Natural Connections, an exhibition featuring 11 new works of art in the Yukon Permanent Art Collection, is now on display at the Yukon College Innovation Commons at Ayamdigut campus in Whitehorse.
The exhibition presents pieces that convey and feature aspects of living in the north, whether that be a focus on our relationship with nature, people or the changing world we live in. The new acquisitions include sculpture, textile, painting, drawing and printmaking pieces from artists Kaylyn Baker, Sho Sho Esquiro, Dan Brown Hozjan, Theodore Jim, Joanne Love, Rebekah Miller, Virginia Mitford, Sandra Storey, Anne Tayler, Pam Van Kampen and Alainnah Whachell.
Natural Connections is presented in partnership with Yukon College and is the first time the new acquisitions show for the Yukon Permanent Art Collection has been held at the Innovations Commons. The show is on display until April 2020.
These new works added to the Yukon Permanent Art Collection beautifully reflect the many elements of our shared northern experience. It is wonderful to broaden the reach of our public displays and I am proud we have partnered with Yukon College to showcase this exhibition.
Minister of Tourism and Culture Jeanie Dendys
The Innovation Commons is a vibrant and busy space at Ayamdigut campus. We are fortunate to enhance it further by hosting this wonderful display of work by Yukon artists for students, employees and the public to enjoy. We are proud to collaborate with the Government of Yukon and Friends of the Yukon Permanent Art Collection to celebrate these new additions to our collective permanent archive.
Yukon College Board of Governors Chair Tom Ullyett
When I was a teenager I used to love looking at all the artwork around town. I never would have guessed that one day I would also have a piece selected to join all the other works of art. I’m so thankful for the opportunity. This piece is very nostalgic for me. Driving to Pelly used to be one of my favourite things because we used to live in Alaska and I didn’t get to see my family as much as I would have liked. Seeing the fireweed meant I was home for the summer. I wanted to highlight the beauty that people see and sometimes take for granted because they see it so often they don’t realize how special it really is.
Artist Kaylyn Baker
Each year, $30,000 is available to acquire new artworks for the Yukon Permanent Art Collection.
The new acquisitions were selected by the Friends of Yukon Permanent Art Collection through an arms-length decision process. Friends of Yukon Permanent Art Collection is a non-profit society made up of artists, art professionals and community members dedicated to the continued growth of the collection. They ensure artworks in the collection are unique, high quality and relevant to Yukon as well as the legacy of Yukon artists.
The 2020 call for submissions is currently open. Artists at any stage of their careers from all communities can apply until January 31, 2020.
During the fall and winter terms, the Innovation Commons at Ayamdigut campus is open seven days a week. Please check the Yukon College website for daily hours.
Matthew Cameron
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7136
[email protected]
Alicia Debreceni
Communications, Tourism and Culture
867-332-3670
[email protected]
Michael Vernon
Communications, Yukon College
867-668-8786
[email protected]