“Art is many things.”
That’s the philosophy of Ursula Abresch, VISAC’s new artistic director, who already has a vision to draw people into the gallery and make art the pulse of the community.
This week, Abresch was brainstorming ways to build up the reputation off VISAC and came up with an idea to invite the community into the gallery on certain days during lunch hour to engage with a guest artist.
“Art is something to be enjoyed,” she said Tuesday, her first day in her new role. “Good food is art, car detailing is an art. It’s about bringing people in to showcase what they do, so VISAC is a place where people want to be, and make it part of the community.
“One way art can be spread is through classes,” she said. “Children can bring their parents in through an art lesson, and connections can be made with high school classes that are really valuable not only for the student but as a way to draw others in.”
For those challenged with taking a great photo, Abresch is also an accomplished art photographer, and ready to teach the art of snapping a pic with a digital camera.
Abresch has showcased her art photography in Europe, New York and California. Currently her exhibit titled, “Graffiti: Time and Elements,” is on display at the gallery and depicts the art of photo-impressionism.
“There’s more to a moment than what you see with your eyes,” she explained.
“There are the thoughts at the time, the sounds, the smells, what you touch and more. It’s the sum that makes the photo.”
The two-part digital photography workshop is slated for Sept. 27 and 28 and covers the basics of camera operation and photo composition to more in depth lessons, discussion and practise taking pictures during walk-abouts in town.
Youngsters aged six to 12, will have an opportunity to become part of VISAC, when “Clay with Kids” begins Saturday in the Trail Potters Guild Studio in the basement of Trail’s Selkirk College campus.
Young potters have the chance to create a piece with clay, make it their own, and have fun while learning, said instructor Theresa LeRose.
Adults ready to get behind a creative wheel can sign up for pottery classes this fall and learn to hand build or spin clay.
Everyone can learn the basics and continue with guidance at their own pace, with the goal of learning and enjoying, said LeRose.
Trail artisan Trisha Rasku introduces the art of traditional wet felting, and “Super Drapey Scarf,” a one-time class that uses fine, wispy layers of wool and lamination to create unique head and neckwear.
This project is really fun, requires precision, but is a chance to work with luscious fibres, explained Rasku.
As artistic director, Abresch is responsible for planning and organizing gallery exhibitions.
“Honestly, I did not know that VISAC was here until three years ago,” she said. “Right now, there is little on the table but there are many emerging local artists who have so much potential, my eyes and ears are open.”
For information call 364-1181 or visit visacgallery.com