An exhibition featuring 18 new works added to the Yukon Permanent Art Collection opened today in the main foyer of the Jim Smith Building in Whitehorse.
Featuring a wide range of media including painting, sculpture, textile, printmaking and fine craft, Out in the Open explores the artistic inspiration and influence of the Yukon’s vastness.
Selections were made from 102 works submitted by 49 artists. Acquisitions are selected through an arm's-length adjudication process by the Friends of Yukon Permanent Art Collection (FOYPAC), a non-profit society made up of artists, art professionals and community members dedicated to the continued growth of the collection.
The new acquisitions represent the work of:
- Shiela Alexandrovich;
- Hildur Jónasson;
- Sarah Lennie;
- Meshell Melvin;
- Rebekah Miller;
- Aubyn O’Grady;
- Jackie Olson;
- Cohen Quash;
- Rosemary Scanlon;
- Veronica Verkley;
- Sharon Vittrekwa;
- Meg Walker; and
- Twyla Wheeler.
The display also features four newly donated works by celebrated Yukon artists Ted Harrison, Mark Preston and Jim Robb.
Out in the Open will be on display until spring 2024. Works from the exhibition can also be viewed at foypac.ca.
On behalf of the Government of Yukon, congratulations to each of the artists on this important achievement and thank you for enriching the collection with your unique perspectives and styles. The Yukon’s flourishing arts community is truly second to none, and our Permanent Art Collection continues to represent and enhance the territory’s growing cultural reputation.
Minister of Tourism and Culture John Streicker
FOYPAC is honoured to have been a part of bringing together the artworks showcased in Out in the Open. Each of these pieces beckons us to reflect on ourselves, the world around us, and our relationships. They do so through conceptual and technical excellence, the artists’ courageous vulnerability, and countless hours of care and dedication. We look forward to celebrating this year’s acquisitions and their makers alongside members of our community.
Friends of the Yukon Permanent Art Collection President Geneviève Gagnon
Koananukpiak (thank you very much) to my Nanuk (granny) and mom for teaching me the sacred art of sewing our beautiful animal hides into ceremonial and daily seasonal clothing. I am truly grateful and honoured to be selected among our many beautiful artists.
Artist Sarah Lennie
The Yukon Permanent Art Collection is a cultural legacy that is acquired, managed and exhibited for the benefit of Yukoners. It is an important part of the Yukon government’s commitment to support artistic development and excellence, and to encourage participation in, and appreciation of, visual arts in the Yukon.
There are more than 530 works by 285 artists in the Yukon Permanent Art Collection. Works from the collection are displayed in public areas of government buildings throughout Yukon, including Whitehorse, Dawson, Faro, Haines Junction and Mayo, as well as special curated exhibitions and loans to other institutions.
Each year, the Government of Yukon acquires new art for the Yukon Permanent Art Collection through a call for submissions open to Yukon, Canadian and international artists working in a wide variety of disciplines and at varying career stages. Artwork submissions should reflect high quality works with relevance to the Yukon or the North and are required to be suitable for display in public buildings.
The Yukon Permanent Art Collection was established in 1981 and is part of the Yukon government’s commitment to support artistic development and excellence, and to encourage participation in, and appreciation of, visual arts in the Yukon. The collection is acquired, managed and exhibited for the benefit of Yukoners and visitors.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Alicia Debreceni
Communications, Tourism and Culture
867-332-3670
alicia.debreceni@yukon.ca