'understated' art exhibit opens in STM Gallery

A new art exhibit by three USask alums runs from Sept. 6 – Oct. 29 at the STM Gallery on the second floor of STM College.
The opening reception is slated for Sunday, Sept. 11, from 1-3 p.m.

Brenda Kennedy, Anne McElroy, and Wendy McLeod employ their perception of everyday life to express fleeting moments of connection and the inspiration that comes from both life and nature.

In the words of the three artists: "Like many others who search for an intangible, precious moment through art-making, each of us goes his/her own way to sustain this search. We have been extremely fortunate in working together where we can be honest in our exchange of ideas and trust one another to tread softly in this pursuit. This exhibition speaks to our individual pathways, spirit of determination, and joys.

BRENDA KENNEDY

Following a successful and rewarding career in personal Trust Services with a major Canadian Trust Company, Brenda jumped at the opportunity to pursue a lifelong fascination in art. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, with distinction (2006), majoring in Studio Art at the University of Saskatchewan.

The work is situated somewhere between abstract and representational. Inspiration comes from observation, curiously responding to what the materials will do, and hoping to make the absolute statement. The mediums are typically acrylic paint, paint or monoprint on paper for collage, wax, gouache, charcoal or any drawing or colouring material. The resulting work offers gestural marks, layers of information, along with exploring and manipulating shape and colour.

ANNE MCELROY

After completing a Bachelor of Arts degree and the academic coursework for a Master’s of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology at Queen’s University, Anne furthered her education with a Bachelor and Master of Fine Arts degree, followed by a Masters degree in Educational Psychology in Counselling at the University of Saskatchewan. She was fortunate to receive a number of scholarships and awards during this period of time. Her artworks are in varied collections, among them the Canada Council Art Bank, University of Saskatchewan Permanent Collection, College of Engineering, Saskatchewan Arts Board among others.

In addition to her own art practice, Anne has spent a number of years teaching art as a sessional lecturer in the Art Department at the University of Saskatchewan, instructor in the Certificate in Art and Design program, workshop leader for OSAC, instructor at the Mendel Art Gallery, workshop leader at the Okanagan School of Art in Penticton, instructor at Hues Art Supply, as well as being an adjudicator for OSAC and a CARFAC mentor.

Regardless of subject matter of her work or its medium, Anne has tried to express, in a simple but painterly way, her emotional response to what she sees before her. It is her wish to finely tune her awareness of these “moments” of connection in an increasingly honest interpretation of their meaning to her.

WENDY MCLEOD

Wendy McLeod received the University of Saskatchewan Certificate of Art and Design (USCAD) in 2010, and continues to pursue art education through various workshops and classes with professional artists. Several recent classes have been through Hues Art Supply (Hues), including a current class with Carol Wylie. Wendy is an original member of Studio 8 at Hues, and participated in the Hues Plein Air Group with Jean Dudley in 2019. Her paintings can be found in homes across Saskatchewan and BC, and in the University of Saskatchewan permanent collection. She has been a voting CARFAC member since 2010.

Wendy’s acrylic and multi-media art practice is an evocative exploration of colour, light and space while observing life and nature. Her paintings find the complexity and subtlety in fleeting moments of every day life, past and present. Future artistic plans include further exploration and development in this area.