August 9 - September 29, 2024

糸 / 意図 Thread / Intention

Mind drifting into the collective spacetime (while hands move of their own volition) to imagine a world bigger than oneself. Creation as a conduit for a vast and limitless meditation. Mind wandering airily through the expansive dreamland between you and I.

Exploring the world of connection between there and here, yours and my own.

As you walk through my collection of physical visions, I ask you to pause.

I invite you to dream.

いれしゃい / welcome here

糸 / 意図 Thread / Intention encompasses April Friesen’s unique style of quilting and creating.

Pearl Krahn

Pearl has been dabbling in artwork since she was old enough to hold a pencil. Her parents supplied her and her sister with many crayons, paints, pencil crayons, paper and coloring books. She learned a few more skills in grade 9 & 10 art class with Marcel Debreuil, who really believed in Pearl’s abilities as an artist. She did a little sketching and painting more than 25 years ago, starting with watercolor and transitioning to acrylics. Pearl then put her art aside to pursue her career in nursing and raise a family.

Pearl picked up her brushes again in 2019 when she took a position in nursing that did not require working weekends, and therefore afforded her more time to pursue art. Covid granted her even more time to paint, and she was thankful to have this “hobby” to fill her time! Pearl received much encouragement and support from family and friends as she shared the work she was creating. After rediscovering the gift she was given, and now painting exclusively with oils, Pearl has immensely enjoyed improving her skills and creating paintings of the nature around her. She especially loves flowers and has created several paintings using her personal reference photos of flowers that she has grown in her own garden. This has provided her paintings with even more personal meaning. The beauty in the creation around us is evident, and is even more apparent when portrayed in Pearl’s works.

Josee Voth

Josee has learned to embrace the countryside and the beauty it beholds.

Showing interest in art from a young age, Josee has dabbled in painting and sketching, as well as a bit of photography.

Beauty is everywhere, you just need to have the “eyes” to see it.

Tim Froese

Now a full-time artist after a lifetime of creating art in fits, starts and streaks, Tim has begun to realize his potential. His first serious foray began some thirty years ago when he discovered the joy of hand building with clay, where many cartoon cats emerged. Winnipeg’s Gallery Lacosse became the meeting place for many cat enthusiasts and Tim’s kitties. Three solo shows with Lacosse provided timely platforms to show off his increasingly diverse creatures. Then, one of those moments came when Tim knew the time had come to turn to painting on canvas. Since then, Tim has made several portraits, mostly on a large scale, and he is excited to see how his work has evolved after finishing Permission, his perfectly-named first painting. He now envisions new vistas and is ready to go boldly to places still unknown.

Be it Mennonite history, Tim’s own family roots, the essential nature of humour, political discourse, the beauty of nature, people in every station of life, and yes, words!, the options are limitless.

June 7 - July 31, 2024

Artists4: Visual Stories

"VISUAL STORIES" brings together the diverse talents of Ida MacKenzie, Winona Kling, Judy Sutton, and Jo Smoley as they each present their individual stories through their medium of choice. The exhibition explores the intersection of personal experience and artistic expression, aiming to inspire others to craft and share their own stories through the beauty of art.

Do not miss the chance to immerse yourself in the rich and varied tales that these talented artists have woven into their creations. Whether you are an avid art enthusiast or simply curious about the transformative power of storytelling, "VISUAL STORIES" is an exhibition that promises to inspire and delight.

Every piece of artwork has a story, and tells a story. The viewer engages in a beautiful two-way dialogue where the colours, seasons, materials, compositions, and subject matter whisper clues the artists have placed there for the viewer’s delight. Is it a velvety, shadowed vista that filled the artist with a sense of space and peace? Or is it an everyday moment with intrinsic beauty that is usually overlooked?

We invite you to explore our artworks and discover the stories we tell without words.

Candace Lipischak

Candace Lipischak is a multidisciplinary artist born and raised on Treaty 1 territory. She is inspired by nature and her French-Métis/Polish background. Their company Fat Daug (short for Father/Daughter) was launched in 2015, offering unique and organic antler jewelry. These can be found on her website online and are carried by WAG-Quamajuk in Winnipeg. Candace also has merchandise incorporating their heritage-inspired designs, such as Louis Riel and the bison.

Self-taught, their visual art work may be connected to outsider art often illustrating unconventional ideas and materials. By painting and incorporating many mediums such as barn wood, recycled tin and miscellaneous parts, Lipischak has found a way of telling a different story regarding environmental and social issues, consumerism, the land, truth and reconciliation, and nature’s powerful force. Recycling, reducing her carbon footprint, and applying the phrase ‘what can I do with this?’ has expanded her mind in creating art using items that co-existed with nature.