An art exhibit by local street community artists invites residents of Greater Victoria to come together to break down barriers using the universal language of art.
The idea was born from a synergy between two local Victoria artists, Star Casement and Tanya Bub, who met during the filming of a documentary called Sitting with Grace. The one-hour documentary by local filmmaker Ross Whelan features eight unscripted interviews with members of the local street community, filmed in a single afternoon in Centennial Square.
Bub created a collaborative sculpture called Grace, which acted as both an icebreaker and safe venue for the conversations. The final interview in the documentary with Casement was a call to action for Bub.
“Star’s ideas of celebrating people for their strengths rather than focusing on their weaknesses is so simple, yet powerful and she has a broad vision and practical ideas about how to make it happen,” Bub said.
After filming, the women built on the idea of empowering artists in the street community. The first step was finding a suitable venue and by chance Shantael Sleight, a District of Saanich community arts programmer, contacted Bub regarding an unrelated exhibit. Sleight later saw Sitting with Grace, and was moved to work with the artists – finding space for the art show at the Cedar Hill Recreation Centre.
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“We have been so moved by the support and generosity from the District of Saanich and the community who have stepped up to help out with the exhibition,” Bub said. “It takes tremendous courage to cross these unspoken lines and we are particularly proud of the artists for taking a leap of faith to build bridges with Victoria’s community with their beautiful art work, so mark your calendars and come see the show.”
The exhibit Building Bridges: An art exhibit by local street community artists features sculptures, paintings, bead work, drawings and wall hangings made by artists from Victoria’s local street community.
The exhibit runs from Jan. 10 to Feb. 4 in the main gallery at 3220 Cedar Hill Rd.
Admission is free and the public is encouraged to meet the artists for in-gallery art demos on Jan. 20 and 27.
The public is also invited to attend a by-donation screening of Sitting with Grace – with Casement, Bub and Whelan in attendance – in the multipurpose room at the Cedar Hill Rec. Centre Jan. 21 at 6 p.m.
Visit saanich.ca for more information about the exhibition.
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