ST. PAUL – On June 11, the St. Paul and District Arts Foundation celebrated the grand opening of its new art gallery, as well as honouring its 10-year anniversary.
Valerie Pratch, a member of the foundation’s board, says the art gallery symbolizes the completion of the foundation’s building.
“Originally, we had it as an open space and there were lots of great projects that happened in that space,” she says.
With the recent renovation, Pratch says it will allow the foundation more opportunities not only to exhibit local artists, but also to make St. Paul more appealing for artists throughout Canada to come and exhibit – potentially aiding with local tourism and some economic development.
Board chair Richard Wild agrees. There is still some work that needs to be done, like the addition of a projector and a drop-down screen.
“We’re trying to build a multi-purpose type of art gallery,” explains Wild.
The idea is to give people a place who want to experiment with mixed media, like electronic art or even videos, says Wild. He explained that with the electronic age, there are more forms of art than ever.
A plaque was also installed just outside the foundation’s building in honour of the Maggie Porozni Foundation for the Arts, and the Porozni family, who were critical in the acquisition of the foundation’s building 10 years ago.
Fragments: The Young Artistic Process
The grand opening of the new art gallery coincided with the opening of the gallery’s first exhibit. The exhibit is called Fragments: The Young Artistic Process.
The exhibit includes artwork by young local artists from the St. Paul region and surrounding communities. The exhibit is open from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and will last until June 20.
Alex Giesbrecht is among the artists who has work included in the exhibit. She painted an abstract piece. Being able to showcase her work to others is nothing short of “exciting,” she says.
Amber Giesbrecht, her mother, is equally excited.
“It’s so thrilling that the universe is listening to what she wants to do with her future, and the pieces are just coming together for her... It’s really exciting that she gets to show off her talent,” says Amber.
Showing the talents of artists in the community, both young and old, is what the St. Paul and District Arts Foundation is all about, says Pratch.
“The arts community is very much alive in St. Paul... there are wonderful activities going on,” Pratch says. “I encourage anybody to get out and support the arts.”
Pratch reminds the public that the foundation is also hosting two camps this summer. “There’s a camp rock and a theatre camp,” she says.
There is also financial assistance available to those who may require it to participate, adds Pratch. She encourages those interested to reach out for more information at: [email protected]
