Artwork attracts

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Apr 8, 2015 at 1:00 AM

An international art exhibition is drawing in the crowds.The Okanagan Print Triennial has proven popular with local residents and visitors since it opened March 19 at the Vernon Public Art Gallery and a satellite exhibit space across from Cenotaph Park.“The numbers are way up and we’re very excited,” said Dauna Kennedy Grant, VPAG executive director.“We are averaging about 100 people a day between the two locations. It’s more than anticipated.” The triennial features 90 works of art until May 21. Organizers originally considered 179 artists from 35 countries and 23 were ultimately selected to have their work on display. “People are curious about what’s happening and curious about the gallery,” said Kennedy Grant. “A lot of them are first time people to the gallery. They’re not just rushing through. They’re taking a solid look at the art.” Beyond the art itself, another topic continues to surface — the lack of a new, purpose-built public art gallery in Greater Vernon. “A lot of people are frustrated,” said Kennedy Grant. VPAG has been lobbying for a new facility for a number of years but the process has stalled at the political level. The satellite space consists of four storage containers sitting on the site selected for a new gallery. Kennedy Grant says the number of people making their way to that property indicates that a new facility must be in a high-profile area people can find. “Location is everything and being stuck in a parkade on a side street (current gallery) is not conducive to introducing people to art,” she said. The Okanagan Print Triennial is open at both locations Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.