The Government of Yukon is pleased to announce 21 new works of art have been selected for the Yukon Permanent Art Collection.
The new acquisitions include work from Yukon artists Brenda Lee Asp, Luann Baker-Johnson, Emma Barr, Karen Bien, Faye Chamberlain, Marla Charlie, Cécile Girard, Joshua Lesage, Peter Mather, Lena Moon, Randi Nelson, Barb Pratt, Mark Preston, Martha Jane Ritchie, Ramon Joseph Santos, Doug Smarch Jr., Karen Thomas, Donald Watt and Justien Senoa Wood.
The pieces reflect diverse stylistic approaches and perspectives, consisting of a wide range of media such as beadwork and tufting, carving, photography, painting, printmaking, and sculpture.
As part of Yukon government’s efforts to support artists through the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s acquisition budget was doubled to $60,000. Selections occurred through the annual call for submissions process held by the Government of Yukon and the Friends of Yukon Permanent Art Collection (FOYPAC). Selections were made from 143 submissions by 68 artists.
These latest additions will be shown alongside other curated works in an exhibition celebrating the Yukon Permanent Art Collection’s 40th anniversary this December at the Yukon Arts Centre.
Congratulations to each of the artists on this remarkable achievement. We are honoured to add their unique perspectives and exceptional talents to this living collection of art in the territory. Our government is pleased to have been able to lend this added support to Yukon artists in a time of uncertainty.
Minister of Tourism and Culture Ranj Pillai
FOYPAC is thrilled to be welcoming these incredible new works into the Yukon Permanent Art Collection. This year’s additional funding allowed us to purchase pieces from a greater number of Yukon artists, which not only adds important new dimensions to the collection, but also provides a great professional opportunity to these artists during a difficult year. We’re excited to share these creations with all Yukoners.
Friends of Yukon Permanent Art Collection Vice President Geneviève Gagnon
I am so proud to have my work in the Permanent Art Collection. It’s nice to be recognized and it tells me that I do good work and that people must like it. I’m so grateful for my grandmother and my aunts who helped teach me to tan skins and work with beads. Grandma always said to pay attention to what you’re doing and do it good right from the start. I hope that all the younger generations get interested to learn. I will continue to sew as long as I am able and am always willing to teach others.
Artist Lena Moon
The new acquisitions were selected by the Friends of Yukon Permanent Art Collection (FOYPAC) through an arm's-length adjudication process. FOYPAC is a non-profit society made up of artists, art professionals and community members dedicated to the continued growth of the collection.
As part of the Government of Yukon’s efforts to support artists through the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s acquisition budget was doubled to $60,000.
Works from the collection are displayed in public areas of government buildings in Whitehorse, Dawson, Faro, Haines Junction and Mayo. They are also periodically displayed in special curated exhibitions produced by Tourism and Culture’s Arts Section or through loans to other institutions.
There are currently more than 500 works of art by over 270 artists in the collection.
The deadline and parameters for the 2021–22 call for submissions will be announced this fall.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Cameron Webber
Communications, Tourism and Culture
867-332-0400
cameron.webber@gov.yk.ca