Art in the Park exhibit wows audience

It’s a chance for artists to immerse themselves in both their art and the nature surrounding them. Given a to areas of Parks Canada no one else has, Art in the Park participant artists attempt to interpret their experiences through their artwork.

“The artists that have had the experience would all agree that going on Art in the Park is a once in a lifetime experience -- but I’ve done it three times!” said Jackie Pendergast of the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre during the exhibition opening this past Saturday.

This year’s Art in the Park was particularly special as it was also the 125th anniversary of both Yoho and Glacier National Parks. While Art in the Park has most frequently been based out of Glacier National Park, former Art in the Park participants have begun exploring other National Park locations over the past few years. This year saw a group of artists explore their work at Yoho National Park.

“Hopefully, looking through all the variety of art work here tonight you are getting a chance to be connected to these very special places,” said Karen Tierney, Superintendent of Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National parks.

Artists participating in this year’s Art in the Park came from a variety of locations including.  Revelstoke-based artists who were at the exhibition opening each shared a bit about their experience.

Natalie Harris -- Glacier (photography)

The only Revelstoke artist to take part in this year’s Art in The Park at Glacier National Park, photographer Natalie Harris didn’t take too many expectations with her.  This turned out to be a positive because, as Harris said, “then you’re not looking for something that might be there.”

Harris, who has lived in Revelstoke for four years, had intended to apply to take part in Art in the Park last year, but missed the deadline. This year Rob Buchanan from parks reminded her to apply.

“I’ve never had an opportunity to spend so much time just dedicated to taking photographs,” said Natalie.

Tina Lindegaard -- Yoho (multi-media visual artist)

It’s the departure from the every day that attracts Tina Lindegaard to participate in Art in the Park. “It’s always great going back,” said Lindegaard. “It’s so great to immerse yourself in art .... no phones, no kids.”

The experience wasn’t without challenge however, as Lindegaard noted last year her Art in the Park experience took her to the prairies.

“I learned a ton from other artists,” she said.

Kimberly Olson -- Yoho (mixed media)

“I’ve been getting back into my art work and I ran into Tina (Lindegaard) who said there was a spot available and they wanted to recruit new artists with different styles,” said Olson, who works in mixed media. The majority of Olson’s works are based around the negative space.

“Being outside in nature has always made me feel extremely centered,” said Olson, of how the experience at Yoho affected her work. “Being with other artists I found was incredible,” said Olson. “We’re all like minded. I found it liberating and supportive.”

Jackie Pendergast -- Yoho (mixed media, textiles, silk painting)

Jackie Pendergast’s experience at Yoho National Park led to her working in several different mediums including woven textile, the silk paintings she’s known for, and a mixed media piece that can only be described as a complete departure from her usual work.

“It really tells you a bit about what the experience was like,” said Pendergast, of the varying styles brought about by her time at Yoho

(Revelstoke artists Nicola McGarry and Carmen Segger were unable to attend the exhibition opening).