Art Gallery Opening Reception
Date: Feb 9
7:00 pm
- 9:00 pm
Where: Level 3 Atrium
Opening Reception
You are invited to join us for a free public art gallery opening reception!
Daze Jefferies: stay here stay how stay explores transfeminine belonging in Newfoundland, using the ocean as an archival body to counter historical narratives. Through textile, wax, and multimedia, the artist honours intergenerational knowledge, embraces rural trans pleasure, and addresses discourse on trans and sex worker bodies with a narrative of care, intimacy, and resistance.
Sheilagh O’Leary's: A Sea Change is a tribute that spans three generations, exploring cultural erasure and resurgence through analogue portraits and cyanotypes. Inspired by her mother's experiences as a French-Mi'kmaw woman, the exhibit delves into complex interactions of embodiment, power dynamics, identity, and environmental stewardship, symbolizing life, renewal, and change
Jenny Yujia Shi: The End of a Line draws from her childhood in Beijing and immigration to Halifax at eighteen. Exploring displacement's impact, the autobiographical display spans a decade, offering a poignant glimpse into Shi's migration experience and reflections on Canadian citizenship, positioning herself within Canada's complex history.
There will be live entertainment by harpist Venessa Goodyear and refreshments available (cash bar 19+). Admission to the Art Gallery exhibitions will be free during the event.
See more about the artists here:
Daze Jefferies: Stay Here Stay How Stay | The Rooms
Sheilagh O’Leary: A Sea Change | The Rooms
Jenny Yujia Shi: The End of a Line | The Rooms
Image: Daze Jefferies. with/holding (2023). Mixed media, digital illustration, maternal grandmother’s handwriting. Courtesy of the artist.
Events & Programs
Auks, Wolves and Whales
What fills the void when a species is no more? Legends, folklore, and history worth learning from. Come listen to the stories of the Great Auk, the Newfoundland Wolf, and Endangered Whales as they echo across the ages through their body and bones. Commiserate with the extinct, heed the calls of the endangered, hold ossified bones, and see how artists transform tragedy into hope for a sustainable future.
Tour is approximately 30 – 40 minutes and included in the cost of admission.
Continue the festive spirit with a delightful holiday performance featuring Fergus O'Byrne and Jim Payne.
Immerse yourself in the warmth of Newfoundland folk culture, including traditional Christmas Carols, rousing sea shanties and work songs, poignant ballads, comic ditties, folk tales and recitations, and toe-tapping jigs, reels and polkas on a variety of instruments.
This is a free event but a ticket is required. Get your free ticket online or by calling (709)757-8090!
About the Performers:
Jim Payne, from Notre Dame Bay, has been long known as a leading performer on accordion and a collector of Newfoundland traditional music. He is one of the province’s most prolific songwriters, and has created soundtracks for theatre, plays and documentaries. He also owns and operates SingSong Inc., a Newfoundland recording company that is dedicated to traditional and contemporary music, story, song and dance that reflect the Newfoundland experience. The label has fourteen currently available titles, making it the largest traditional music label in the province.
Fergus O'Byrne, originally from Dublin, Ireland, became a familiar voice on radio and television from 1971 to 1983 as a member of the renowned folk group, Ryan's Fancy. He now leads a busy solo and freelance career, touring nationally and internationally with Jim Payne and A Crowd Of Bold Sharemen. He is well recognized for his efforts promoting Newfoundland and Celtic music and works extensively with young folk music enthusiasts.