Author Talk: The Cause of Art


Date: Jun 19
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Where: Theatre

Jeff Webb’s new book shares the story of the curators and artists who built a new art gallery at Memorial University in the 1960s – a gallery that would eventually become a provincial institution and advance access to art in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The gallery was more than a place to hang pictures. It was the site of an awakening of visual culture as part of the Newfoundland Cultural Renaissance of the 1970s. Webb explores the conflict, collaborations and a cast of passionate and strong-willed characters who were part of the early gallery history including Christopher Pratt, Peter Bell, Edythe Goodridge, John Perlin, and many others.

Tickets: $12 plus HST. Free for Rooms Members. Get your tickets online or by calling (709) 757-8090.
 

Events & Programs

2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Art Tea

Art Tea is a contemplative way to experience our exhibitions. Join us for a visit to the art gallery, then exchange ideas and share reflections about current topics in art. This is a casual and relaxed group setting. Tea will be served overlooking the breathtaking view of the harbour.

Cost: $20 plus HST. 10% discount for Rooms members. Seating is limited. Register online or by calling (709) 757-8090.

Please note: All ticket sales are final; no refunds will be issued.

Upcoming Art Tea Date:
December 12

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Unleash Your Inner Artist at The Rooms!

Come draw at The Rooms and practice your skills with focused exercises.

What to Expect:
Our experienced instructor will guide you through fundamental drawing techniques. Each session focuses on a different theme, from drawing the harbour view to capturing the details of our natural history collection.

This is a creative and supportive environment; all skill levels and experience are welcome! Designed for ages 15 and up.

Quality drawing supplies are available, or feel free to bring your own sketchbook.

Cost: $20 plus HST. 10% discount for Rooms members. Drop-ins welcome!

6:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Tour

Fishing for Cod

For centuries, fishing for cod has played a vital role in the lives of the peoples of Newfoundland and Labrador. Generations of fishing men, women, and children made use of the land and sea to sustain them and spent their lives “making fish.”

Join us each day for an interpretive guided tour in one of our galleries. From the story of the cod fishery to visiting a current art exhibition to a Family Rainbow Tour, there is something for everyone.

Each tour is approximately 30–40 minutes and is included in the cost of admission. Free for Rooms members.

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Drawing

Unleash Your Inner Artist at The Rooms!

Come draw at The Rooms and practice your skills with focused exercises.

What to Expect:
Our experienced instructor will guide you through fundamental drawing techniques. Each session focuses on a different theme, from drawing the harbour view to capturing the details of our natural history collection.

This is a creative and supportive environment; all skill levels and experience are welcome! Designed for ages 15 and up.

Quality drawing supplies are available, or feel free to bring your own sketchbook.

Cost: $20 plus HST. 10% discount for Rooms members. Drop-ins welcome!

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Join us for a screening of the critically acclaimed film Skeet, produced by Mary Sexton, directed by Nik Sexton, and featuring a standout performance by Sean Dalton, earning him a Canadian Screen Award nomination and the People’s Pick award at the 2025 Canadian Film Festival.

Synopsis:
After being released from prison, Billy Skinner returns to his low-income neighborhood, feeling like the area has changed dramatically and what was once a predominantly white neighbourhood is now mostly occupied by refugee families.
Runtime: 1h 44m

Cost: $13.50 plus HST. Register online or by calling (709) 757-8090.