Five new works selected for inclusion in Yukon’s Permanent Art Collection have been unveiled in a public exhibition at the Carcross Learning Centre.
Entitled A Closer Look, the exhibition showcases a diverse range of art forms, including carving, sculpture, beadwork and jewellery, and a blend of traditional and contemporary techniques, styles and themes. The new works were created by five Indigenous artists from five different Yukon communities: Daniel Benjamin Gribben of Whitehorse, Tamika Knutson of Dawson City, Dennis Shorty of Ross River, Teresa Van der Meer-Chassé of Beaver Creek, and Lorraine Wolfe of Carcross.
A Closer Look is presented in partnership with the Carcross/Tagish First Nation, and marks the first time the annual unveiling of new acquisitions to Yukon's Permanent Art Collection has been held outside of Whitehorse. The exhibition will remain on display in Carcross until May 2019.
The goal of the Yukon Permanent Art Collection is not only to encapsulate the stories and evolutions of our territory, but also to foster participation in, and appreciation of those statements and that growth. Together with the Carcross/Tagish First Nation we are excited to share these significant new additions to the collection. I encourage all Yukoners to explore and experience the three-dimensional works featured in the A Closer Look exhibition.
Minister of Tourism and Culture Jeanie Dendys
We are honoured to be the first community to host the Yukon Permanent Art Collection in our beautiful learning centre and proud to support one of our Citizens, artist Lorraine M. Wolfe.
Carcross/Tagish First Nation Chief Andy Carvill
Untitled (Resilience) is my first and only work ever accepted into a public collection. I’m extremely honoured FOYPAC chose this particular work for their new acquisitions. The work was created during a youth scholarship I received from the YVR Art Foundation under the mentorship of Dene artist and curator, Jennifer Bowen-Allen. Untitled (Resilience) discusses the social stigma that often silences abuse experienced while in romantic relationships. I hope many Yukoners are able to view this work and for those who have escaped abuse, or are still experiencing it, find hope and love in the artwork.
Artist Theresa Van der Meer-Chassé
The five new acquisitions were selected by the not-for-profit society Friends of Yukon Permanent Art Collection (FOYPAC) jury from 62 nationwide submissions. Each year artists submit their work through a public call for submissions administered by the Department of Tourism and Culture. FOYPAC then selects new pieces for the collection through an arm's-length adjudication process.
This year’s call for submissions sought 3D and relief artworks, to increase the representation of those art forms in the collection and encourage wider participation from artists working in these media throughout Yukon communities. The deadline and parameters for the 2019 call for submissions will be announced in late 2018.
The Yukon Permanent Art Collection is a record of visual art development in Yukon. The collection was established in 1981 and is part of the Government of Yukon’s commitment to support artistic development and excellence, and facilitate the preservation and public display of art and fine craft in the territory.
Janine Workman
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7449
janine.workman@gov.yk.ca
Cameron Webber
Communications, Tourism and Culture
867-332-0400
cameron.webber@gov.yk.ca
Daphne Vernier
Communications Coordinator, Carcross/Tagish First Nation
867-821-4251, ext. 8235
daphne.vernier@ctfn.ca