June 1-8

Now Art

UVic's Visual Art Studios & Audain Gallery  

This exhibition celebrates the work and wisdom of UVic's current Visual Arts faculty and offers a rare opportunity to see a group exhibit of dynamic contemporary art by Vikky Alexander, Lynda Gammon, Daniel Laskarin, Sandra Meigs, Jennifer Stillwell, Paul Walde and Robert Youds. All of the faculty are at the forefront of contemporary art in Canada (many have work in the National Gallery’s permanent collection), and the two newest faculty members–Paul Walde (London, On) and Jennifer Stillwell (Winnipeg)–are going to make new works specifically for this show. The exhibition will also include a new series of photographic works by Vikky Alexander, plus two large-scale panorama paintings by Sandra Meigs. Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the Visual Arts building. 250-721-6222, www.finearts.uvic.ca.

throughout June

Laura den Hertog

The Avenue Gallery

Of this scene near her home, in the midst of houses and highways, Den Hertog says: “I stopped in the shade to admire a lovely group of trees in the hedgerow and the most astonishing thing happened. From that particular spot, there were no houses, nor other evidence of modern life. In that moment, the noise faded away and I was aware of the sound of moving water, a small bird hopping in the branches behind me and the smell of good soil underfoot. Like Alice through the rabbit hole, I found myself in another world. I felt my chest open up, my shoulders relax and tears sprang to my eyes…Painting the scene allowed me to relive that moment and ponder working with an open heart and those elusive magic moments.” 2184 Oak Bay Ave, 250-598-2184, www.theavenuegallery.com.

Throughout June

Peter Dowgailenko & GALLERY ARTISTS

Morris Gallery

This painting of Witty’s Lagoon won an honourable mention at the Canadian Federation of Artists’ recent juried spring show. Dowgailenko, a member of both the CFA and the Victoria Sketch Club, is just one of many artists always on display at Morris Gallery, one of the largest galleries in the city. Other artists include Mary Conley, David Goatley, Ken Kirkby, Jim McFarland, Linda Skalenda, D.F. Gray, Joanne Thomson, Tetiana Zakharova, and Roy Henry Vickers. Tues-Sat 10am-5:30pm, Sun 12-4pm. On Alpha St at 428 Burnside Rd E, 250-388-6652, www.morrisgallery.ca.

June 22-July 4

Jean-Gabriel Lambert: ColoUrs of Mexico

West End Gallery

Jean-Gabriel Lambert is a Montreal-born artist whose artistic journey has led him around the world in a quest for inspiration. Truly captivated by the bold colours found in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, his paintings command attention through the use of decadent, dense layers of textured paint. This exhibition of new works features sweeping brushstrokes and vivid colours echoing turbulent waters and immense landscapes that teem with movement and life. Lambert’s works are in collections worldwide. 1203 Broad St, 250-388-0009, www.westendgalleryltd.com.

June 19-October 26

Core Samples: Visual Arts Faculty 1966-1985

Legacy Art Gallery 

This exhibition presents an overview of the University of Victoria’s Visual Arts department from its earliest days as a breakaway department from the Faculty of Education to the individually and collectively earned reputations for innovation in painting, printmaking, photography and sculpture. Eighteen artists, including John Dobereiner, Donald Harvey, Pat Martin Bates, Peter Daglish, Roland Brener, Mowry Baden and Fred Douglas, reflect a range of media and groundbreaking artistic practice. 630 Yates St, 250-472-5619, uvac.uvic.ca.

Ongoing

Emily Carr: On the Edge of Nowhere

Art Gallery of Greater Victoria

This exhibition includes an historical survey of Carr’s artistic career, featuring pieces in all the media and styles she explored and perfected. It also focuses on Carr’s influences and inspirations, such as European modern art, members of the Group of Seven artists, First Nations artists, Carr’s spirituality, and her interest in developing an art that speaks of her personal experience and her connection to the West Coast landscape. Drop-in tours June 16 & 29 at 2-3pm. On June 6, 7-9pm: film screening of “Winds of Heaven: Emily Carr, Carvers & The Spirits of the Forest.” June 8, 1-3pm: lecture & book launch. 1040 Moss St, www.aggv.ca.

June 8-22

Nicholas Bott: New Works 

& Madrona Gallery's 3rd Birthday Celebration

Madrona Gallery

Over the last 40 years Nicholas Bott has explored western Canada, painting the Yukon, British Columbia and Alberta. This exhibition of new works focuses on Pacific Rim National Park, Gulf islands and Coast mountains. Bott, who has studied art at UBC and the Chicago School of Art, is inspired by the loose style of Vincent Van Gogh and the Canadian Group of Seven. He has gained international recognition and a worldwide base of collectors through his use of a bold pallet and his expressive approach to capturing the form of his subject. Opening reception with artist June 8, 1-4pm. 606 View St. 250-380-4660, www.madronagallery.com.

Ongoing

Robert Bateman

The Robert Bateman Centre

The Robert Bateman Centre will display the largest exhibit of original works by the world’s greatest wildlife artist. More than 160 works by Bateman, spanning seven decades, will be showcased in the new Centre, which occupies the second floor of the historic Steamship Terminal. Visitors will be encouraged to explore their relationship with the environment. The Centre will also open a shop later in June called “Thinking Like a Mountain,” and offer a meeting place for collaboration, creative thinking, and networking about in-nature education initiatives. Exhibit $12.50/adults, $8.50/seniors & students, $6/youth. 470 Belleville St, www.batemancentre.org.