Un/Discard: Re/Form 

Gerry Ruecker

January 18 - March 23, 2025 ​​

Gerry is a self-taught artist of over 30 years, working in mixed media construction, both functional and nonfunctional.  His current work is an exploration referencing ideas of a sense of place, personal and impersonal histories (both real and imagined), and permanence/impermanence.  The work consists of the synthesis of cast-off, discarded items (such as old pieces of found wood and building materials, rusted metals etc) with highly contrasting ornate baroque-influenced picture frames, and other miscellaneous related materials. 

This Exhibit is a body of mixed media constructions that explores the definition and usage of what is commonly considered trash. The individual pieces included in the body of work all present a strong emphasis on found/reclaimed/junk objects, however introduced in a new context. Discarded and cast-off objects, such as fragments of old furniture and building materials, rusted pieces of metal, and various other disused and disposed of items are prominent, highlighting a unique, well-worn sense of beauty. These crude, rough objects are blended with and enclosed within (or enclose) a mash-up of cheap, highly decorative baroque-influenced picture frames, kitch and miscellaneous objects.

The resulting pieces embrace contradiction, functioning as both an homage to, as well as a caricature of a tired, centuries-old style still commonly viewed as ‘classy’.

Remembering the Past, 

Imagining the Future

September 27, 2024 - January 12, 2025

This exhibit shows the work of Regina-area quilters past and present.
It includes patterns and techniques that have been around for more than a century as well as many that are new.

This quilt exhibit brings together the work of members of the Prairie Piecemakers Quilters' Guild and Connected Threads Network Inc. Both groups are based in Regina.

The aim of the Prairie Piecemakers Quilters’ Guild is to promote the art of quilting, to offer learning opportunities and to foster fellowship among quilters. The Guild was formed in 1991, and meets monthly at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church hall. In addition to the monthly meetings it offers several workshops throughout the year, has a large library of
quilting books and hosts a biennial quilt show.

Connected Threads Network is all about creating quilts and other items which are then donated. In the past year 668 quilts have been given to a variety of agencies including: the Allan Blair Cancer Centre, Four Directions Health Care, as well as several departments and programs within the Saskatchewan Health Authority. Most of the quilt donations are aimed at infants, children, teens as well as adults with serious illnesses. Other items such as pillowcases, placemats and chemo bottle bags have been made and donated to other health and wellness organizations. In the past nine years more than 10,000 quilted and sewn items have been given to those in need in Regina and area.
 

Creative Synergy

June 28 - September 22, 2024

This collaborative exhibition, featured original works by the tenmember artists of the Artists' Workshop, celebrated the power of 'Creative Synergy' in artmaking. The works featured a wide range of subjects, created in a variety of media including: oils, acrylics, watercolours, graphite, ink, mixed media, and batik. Diversity in expression is one of the hallmarks of the Artists' Workshop group which has operated in Saskatoon for over 30 years.

In a mutually supportive atmosphere of trust, each artist works towards their own varied goals while supporting each other and the whole.

When their pieces are showcased side by side, a creative synergy emerges from the ingenious use of colour, line, texture, space, and materials.

Members of the group are selected through a juried process that requires a high level of skill, a strong record of success, and a deep commitment to collegiality in the practice of art.

Artists included: Celeste Dumonceaux Delahey, Jean Dudley, Patricia Katz, Wendy McLeod, Val Miles, Paige Mortensen, Sharron Schoenfeld, Anne Simmie, Kathleen Slavin, and Leslie Stadnichuk.