This exhibition offers a comprehensive exploration of Robert Bateman's artistic journey, providing an opportunity to view iconic pieces from his personal collection while delving into the influences and evolution of his creative practice. Aimed at challenging perceptions of Bateman's work as merely wildlife or illustrative art, the exhibition underscores his engagement with contemporary art movements and his experimental spirit. Tracing his development from early bird studies and carvings influenced by the Group of Seven, through a phase of abstract expressionism, to his eventual return to realism inspired by Andrew Wyeth, the exhibition showcases Bateman's dynamic approach to art. It also highlights his philanthropic efforts and environmental advocacy, illustrating how his detailed depictions of wildlife not only capture beauty but also emphasize the importance of conservation. By presenting a nuanced view of his career, the exhibition invites visitors to reconsider the criteria for artistic merit and appreciate Bateman's significant contributions to both art and environmental awareness.

In 2020, artist Robert Dmytruk embarked on a transformative journey into three-dimensional painting, experimenting with vibrant mediums on diverse surfaces. The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped his career, leading to a creative exchange with composer Murray J Reid, particularly influenced by Reid's composition '1987.' In 2022, inspired by Murray's symphonic work 'Ukraine' and deeply moved by the ongoing war, Dmytruk transitioned to charcoal on paper to convey his emotional response effectively. These contrasting exhibitions, collectively titled "Enigma," explore the themes of an outward 'self' and an 'inner subconsciousness,' reflecting Robert's artistic evolution and the complexities of the human experience.

Shizuye Violet Takashima, born in 1928 in Vancouver, faced early health challenges but persevered. At thirteen, she was interned with her family during World War II, spending three years at the Orchard Internment Camp in New Denver, BC. After the war, she relocated to Hamilton, Ontario, where she worked as a domestic servant and pursued her art studies. With her passion for art, she became a prominent Nisei painter in Canada, known for her skillful and sensitive figurative paintings.

William Richard Reid, born in 1930, has dedicated himself to producing thousands of works of art throughout his 93 years. Despite not following the traditional path of an exhibiting artist, his commitment to creating speaks volumes about his passion for his craft. Richard's art became intertwined with his caregiving responsibilities after his wife's passing and the onset of the global pandemic. In this challenging period, his paintings and writings served as a means of documenting and exploring grief and memory. Through his art, Richard offers a glimpse into his inner world and exemplifies the healing power of artistic expression. His artistic legacy showcases the enduring impact of art for self-expression, introspection, and personal understanding.

Noll Derriksan's artistic journey began in the 1960s, making him one of the first contemporary syilx artists in the Okanagan. He drew inspiration from syilx culture, childhood teachings, and native species, creating a unique visual language that continues to influence contemporary syilx artists today.

The annual exhibition of artwork by visual arts students from Princess Margaret, Penticton Secondary, and Summerland Secondary showcases the importance of arts education in our schools. It encompasses a diverse range of student work such as painting, drawing, photography, film, digital media, and sculpture. Each piece of art reflects the students' distinct perspectives and voices, emphasizing the power of art as a medium of communication and self-expression.

Collecting and living with art not only provides children with a creative outlet for self-expression, but it also fosters a range of developmental benefits. From cognitive development to emotional intelligence and cultural awareness, art can help children grow into well-rounded individuals who appreciate beauty, creativity, and diversity. That's why we're dedicated to supporting and encouraging artistic exploration in our youth by inspiring them to build a collection that reflects their unique personalities and passions. A collection is something that can be cherished for a lifetime and serves as a meaningful and unique reminder of our life’s journey.

This exhibition showcases Stephanie's deep connection to nature and her desire to capture its emotions through vibrant and whimsical paintings. Her artwork reflects the harmony between the natural world and ourselves, inviting viewers to explore the profound beauty that surrounds us. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in Stephanie Perry's extraordinary vision of nature's wonders. This exhibition in conjunction with the Meadowlark Nature Festival.

Clayton Gauthier is a multimedia artist and storyteller from Prince George, British Columbia. He works with youth to share art and culture, and has completed murals and carvings for his community. His book, The Bear's Medicine, was chosen for the First Nation Communities READ program. The book, written in English and translated into Dakelh, is about a mother bear and her cubs and their lives on the land. Gauthier hopes to teach gratitude and inspire others to trust their instincts.

Levi Bent is a multidisciplinary artist from the Okanogan Valley who grew up on an Indian reservation in Washington state. He started creating art at a young age and his style is characterized by humor and caricature. Despite growing up in a small town on the reservation and struggling with addiction, Bent found resilience and reinvented himself through learning his language and culture, as well as through his art and skateboarding.

“No one decides to become homeless and addicted. These people are fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, and our children. This is a mental health issue, not a criminal one, and has nothing to do with morality. I just watched a documentary on the drug crisis. Twice as many people have died of drug overdoses during the Covid pandemic, then all the people who have died from Covid. This gave me a sense of the scale of the drug crisis we are facing all over the world. I felt compelled to paint not just my story, but that of all the other’s struggling with the never ending cycle of addiction.”

“Just like the branches of the trees, routes of the rivers, and the paths the wind creates on the sand, curved spines are beautiful. They each have a story to tell.“

- Saghi Ehteshamzadeh holds a Bachelor of Cinema Studies from the Art University of Tehran and is currently enrolled in the Arts and Entertainment Management Program at Capilano University in North Vancouver.

In talking about the intent behind the exhibition Laurie writes, “Figurative art can be a form of claiming your space, whatever your space may be. Creating a presence - or even an absence of presence. The viewer is forced to acknowledge the presence of the figure, the person. Historically, artists like Alexandre Cabanel like to paint aesthetically pleasing things, and that is extended to the figures— hence, the “the male gaze”. Think of the many historical paintings in which the youthful woman is the focal subject, often for the rich, male patron of the artist. Contemporary figurative art has broken away from the powerful, the rich, the white man, or the beautiful, flawless maiden as a subject, but incorporating the contemporary world we live in, full of diversity. Black, Indigenous, Asian, queer, body positive and/or disabled figures are spotlighted.”

Using the works of three of histories best known printmakers this exhibition explores how the art of printmaking became one of the most democratic disciplines of art by allowing more accessible to the general public.

Southern Cross: A Novel of the South Seas, is a stunning wordless novel told in 118 wood engravings by the Canadian artist Laurence Hyde in protest to the tests of the hydrogen bomb made by the United States at the Bikini Atoll in 1946.

This exhibition is focused on the incredible work done by two of the leading artist collectives from Oaxaca, Mexico comprised of young art students and street artists. They employ multiple mediums including wood and linoleum block prints, large-scale graffiti murals, interventionist stencils, and wheat pastes.

Young collectors will be escorted into a gallery space designed especially for them. Inside the room will be Gallery staff to assist with selecting their chosen artwork. Then in the second week of this program, the gallery will also open for the young at heart (ages 13-99) to choose from the original artworks in the gallery.

The Penticton art Gallery is proud to host the annual local high school exhibition once again. The exhibit will host works by artists in grade nine through twelve from Penticton Secondary School, Princess Margaret Secondary School, and Summerland Secondary School.

“’From a Bird’s eye view’ is about the beauty of the land, specifically the Okanagan region. This monumental beauty that surrounds us creates in me a strong feeling of gratefulness which in turn propels me to give back by sharing my vision in my work.” said Deselliers, describing her inspiration.

“Self-Preservation” features a combination of sculptures and collages representing a health battle Danielle went through in June of 2020.