A big project that I have been working on has been completed – a new venture for me as Editor for Volume 2 of the online magazine Prairie Art. I also authored a couple of the articles: one about archiving for artists (drawing from my past work as an archivist) and the other about the importance of a couch for artists (yes, we need to rest from time to time!)
This periodical is an initiative of Angela Bugera, publisher of the magazine and owner of Bugera Matheson Gallery in Edmonton (the gallery that represents me for my artworks).
It is a legacy project that captures the many inspiring voices that shaped the visual arts in Western Canada. It is a completely volunteer project – none of the editors or authors are paid – and it is a free online publication.
There are so many artists and arts organisations that helped to form cultural life on the prairies. Many continue to do so, but times have become tougher. In looking back and reading the articles, it is apparent that present support for the arts is not what it used to be. Why has that happened? Art does so much: it forms our cultural identity, it helps us to see ourselves and our land past and present, it challenges us to see injustices and spur change, it helps us to heal and provides us with beauty, and it is a unique part of being human. Creativity is important in all aspects of life and work – it is where innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving are born.
Thanks to all of the contributors of the articles in both Volume 1 and Volume 2 of Prairie Art – they are thought-provoking and worthy of a read. I hope that you will dip in!
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