Indigenous trees and shrubs under threat is the focus of an upcoming exhibit at the Salmon Arm Art Gallery.
An exhibition about the displacement of Indigenous trees and shrubs in the Shuswap, Tsrep (meaning “tree” in Secwepemctsin), opens on Saturday, April 6. Through a variety of art forms, the exhibit explores species under threat by colonial land management practices, development and the climate crisis.
“Artists in this exhibition have used natural, up-cycled and biodegradable materials to tell the stories of the disappearing species; Western Red Cedar, Water Birch, and Soopolallie among them,” reads a media release from gallery curator Tracey Kutschker.
Featured artists are Doris Charest, Linda Franklin, Ellen Gonella, Hop You Haskett, David New, Delores Purdaby, Clea Roddick, Gerry Thomas, Mary Thomas and Sara Wiens.
The exhibit will also include a collection of historic photos from the Salmon Arm Museum archives.
The Salmon Arm Arts Centre will offer a number of events in conjunction with the exhibition.
An Earth Day Gathering set for Saturday, April 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Ross Street Plaza, will feature sustainability booths, storytelling and participatory art.
Tree Conversations, a drop-in discussion time with tree experts/enthusiasts and storytellers offering insights, will be held in the gallery on Saturday, May 4, from 1 to 4 p.m.
The Coffee Break and Artist Talk is Thursday, May 16, beginning at 2 p.m. in the gallery, with many of the exhibiting artists sharing stories of their artwork.
All are welcome to the opening reception for the exhibit on April 6, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees can enjoy refreshments and meet the artists.
Gallery hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the exhibition continues to June 23, 2024. Admission by donation.
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