth Art Retreat is a new arts education program that will take place over three-days from July 3 to 5, 2024, at The Narrows Art Retreat. Situated on the tum xula7xw of the sn̓ʕay̓ckstx (otherwise known as Nelson, B.C.), the artist facilitators will lead five (5) participants (ages 15 – 18) in an immersive land-based arts educational experience. Consequently, Oxygen invites expressions of interest from artists and artist educations whose work explores land-based practices. Priority will be given to Indigenous artists and artist educators. Experience working with youth (ages 15 – 18) will be considered an asset. We invite collaborative proposals (up to two artists or artist educators) or individual proposals. Proposals will be collected via Google Form and is available on Oxygen’s website. Two (2) artists or artist educators will fulfil this role. Artists will be compensated based on CARFAC group presentation rates for a half day orientation session and a daily flat rate for the three-day (two-night) retreat, scheduled to take place from July 3-5, 2024. Artists will also receive a travel honorarium and compensation for administration. Accommodation and food will be provided during the retreat. Interested artists can submit their proposals via Google Form until Monday, December 18, 2023, at 12:00 PM Midnight (PST) *extension* While we thank all applicants only successful applicants will be contacted. Please contact Oxygen’s Education Coordinator, Natasha Smith with any questions or alternative methods to apply. This project is generously supported by the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance.APPLYEXHIBITIONThe Hungry Mist (A Névoa Faminta) Curated by Rodrigo D’Alcântara Artists: Bento Leite, Dyó Potyguara, Simon(e) Jakiriuma Paetau1 December 2023 – 3 February 2024 Hours of Operation: Wednesdays + Thursdays, 1:00 to 4:00 PM; Fridays + Saturdays, 1:00 to 5:00 PM Admission is free. Oxygen Art Centre presents the group exhibition, The Hungry Mist (A Névoa Faminta) guest curated by Rodrigo D’Alcântara (Brazil/Canada) featuring international artists Bento Leite (Brazil), Dyó Potyguara (Brazil), and Simon(e) Jakiriuma Paetau (Germany/Colombia). Guest curator Rodrigo D’Alcântara conceived of the exhibition as a response to the global pandemic alongside the very state of collapse and acute uncertainties of life caused by the current neo-colonial system. D’Alcântara’s curatorial practice focuses on Brazilian contemporary art and Latin American futurisms and continues this research as a doctoral candidate at Concordia University (Montréal, Canada). The Hungry Mist (A Névoa Faminta) as a concept and exhibition title draws on spiritual implications of the pandemic. It directly alludes to an Indigenous Brazilian Guarani-Nhadeva cosmology that foresaw an invisible smoke arriving to take people’s lives. At once concerning the material and ephemeral, The Hungry Mist (A Névoa Faminta) looks to repetitions of systemic colonial violence on bodies, the land, and our communities to contend with the present towards alternative futurities. Promotional materials feature design by Keiko Lee-Hem (Nelson, Canada). An exhibition catalogue including documentation, curatorial texts and art writing responding to the project will be available shortly following the exhibition close with text in both Portuguese and English, translated by Lara Bourdin (Montréal, Canada).This project is generously supported by the Canada Council for the Arts, the British Columbia Arts Council, the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance, and the Regional District of Central Kootenay.LEARN MOREO2 EXHIBITIONOxygen Art Centre announces the second exhibition in the window project entitled O2, featuring the Ink & Moon Collective now on view from4 December 2023 to 8 February 2024.  Located on the Stanley Avenue side of the Nelson Trading Company building (430 Baker Street) in downtown Nelson, B.C., O2 is a window-turned-gallery.  The exhibition features a retrospective of prints from their 2023 and previous calendars. Artists:Keiko Lee-Hem, Myra Rasmussen, Melissa Owen, Slava Doval, Carron Mulligan, Rayya Liebich, Gina Sanche, Katie Sawyer, Catherine McIntosh, Tammy Everts, Andrea Levin, Brandy Erin, Nikki Pelletier Artist Statement: We are a group of women passionate about making art and social change. Since 2012, we have produced a calendar with original lino prints. Over the years we have shared skills, evolved, and ventured from black and white to the world of colour. Each year we choose a theme to interpret through carved and printed lino block. What started as a way to create connection and inspiration, has grown into an opportunity to raise funds for organizations that are close to our hearts. In this window exhibition we will display our past calendars as well as some of our favourite prints from past years. The theme for the 2024 calendar is Wild Hope and all proceeds from calendar sales will be donated to youth-led climate initiatives. Calendars can be purchased at Notably Books, Zinnia Textiles, or online.  LEARN MORE

JOINSupport your artist-run centre by becoming an Oxygen Art Centre Member. Oxygen Memberships run from $2 (Senior/Student) to $5 (Single) to $10 (Families) and significantly help our organization. Become a member today! MEMBERSHIP BENEFITSEvents, Tours and Artist TalksVolunteer, Networking and Mentorship ExperienceRegular mailings and newslettersVoting Privileges at Oxygen Art Centre’s AGMAccess to current Exhibition Publications and CataloguesArtist-in-Residence and Exhibition ToursRegister ONLINE or by MAIL Already a Member? Consider making a Donation.REGISTERImages (top to bottom): (1-15) OAC Education program promotional images, 2023; (16) Youth Art Retreat promotional graphic w/extension, 2023; (17) The Hungry Mist, Promotional graphic for the project, Design by Keiko Lee-Hem, 2023; (18) Documentation of the O2 window exhibition featuring work by the Ink & Moon Collective, December 2023; (19) “Become a Member” text overlaid on an image documenting an installation in progress at Oxygen Art Centre, 2015;

Oxygen Art Centre info@oxygenartcentre.org #3- 320 Vernon St. (alley entrance) Nelson, B.C. V1L 4E4 Canada 250-551-6329 Facility access information Hours of Operation: Wednesdays – Saturdays, 1:00 – 5:00pm (during exhibition run) Admission by donation Oxygen Art Centre acknowledges with gratitude that we are located on the tum xula7xw/ traditional territory of the sn̓ʕay̓ckstx/the Sinixt People. As uninvited guests we honour their ongoing presence on this land. We recognize that the Sylix, Ktuxana, and Yaqan Nukij Lower Kootenay Band peoples are also connected with this land, as are Métis and many diverse Indigenous persons. We are grateful for the financial support we receive from Canada Council for the Arts, BC Arts Council, BC Gaming, Province of BC, Government of Canada, Vancouver Foundation, Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance, Columbia Basin Trust, United Way, Osprey Community Foundation, Nelson Lions Club, and Nelson and District Credit Union. We offer thanks to Elephant Mountain Literary Festival and other key partners including Hall Printing, Speedpro Signs, and Selkirk College for their support. We especially thank all of our volunteers, donors, and members. Oxygen Art Centre is committed to ensuring all exhibitions, programs, and events are accessible to visitors. Our facilities are wheelchair accessible and equipped with an all-genders washroom. Please contact Oxygen if you have any questions or concerns about your visit.