Harcourt House Artist Run Centre invites the public to join us for an evening of open studio’s, AIR activities and Front Yard BBQ.

On this special evening doors are open for guests to tour some of our 40 artist studios to find out, “what do those artists do in there?” Be sure to visit our current Artist In Residence in the Annex Building, Alexis Marie Chute, as she prepares for his November exhibition. She will be giving a poetry reading performance out of her studio followed by a free demo on her building block process! Visitors can also visit our Annex Art Education Studio and try out a free clothed model session. All supplies will be provided and Megan Stein, our model facilitator will be on site for inspiration and to learn some new techniques. Everyone is welcome!

Details of Event:

Kinetic 25^th Annual Membership Exhibition & Sale

Evening Reception June 20^th, 6:00pm – 10:00pm

June 13 – July 5, 2013

Gallery Hours: Monday – Friday 10 am – 5 pm. Saturday, 12- 4 pm

Opening Reception and Evening Activities:

·       Over 80 Local Artists in our Gallery!

·       Open House Artist Studios

·       Free Life Drawing Session/ Workshop w/ Megan Stein

·       2012/2013 Artist in Residence: Alexis Marie Chute, poetry reading & building block demo.

·       Outdoor Live Music

·       Front Yard BBQ (cash only), 6:00 – 10pm

·       AND MORE!

August 1 – September 6, 2013.

Opening Reception Thursday, August 1 from 8 – 10pm

Artist Talks: ROUHALANIN 7:00pm, KASTNER 7:30pm

MAIN GALLERY  |  ANDREA KASTNER  |  TBA

“By looking thoughtfully at the underbelly of things, at the hidden, the thrown away, the shadow side of how we define ourselves, I hope to illuminate the weight which all of this exerts on us. Every era is defined by what it chooses to disavow, but this does not lessen the influence, the unconscious pushback of what we look away from. By carefully painting these crumpled things, I am trying to redeem in visual language that which has been discarded.” – Kastner

Visit Kastner’s website to see more of these incredible paintings… http://andreakastner.ca/

image credit: Kastner, Demolition, 84”x 60”, oil on canvas, 2012.

Harcourt House is a place of connections. The gallery and its exhibitions connect our community with new artists and fresh ideas, giving us an inspiring place to meet and interact. The openings, workshops and classes connect artists with each other and with their own unique creative goals.

As the Artist in Residence, I have experienced firsthand the amazing opportunities for connection available to us all at Harcourt. As my year long residency nears its halfway point, I am able to take stock and as always, am incredibly thankful. The gift of time and space has allowed me to delve deeply into my materials and discover new aspects of my concept.

My work centers on the idea of healing and rebuilding one’s life after hardship. I present art itself as a means to this purpose. The need to rebuild my life became a necessity after the death of my son in 2010. While our struggles are all different, I believe most of us have experienced challenges to which we must rally our strength and work towards finding healing and peace.

What is the material that resonates with me in this current body of work? The answer is wood. I am creating sculptural and abstracted forests and cities of out of small cuts of wood; some perch delicately upon tree stumps and others are constructed on birch panels that seem to grow off the wall fighting their 2D constraints.

As an artist and human, I am working on allowing myself authentic responses to my experiences. What this means for my artwork is that, in the midst of creation, I do not judge my process or choices or even the next step. I choose to react intuitively and follow my curiosities without worry or regard for the nagging voice that says I should be focusing on this or on that.

The result of this authentic approach is the temporary hold I have placed on my acrylic painting that I had planned to accompany my sculptures. I am so compelled by my woodwork that I am following that urge and seeing where it takes me. It’s a freeing experience!

This freedom has allowed me to make new connections within my artwork and concept. I feel my exhibition at the end of my residency will be rich and visually engaging because of this creative exploration and indulgence of curiosity.

I would like to thank all the staff at Harcourt and everyone I have met in the studios and at the openings for welcoming me so warmly into the community here. If you are reading this and have not yet connected with everyone at Harcourt House, I invite you to do so. Please find me at the openings and say hi. I always love visitors to my studio so get in touch and pop over to the Annex. I look forward to connecting with you.

Alexis Marie Chute

Artist in Residence, Harcourt House Artist Run Centre

www.AlexisMarieChute.com

info@alexismariechute.com

In celebration of this milestone, Harcourt House would like to invite you, your family & your friends to a good ol’ homestyle art market. There will be artists and designers from around Edmonton and beyond joining us with their original artworks for show & sale!

We will have refreshments, popcorn, art workshops, chances to win prizes and more!  Click here for details…

Hope to see you there in your spring wears!

You could say why… but we say why not? It’s a great way for people to view the artwork, and interact with it.  Before the class starts, participants are encouraged to take in the exhibition. Staff is on hand to answer any questions or enquiries.

It’s great to hear participants discuss the artwork while they wait for 5:30 to hit. Instead of the usual silence that fills a room before a yoga class begins, at Art & Mind participants discuss their thoughts on the artwork as they unroll their mats.

Art & Mind, yoga instructor Meri is a great example of how yoga and art can be such a great combination. She creatively lets the exhibits play a part in how she instructs her Tuesday night Yin Classes.

This month’s exhibition, Of/Off course by Steve de Bruyn is a perfect example of how an exhibition can have influence over a class physically and mentally.

Physically, because the gallery floor is taken over by two large installation pieces, participants are encouraged to set their mats up alongside the pieces instead of lining them up in an organized row.

Mentally, because the exhibit is so lively and bright, it’s a great atmosphere to be in to escape the wind and snow. The energy that de Bruyn has created with pieces is very present during a class.

Please visit the Art & Mind website HERE if you’d like to find out more about Yoga in the Gallery!

This position was created to expand awareness and participation in Harcourt House Artist Run Centre’s art education programs, as well as to create further accessible programming for children and youth to run alongside our existing art education and enrichment programming.

The person hired for this position will be asked to organize and implement the 2013 Art Expressed summer art camps to run in July – August. This initiative will be a continuation of last year’s extremely successful summer camp program, and set the tone for future art programming involving children’s art instruction.

This program has been running for over 6 years now and we hope to continue to offer this teaching opportunity to current or recently graduated students that are interested in pursuing a career in art education.

Remuneration: $15 per hour

Tasks and Responsibilities

Development and implementation of the program

• Develop, organize and teach an exciting art camp program that includes a variety of activities and projects that reflect both traditional and contemporary art practices
• Co-ordinate logistics of program (ie. budget, supplies, max # of registrations, weekly field trips etc.)
• Develop and implement a marketing plan (ie. Updating distribution lists, sourcing out new media/marketing venues, distribution of camp information to target markets etc.)
• Locate and hire specialized art instructors for camp workshops
• Prepare and distribute additional art education marketing materials
• Compiling a final report after the summer camps have been implemented

Day to day administration of the program

• Assisting with special events as needed
• Taking registrations and payments
• Creating and distributing necessary information to registrants
• Scheduling and providing participants with necessary information
• All promotions
• Continued on-site liaisons with Harcourt House Arts Centre staff, instructors and parents to ensure smooth operation of art program.

ADDITIONAL TASKS 

• This position will require an ability to work independently, as well as being part of a team. Creativity is essential.
• The candidate must be computer literate and be able to work in a MAC & PC environment, write copy for promotions and design promotional materials.
• This person should also be familiar with the local Public School Education system, and have an interest in current curriculum requirements in the visual arts.
• The Art Education Facilitator will be involved in assisting the Programming Manager in duties relating to year round art education programs.
• Helping in the day to day running of an Artist Run Centre which could include some light lifting, i.e.: tables and chairs etc.

Level of Education

The successful candidate must be currently enrolled or recently completed a diploma, degree (or equivalent) in fine art, arts administration or education program. Volunteer work in the visual arts and experience in developing and teaching art programs will be considered an asset.

Deadline for application is Monday, April 15th, 2013 @ Midnight

Please submit a current resume and cover letter and references to Harcourt House Artist Run Centre. Resumes can be sent via e-mail: harcourthouse@shaw.ca

or

Delivered in person or by post to:

Harcourt House Artist Run Centre

3^rd Floor Gallery  |  10215-112 St  |  Edmonton, AB  |  T5K 2V9

Only those selected for interviews will be contacted. 

ILLUMINATE EVENT 2013

Gallery Assistant & Special Events Planning and Coordination

The recipient of this position will work both independently and with a team, and will report to the Programming Manager. The recipient will be hired to assist with the ongoing development, coordination and implementation of Harcourt House Artist Run Centres marketing plans and special events. They will also be involved in expanding our current avenues of media, community connections, and methods of communication, primarily in the digital arena. The Special Events & Gallery Assistant will also be closely involved with the development of Harcourt House Artist Run Centres Annual Members’ Show and Sale and the annual collaborative event and exhibition “Illuminate”.

Duration of internship: up to 14 weeks (Expected start time May 1st, 2013)

35 hours a week

Remuneration: $15/ hr (Subject to funding)

Ongoing Duties

• Planning and coordinating the event and pop-up exhibition, “Illuminate”. This event (and now exhibition) is a collaborative project that takes place in July with the Society of Northern Print Artists (SNAP Gallery), Film & Video Arts Society Alberta and Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts.
• Planning and growing existing timelines and implementing plans for a variety of special events
• Assist with all special events related to the gallery including openings, artist talks and open houses, including signage, general set up, hospitality, distribution of event related materials etc.
• Research gallery demographic to develop a target sponsorship package for print and the web
• Revising media contacts databases and researching new alternative points of contact for promotions
• Prepare media releases/media kits for special events that are available in both digital and hard copy formats
• Developing a structured promotions package with event and gallery information that can be updated yearly
• Assist with designing content for printed promotional materials
• Recruitment of volunteers for special events
• Assist the Programming Manager with monthly exhibit promotions and distribution
• Helping in the day to day running of an Artist Run Centre which could include some light lifting, answering phones, & sitting the gallery when needed
• Assisting with setup and dismantle of special events and exhibitions
• Provide information on gallery programming to artists and gallery patrons
• Writing final reports for completed projects and events

Personal attributes:

• The ideal candidate must be a self-driven individual with a strong work ethic, the ability to execute tasks within a specific timeline.
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills as well as be able to effectively communicate ideas, goals and objectives both written and orally.
• Must maintain a personal interest and knowledge of art, a personal connection and knowledge of the local art scene is considered an asset. 

Level of Education

Education must be related to one or more of the following areas or specializations:

• Business-with a concentration in any of the following: Public/Media Relations, Communications, and Management
• Arts and Cultural Management
• Bachelor of Fine Arts or Design
• Fine Arts Diploma
• Additional experience working and volunteering in the arts, fundraising and special events planning are considered assets.

General Qualifications 

Must be enrolled in a post secondary institution in the fall. Must have been registered as a full time student during the preceding academic year. Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

Deadline for application is Monday, April 15th, 2013 @ Midnight

Please submit a current resume, cover letter and references to Harcourt House Artist Run Centre.

Resumes can be sent via e-mail: harcourthouse@shaw.ca

or

Deliver in person or by post to:

Harcourt House Artist Run Centre

3^rd Floor Gallery 10215-112 St

Edmonton, AB T5K 2V9

Only those selected for interviews will be contacted. 

For 24 year’s Harcourt House has provided it’s members with the opportunity to exhibit and sell their work in a public gallery at the annual member’s exhibition.

Coming up… on June 20^th, Harcourt House will be celebrating the 25^th year of the Member’s Show!! This show brings together over 80 artists that get the chance to exhibit new works. We provide the title/theme of the exhibit and our member’s each come up with an original piece of work for the show. Our member’s show is unique in that our member’s are a blend of professional, emerging and amateur artists.

“Kinetic”, the title/theme of the exhibit, is defined as, 1) pertaining to motion, 2) caused by motion, and/or 3) characterized by movement.

For the past twenty-five years the Member’s Show has been a great success. Every year the board of directors and the staff at Harcourt House identify the member’s show as a chance to commemorate past programming and to progress towards a rewarding future of the centre. The 25th anniversary is the perfect opportunity to celebrate Harcourt’s continued efforts of education and exhibition programming, artist studios, special events programming and opportunities for the community. We owe it to our dedicated members, our brilliant volunteers and our enthusiastic staff that help to make this possible. “Kinetic” is our way of coming together to celebrate another year of well deserved hard work.

Stop by Harcourt House for tasty BBQ eats, cold drinks, open studios, In the Annex: more open studios! Model drawing session/workshop and the 21^st Annual Naked Show Exhibit featuring artist’s work that is created in the non-instructional drop-ins. Click here to read more about the event.

Last Years Member’s Exhibit…

Waldron-Blain, gibraltar point presto, video still, 2012

April 18 – May 24, 2013.

Opening Reception Thursday, April 18 from 8 – 10pm

Artist Talks: WALDRON-BLAIN 7:00pm, PATRICK 7:30pm

Front Room Gallery  |  Adam Waldron-Blain  |  Two-part Invention

Adam Waldron-Blain graduated from the University of Alberta’s fine art program in 2007. Since then he has been based in Edmonton and Glasgow. In 2011 he was artist-in-residence in the back lanes and derelict spaces of the Woodlands community in Glasgow, ran games for the IgFest Interesting Games festival in Bristol, and participated in a residency program at the Banff Centre with Icelandic artists Ragnar Kjartansson, Ásdís Sif Gunnarsdóttir and Davíð Þór Jónsson. He performed in the dusty parking lots and wide streets of downtown Edmonton in Dirt City:Dream City, a transitory public art project involving fifteen Edmonton artists curated by Kendal Henry, in July and August of 2012, and spent the winter in residence on Toronto Island and at the Banff Centre.

Visit Adam’s blog to gain a greater insight into this artist/critiques thought process… http://www.instituteparachute.ca/adam/