Art - May/June

James Wilson Morrice and the European Landscape
Canadian J. W. Morrice (1865-1924) can be considered one of the most original artists of his generation. In 1880s Paris, Morrice studied under Harpignies, who transmitted his enthusiasm for landscapes. The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts possesses one of the largest Canadian collections of Morrice’s work. The exhibition (May 28th – August 15th) features over 40 works from this collection and five from the Edmonton Art Gallery’s collection. The exhibition is organized and toured by the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts – and the EAG is the only other Canadian venue.

Russian Mothers
Nestled in the main hall of the historical Griffith block, Shmilar Kwong offers art and utterly unique gifts, including Matrioshkas, the traditional Russian nesting dolls. The collection is chosen for its beauty and high quality, and are purchased directly from Russian artisans. The range includes Ukrainian matroishkas to reproductions of modern artists such as Picasso and Malevich, and a unique Geisha matrioshka. Collectors will love the selection, and there are also small sets intended as children’s toys.

St. Albert Art Walks
Every month (and twice in June), a handful of St. Albert art galleries hold an art-walk, and each gallery hosts an exhibition just for the walk. Held on May 6, June 3 and June 30, the walk includes the Art Beat Gallery, 26 St Anne Street (459-3679); Modern Eyes Gallery & Gift, 4024 Perron Street (459-9102); Profiles Public Art Gallery, 19 Perron Street (460-4310); Gallery 7 in the Bookstore on Perron, 7 Perron Street (459-2525), and the Pygmalion School of Art, #12-44 St. Thomas Street (460-1677). Art Beat will feature Edmonton landscape artist Andrew Raszewski (May 6) and abstract nature artist Shirley Cordes-Rogozinsky (June 3). Modern Eyes presents Bridget Turner’s vibrant florals in Spring Botanicals (May 6), Cheryl Paige Bozarth’s “Dramatic Skycapes” and “Boreal Landscapes” (June 3) and Arlana Anderson-Hale’s powerful warriors (June 30). Profiles host the 9th annual High Energy exhibition of work from four local high schools (May 6); Jennifer Crane’s Seafarers & Fishwives, a display of photographic art forms and the stories that they tell (June 3); and Interplay – sculptural masks in theatrical installations by Jude Griebel and John Graham. Gallery 7 at the Bookstore on Perron is host to work by the Painters’ Guild, while the Pygmalion School of Art will feature a different local artist for each Walk.

100 years/100 pictures
As part of The Edmonton Art Gallery’s 80th birthday celebrations and to celebrate the 100th birthday of the City of Edmonton, the EAG is presenting 100 Years / 100 Pictures from May 28th to September 19th. Edmontonians submitted contemporary and historical photographs and the top 100 were selected by jury for exhibition. Visitors are invited to vote on their favourite photo. The winner will be announced at the Gallery’s 80th Birthday Party on August 15.

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Shmilar Kwong offers you the chance to create your own art, over and over again. Buddha Boards have a special surface that turns dark wherever water touches it, providing the perfect medium for impermanent art. You paint your work with water. Within minutes the image will be gone, and you’re free to create again. Each environmentally friendly Buddha Board is 12” x 9.5” and comes with a bamboo paintbrush and an Asian style water holder/stand.