Introducing the Post, Fort McMurray’s new public art gallery

Fort McMurray, AB, February 8, 2012 - With its opening exhibition happening this month as part of the 2012 Syncrude winterPLAY Festival, Fort McMurray’s newest public art gallery offers an 1100 square foot presentation venue for contemporary art and programming. The opening exhibition is a two-person show featuring works by celebrated Albertan artists, David Janzen and Julian Forrest.

Located in the Keyano Theatre and Arts Centre, the Post is a space meant to foster dialogue, new understandings, and enjoyment in exploring the diversity of contemporary fine art. Part of the gallery’s mandate is to foster support for contemporary artists, as well as offering local artists professional development programming. The gallery will also highlight the work of local art studentsthrough annual projects such as the Tri High Student Exhibit, the Graduation Show of the Keyano Visual Arts diploma program, and A Winter Affair.

Reflecting the diversity of approaches that exist within contemporary art, the Post’s exhibition calendar will offer the Wood Buffalo Region an opportunity to see significant work by established and emerging artists. A diverse array of exhibitions, guided tours, and late night events will be available throughout the year. The Post aims to be a centre of collaboration and exploration for visual arts. Serving both the urban area of Fort McMurray and the rural hamlets of the region, the gallery will host a minimum of six curated exhibitions yearly.

The name and brand of this new gallery speak to our vision of building support and appreciation for the arts. Created by design team Kriza Borromeo and Matthew Kim, the Post’s brand references the history of the Wood Buffalo Region while representing the gallery’s contemporary sensibilities with the circle as a strong icon of completion, connection, and life. The font selected embodiesFort McMurray's youthful and growing community. To reflect the naturally occurring aurora borealis seen here within our northern geography, a bright blue was chosen as a spin on our particular blend of the aurora.

“We wanted a fresh look that captured the youthful and creative community here in Fort McMurray. The branding speaks to our desire to connect with people of all ages. We want to provide new and exciting experiences in an atmosphere that piques the imagination, encourages creativity and critical thinking,” said Connor Buchanan, Volunteer Curator/Director.

'Suddenly' Works by Julian Forrest & David Janzen 

Images: Left: Platter 004, David Janzen                     Right: Stop Resisting, Julian Forrest

The inaugural show will be open to the public as of February 18th. Gallery hours will be dependent on volunteers. Volunteers of the Post will receive gallery training and enjoy various professional development opportunities. If you are interested in getting involved or to find out more about the gallery, please email the curator at: thepost@eventswoodbuffalo.com

An Events Wood Buffalo initiative, the Post is grateful for the generosity of the many donors and sponsors who have made this new addition to Fort McMurray’s cultural landscape a reality. The Post would not exist without the ongoing support of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, The Canada Council for the Arts, Cindy Amerongen and Keyano College. 

Hours of Operation as of February 18, 2012: 
Tues – Fri: 5 pm – 9 pm
Sat: 10 am – 6 pm

Media Contact:
Brea Burton
Marketing & Communications Manager
Events Wood Buffalo
780-791-1600
www.eventswoodbuffalo.com
www.winterplay.ca