https://www.comoxvalleyartgallery.com

Don’t Know – Public Open Studio MakeArt + Talk | Saturday, Mar. 11

March 11 2023 / 10:00am - 5:00pm

The public is invited to an open house at the gallery on Saturday, March 11.

Julian Rendell – MakeItZone On-Site Facilitator (10AM – 5PM)

Alex Poruchnyk – Artist Talk Presentation (1PM – 2PM)

From 10AM – 5PM: Learn about the art of scanning and the software to prepare scans for 3D printing, laser cutting, or CNC creation. Materials are available at the gallery for visitors to try their hand at these processes. Julian Rendell from the MakeItZone will be onsite facilitating demonstrations.

At 1PM: Winnipeg artist Alex Poruchnyk will join us virtually for A Talk About Building, Reconstructing, and Mending Narratives to Find a Hole in the Earth, a Mark in the Sky. His interdisciplinary work weaves 3D scanning, modelling, sculpture, installation, animation, video and performance. Join us at the galleryclick here to watch the livestream recording.


This event is part of Michael Fernandes’s Don’t Know multimedia projects that actively solicit participation from the viewer.

The artist invites you to bring something of yourself.

Bring something to work on.

Start something new.

Store something in progress.

Take your project home, bring it back.

Leave something behind.

Visit again.

Public Open Studio will provide materials and the space. Drop in and immerse yourself. Independently or collaboratively, with friends or other visitors. A work space to experiment, take chances, and have fun while developing your project. Public Open Studio – sharing materials and ideas in a safe, supportive and creative environment of the arts. 


JULIAN RENDELL | MakeItZone, Courtenay, B.C.

Julian Rendell is the owner and operator of the MakeItZone. Located in the Comox Valley, MakeItZone provides a safe and welcoming space for people with different skill sets and interests to meet, learn, and work on their projects. Julian is a life-long maker who loves using his skills and experience in software development, electronics, and 3D printing to create unique and effective solutions to challenging problems.

MakeItZone – About


ALEX PORUCHNYK | Artist, Winnipeg, M.B.

Alex Poruchnyk is an internationally renowned artist who has been working with video and installation since the 1970s. His last feature length video was exhibited and purchased by the Museum of Modern Art. More recently, his practice has focused on 3D printing and stereoscopy. Alongside this, Alex has taught video and sculpture at the University of Manitoba’s School of Art since 1989.

VUCAVU – Alex Poruchnyk


Visit the gallery: 

  • Public Open Studio — Self-directed MakeArt Stations for drop-in art-making opportunities every open day at the gallery

In the gallery you will find materials for your use. Work on your project. Continue with someone else’s project. Put what you have made on the shelves. Take your project home. Bring it back. Leave something behind. Visit again.

  • Facilitated MakeArt Projects — Artist/technician facilitated opportunities to build new making skills | upcoming dates will be posted to the CVAG website, Facebook, and in the CVAG e-newsletters.

All are welcome. Those under 15 or needing individual support must be accompanied by an adult care-person. Gallery staff are present to offer an orientation to the space and materials available.


CVAG programs are public / all ages / barrier free (no cost). DONATIONS are appreciated and contribute to ongoing community interactive programming.

Public health considerations – we ask that visitors choose not to visit if they are experiencing symptoms of colds and flus. Hand sanitation dispensers are available at CVAG. Wearing a mask is at the discretion of the visitor.


Image: Julian Rendall from MakeItZone leading a 3D workshop with students from Highland Secondary School’s ENTER2 program. Image by Marlee Barry