Gallery@501 is celebrating 10 years with two new exhibits, as part of its anniversary exhibition series.

The public is invited to celebrate Gallery@501’s 10-year anniversary through two new exhibits; AMPLIFY and Reckoning | Unraveling | Reclaiming; a journey to self, as part of the gallery’s anniversary exhibition series.

Showcasing from September 10 to October 30, 2021, AMPLIFY celebrates and amplifies the voices of contemporary Alberta artists with a focus on notions of identity in their work. Four local artists who express their perspectives through portraiture and figurative artwork were chosen for this exhibition – Elsa Robinson, AJA Louden, Diana Ohiozebau and Raneece Buddan.

Identity is a broad, complex and loaded topic. Despite global and social interconnectedness, a lack of understanding and respect for marginalized communities remains a barrier to acceptance, inclusion and equality. These artists  use unique materials and artistic processes to express personal stories, cultural influences, social concerns, celebrations of soul, struggles of human experience, expressions of family, and a search for belonging.

Creating more opportunities for everyone’s voices to be heard builds on the conversation of humanity and connection. A connection that can hopefully continue to inspire the call to amplify the voices of those who need it.

Reckoning | Unraveling | Reclaiming; a journey to self, running from September 10-October 6, 2021, presents a new type of exhibit to experience - one that takes the viewer on a visual and sensory journey of the self through words. Reckoning | Unraveling | Reclaiming; a journey to self features poetry and writings of three Alberta authors: Nisha Patel, Temi Phillips and Adetola Adedipe (aloT of Poetry).

These three authors face a sense of reckoning through experiencing racism, confronting challenges as Canadian immigrants, re-evaluating cultural expectations and carrying the heavy emotional burdens of abuse. A concept of unraveling arises while questioning belonging, denouncing stereotypes, reflecting on mental health and disentangling the bias of society. Reclaiming weaves through their stories of personal strength, beauty in connection, finding light in darkness and the need for change and equality.

These are real stories of experiences lived, struggles felt, connections lost, strength of spirit and hope for the future. It’s the stories of three authors whose courage and talent have created powerful portraits of self that embolden the readers to challenge their perceptions and grow in empathy and acceptance.

Admission to the gallery is free. Residents can visit strathcona.ca/gallery501 to view a list of upcoming exhibits, resources for artists or to sign up for Gallery@501 e-news. Through virtual and in-person programs, artist talks, social media engagement, and multi-sensory exhibit experiences, Gallery@501 continues to support, inspire and grow a love of the arts while providing a welcoming space for all.

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Contact: Strathcona County Communications, 780-410-6595