Casa celebrating arts community with new exhibits

By Theodora MacLeod - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on January 27, 2024.

Herald photo by Theodora MacLeod Darcy Logan, curator at Casa, hangs a painting by Marianne Gerlinger ahead of Saturday's exhibition opening.

A big night for arts and artists in the city, on Saturday Casa is set to present eight new exhibitions. Opening its doors from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. patrons of the arts are invited to join in celebrating the rich and creative arts community of Lethbridge.

With painting proving to be the popular media of choice throughout the eight exhibitions, there’s a diversity in subject and theme. Craig Talbot’s ‘Lift with Your Knees,” explores chronic pain and, resilience, and a return to the spaces of one’s childhood. Marianne Gerlinger’s “Revealing Through Reflection” depicts the vulnerability of the Covid-19 era without using common imagery such as masks and tests. Debra Schultz’s “It’s Not Just Me, It’s Everybody” links an array of portraits by using one pattern throughout and presenting a commentary on individuality and society.

Featured also at The Southern Alberta Art Gallery, Sikapinakii Low Horn depicts stories of the Blackfoot cowboys and exclusive spaces through mixed media in “Kah’kano’kitopi Saatstakssin.” Presented with the objective of encouraging a deeper understanding of Blackfoot culture and heritage.

Also reflecting on Indigenous experiences and culture, Sandra Lamouche celebrates Indigenous women and their strength through a series that Casa curator, Darcy Logan says is inspired by ledger art created by students in residential schools who were given lined ledger paper to create on as a means of cost cutting, rather than proper supplies. The images depicted encourage an appreciation for the resilience of Indigenous women.

Making their gallery debuts are Sandrine Cornet and Adam Essex. Cornet presents “September,” a series of paintings, some quite large, that capture nature and use a multidisciplinary approach to highlight the notion of wellness and the interactions of humans and the natural world. Essex’s “Food” puts movement on the canvas with abstract imagery and a mix of mediums that show his passion for painting.

On the platform, Amanda Sylvester presents “Flat Circle,” textile work with layered messages that touch upon feminism, queer experiences, and religious trauma.

Though it wasn’t intentional, Casa is joined by the Southern Alberta Art Gallery and Trianon Gallery in opening new exhibitions on Saturday. A rare treat for the curators and art supporters alike. “it’s not very often we’re able to align our schedules,” says Logan, curator. “The fact that they’re lining up is just luck.” While the timing wasn’t intentional, he says the cross promotion was.

The exhibits at Casa are on display until March 23.