Artist: George Sawchuk – posthumous
Guest Curator: Grant Shilling
George Sawchuk passed away in February of 2012. The Book of George: The Life and Art of George Sawchuk is the first opportunity to examine and expand upon the legacy of the Fanny Bay based artist since he died. The title of the show reflects George’s trademark of placing simple wooden books he fashioned together with brass hinges, filled with hand written aphorisms and quotations and placed in the notches of trees. The exhibition will offer the first ever display of the George Sawchuk archives. Included in the archives are Ian Baxter (Order of Canada), founder of the N.E. Thing Co.’s documentation of George Sawchuk’s early site specific works in North Vancouver;
“There is no need to consecrate the water for it already arrives that way“
The opening will feature water tasting – a central concern of George’s work as well as his sugar cookies that he baked for the kids who would visit his Forest Gallery. This exhibition consists of two sites: here at CVAG and the Forest Gallery that surrounds the Fanny Bay home that George built and he and life partner Pat Helps shared for close to 40 years.
Please follow @George_Sawchuk on twitter for quotes from and information about the Fanny Bay based artist.
Installation Residency: June 17 – 26
Guest Curator Grant Shilling will be on site from noon to 2pm Tuesdays thru Saturdays.
The public is welcome to drop by and view the work as it’s being installed.
Opening Reception: Friday, June 27
6pm make art project + water tasting + sugar cookies 7pm opening remarks
Canada Day Potluck + Readings: July 1 from 2pm onwards
George’s & Pat’s home (372 Bates Drive, Fanny Bay, BC). Authors Terry Glavin & Elizabeth Bachinsk
Curator Talk: July 12, 1pm with Grant Shilling
Readings at CVAG: July 15, 7pm Author Lee Henderson & author/carver Chris Arnett
Exhibition Contributors: Kempton Dexter, music; Mary Alice, video; Shawn Pigott, video; Ron Pogue, photography; Iain & Ingrid Baxter, archival photography, Matt Rader, essay; George Harris, photography
Exhibit Sponsor: Campbell River, Courtenay and District Labour Council
