Easter Holidays

Lac La Biche County Libraries main branch will be closed on Friday, April 7th thru Monday, April 10th for Easter holidays. The Plamondon Branch will be closed from Monday, April 3rd thru Monday, April 10th for Spring Break. Both branches will reopen on Tuesday, April 11th. We thank you for your understanding.

Art Exhibitions

TREX Art Exhibit: Come What May

Background feature colorful paint splotches, hints of one the paintings showcased in the exhibit with the words TREX Exhibit Come What May March 2nd – April 12 at the Stuart MacPherson Public Library

The past few years have unquestionably been very difficult. Devastating climatic conditions; economic recession; social and political turmoil; and a devastating global pandemic have all taken their toll leaving many wondering what the future will hold. While some assert that ‘life’ will return to ‘normal’ or pre-pandemic times, others are not so sure. Will life return to what it was or does this time presage the development of different systems of government, economic structures, ways of social interaction and ways of actual living?

For thousands of years many artists have either reflected on current conditions in their work or created ‘alternate worlds’ which comment on the present or, through their own fantastical narratives, hint at how the future will unfold. The TREX exhibition Come What May features the work of three artists who, through a focus on ‘fantasy’ and imagination in their creative endeavors, reflect on the world as they find it or create new worlds which envision a different course for the human race. Will things get worse? Will they get better? Will life as we know it change and, if so, how?

Curated by Shane Golby, Art Gallery of Alberta (TREX Region 2)

Information from - https://www.youraga.ca/exhibitions/come-what-may

On display from: March 2nd - April 12th

Location: Stuart MacPherson Public Library

The Art of Illumination - Chiaroscuro Drawings and Artworks Inspired by the Renaissance

Please join us at the Stuart MacPherson Public Library for a new community art exhibit titled, "The Art of Illumination - Chiaroscuro Drawings and Artworks Inspired by the Renaissance", featuring both student and instructor artworks from J.A. Williams High School and Portage College. These artworks will be on display from Jan 3 – Feb 17, 2023, and will showcase a variety of artworks and art techniques inspired from the Renaissance period including "chiaroscuro", a drawing, printmaking, and painting technique developed by artists such as Titian, Rafael, and Leonardo da Vinci.

From Boroughs to the Boreal

From Boroughs to the Boreal: Portage College Arts presents a selection of photographs from a recent workshop with the International Center of Photography (ICP) which is located in Manhattan, New York City.

The digital display is available for viewing at the Stuart MacPherson Public Library while the original photographs are on exhibit in the new Portage College Arts students display space at the Lac La Biche campus from June, July, and August. This new student art exhibition space at Portage College is a legacy project that is being launched as part of the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Awards celebrations in Lac La Biche for June of this year.

"The language and traditions of art making is very much a global conversation and exchange of ideas. Workshops with leading arts and culture institutions like the International Centre of Photography in New York City provide valuable opportunities for artists to engage with and add their authentic voices to this vital arts dialogue from a regional and global perspective." Pierre Öberg.

TREX Art Exhibit - Between the Cosmos

Between the Cosmos is a solo exhibition of 16 works by photography and mixed media artist Rocio Graham. In this exhibition, Graham merges the natural magic of native-Alberta seeds with that of cyanotype paper to create her very own galaxies and star systems for the audience to gaze upon. With a keen eye for detail, respect for the unexpected, and a determination to bring her artistic vision to life, Graham has generated a unique series of works that spark creativity and curiosity about the unknown. 

 Curated by Ashley Slemming, Alberta Society of Artists (TREX Region 3) 

https://www.youraga.ca/exhibitions/between-cosmos

On display from: Thursday, July 28th - Wednesday, Aug 24th 

Location: Stuart MacPherson Public Library

TREX Art Exhibit - Nitssaakita’paispinnaan: We Are Still In Control

Nitssaakita’paispinnaan: We Are Still In Control features work by three contemporary Blackfoot artists, all working in different styles. We all gathered in a series of visits with Blackfoot ceremonial knowledge keeper Kayihtsipimiohkitopi (Kent Ayoungman), who shared about Blackfoot ways of life, places, and knowledge. Those visits helped us learn more about ourselves, the places we live, and the responsibility we have here to each other and our future generations. They also inspired these artworks for the Blackfoot people, culture, and ceremonies are still very much here, still shaping our society to this day.

Curated by Troy Patenaude and Kent Ayoungman and organized by the Art Gallery of Alberta, TREX Region 2. This exhibition was generously funded by Syncrude Canada Ltd. 

https://www.youraga.ca/exhibitions/nitssaakitapaispinnaan-we-are-still-control

On display from: Thursday, June 23rd - Wednesday, July 19th

Location: Stuart MacPherson Public Library

Carbon Captured

The Blue Forest: Carbon Capture is a curated collection by Pierre Oberg featuring art works from students and instructors at Portage College and JAWS. It will be on display at the Stuart MacPherson Public Library from May 4th - June 16th in various formats including digital. On Thursday, June 9th there will be a closed ceremony from 6-8pm at the Stuart MacPherson Public Library.

Thank you to Pierre and his team for arranging this exciting exhibit. We look forward to showcasing these local artists.

TREX Art Exhibit - Wawisihcikan - Adornment

According to the dictionary, ‘adornment’ refers to the use of item(s) that decorate, embellish, enhance, beautify, or enrich. It could be said adornment is the finishing touch that distinguishes the wearer. Adornment from an Indigenous perspective goes beyond the items’ beauty. It is an artistic expression that conveys many levels of communication. It makes connection to a spiritual foundation, the importance to land and place, and defines inherent culture.

Early adornment provides a sense of knowledge about our ancestors that reflect the natural world in which they lived. The seasonal round of birth and rebirth shape our world view in a circulatory way as everything is interdependent.

Spirituality has been the foundation for Indigenous peoples’ lives and an ‘intrinsic quality of creative activity.’ These artistic expressions were woven into the fabric of daily life. Artifacts were generally created as items to be used, not as ‘art’. Bags, pouches, along with
awl and knife sheaths were functional yet beautifully decorated.

Curated by MJ Belcourt and organized by the Art Gallery of Alberta (TREX Region 2)

Information from https://www.youraga.ca/exhibitions/afa-travelling-exhibitions-trex

On display from: Thursday, December 16th - Tuesday, January 18th

Location: Stuart MacPherson Public Library

Time Stamps: The Art of Relief

Time Stamps: The Art of Relief art exhibition runs from June 21-August 27 at the main branch. This exhibition includes 60 artworks, created in various art media from arts students and instructors from Portage College, the University of Alberta, and Sapporo Otani University in Japan. The art pieces reflect a time during the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic. Press release - https://www.portagecollege.ca/News/News-Archive/FineArts_TimeStamps

Art Displays