Abbotsford, BC –Three new exhibitions will open at The Reach on Saturday July 6, including one that celebrates 10 years of The Reach’s thriving Emerge Program, which supports emerging artists in the Fraser Valley.
The Emerge 10th Anniversary Exhibition brings together over 30 artists who have participated in the program, showcasing new work from the alumni and sharing documentation from projects from the previous decade.
“The Emerge program is unique to Abbotsford,” says Curator or Art and Visual Culture Kelley Tialiou, “it is uncommon for a city of this size to have a program that is so intentional in supporting emerging talent. For a lot of our participants, it is their first experience working in a professional, public gallery.” Executive Director Laura Schneider has seen the project evolve over the years, “it has been a privilege to witness how the program has positively impacted so many artists in our community, and how it has built capacity in the creative ecosystem of our city. There are a lot of incredibly talented artists in our area, and we need to support and celebrate them every chance we get.” In addition to the 10th Anniversary exhibit, a new Emerge capsule exhibition features the work of Kaitlyn Roberts and is curated by Daylynn Onucki.
Also opening is the solo project I am my mother’s daughter by renowned artist Farheen HaQ. The exhibition is a survey of multimedia works by HaQ from the mid-2000s to the present that incorporates elements of text, performance, photography, video, sculpture, and installation in honor of the strength and knowledge systems of her mother. The exhibition is organized and circulated by the Campbell River Art Gallery and curated by Haema Sivanesan and Jenelle Pasiechnik. A performance by HaQ will also be a part of the opening reception.
The exhibitions premiere at an afternoon reception at The Reach (32388 Veterans Way) on Saturday, July 6 at 1:00pm. Everyone is welcome and guests will enjoy light refreshments and a cash bar. Admission is by donation.
