Time is running out to check out the latest offerings of art at a downtown institution.
The Vernon Public Art Gallery (VPAG) has a few exhibits on display until Dec. 18.
From the Vault highlights select works from its permanent collection, offering the public a rare opportunity to view pieces by influential artists with ties to the region, including Allan Brooks, Sophie Atkinson, Janet Holly Middleton, and Paul Jones, with additional works by renowned B.C. artist Joe Plaskett.
VPAG’s permanent collection consists of over 670 artworks by 154 artists. The earliest piece dates to 1909, while the latest acquisitions were made as recently as 2022. Each piece contributes to the story of the region’s artistic heritage and evolution.
Featured artist Brooks (1869–1946), known worldwide as a naturalist and illustrator, made significant contributions to North American wildlife studies, especially of Canadian bird species. Brooks, honoured by Canadian Heritage in 2000 as a person of Canadian Historical Importance, devoted his career to capturing the unique fauna of British Columbia and beyond.
Trailblazing artist Atkinson (1876–1972) was among the first women to document the Okanagan landscape in her work. After the First World War, she travelled internationally before settling in Canada, where she painted commissioned works for the Canadian Pacific Railway. Her art captured the rugged beauty of Western Canada, establishing a legacy that would inspire future generations.
Middleton (1922–2018) combined her artistic talent with a passion for education. Her career included teaching positions at the University of Alberta, Banff School of Fine Arts, and University of Guelph, where she influenced countless Canadian artists. Known for her adventurous spirit, Middleton drew inspiration from her travels, producing works with scenes from across the globe.
Plaskett (1918–2014) brought his artistic vision to an international stage, with works held in collections from Prince Edward Island to Vancouver Island, including the National Gallery of Canada. Plaskett’s talent was recognized early on by Lawren Harris, and he was awarded the first Emily Carr Scholarship in 1946. This opportunity took him from San Francisco to New York, and eventually to Paris, where he created some of his most celebrated pieces.
The exhibition also includes pieces by Jones (1921–2018), a Vernon-based artist and writer who served on the VPAG board in the 1990s. Jones’s work integrates sand and acrylic resin to evoke the landscapes of his youth near the Pembina River, creating textured pieces that speak to both personal memory and place.
Another exhibit on display is Exposed!, a vibrant group exhibition featuring the diverse talents of its members. It offers the public a chance to explore a wide array of artistic expression, with works ranging from abstract compositions to evocative landscapes, still lifes, and intimate portraits.
“The members’ exhibition provides a unique opportunity to showcase the breadth of talent within our local art community,” says VPAG executive director Dauna Kennedy. “It also offers the public a chance to appreciate the diverse approaches and styles embraced by our members, reflecting a deep engagement with artistic practice.”
Located in the heart of Vernon, VPAG has long been a cornerstone of the local arts community. As a not-for-profit charitable organization, the gallery is dedicated to promoting the visual arts while fostering education and engagement through its exhibitions and programming. Since its establishment in 1945, VPAG has grown significantly, not only in its collection, which now includes over 500 works, but also in its role as a meeting place for art enthusiasts, creators, and the public.