Students who are not enrolled in the Fine Arts program at Concordia University may not be aware of how vibrant the art community in this school is.
The following is a quick breakdown of the galleries and visual artists’ groups of Concordia, and what they are up to this year.
The Leonard & Bina Ellen Art Gallery
Located in the Hall building of Concordia’s downtown campus.
The Leonard & Bina Ellen Art Gallery is open to both students and the art-viewing public of Montreal. It focuses on the presentation of contemporary Canadian and international art.
Bilingual walk-in tours are offered to anyone who would like to view the exhibit with the benefit of having a bit of background knowledge on the work and the artist. The tours, as well as access to the exhibits, are free and no reservation is required. Group tours are also available, but need to be requested in advance.
The gallery also has a permanent collection of over 1500 works by Canadian and international artists.
Six major exhibitions are presented each year from September to June. The gallery generally closes its doors during the quiet summer months on the downtown campus.
Through Concordia’s Work Study program students can apply to work as tour guides and gallery attendants at the Leonard & Bina Ellen Gallery.
For more information go to:
www.ellengallery.concordia.ca
The VAV Gallery
Located on the ground floor of the VA building of Concordia’s downtown campus.
The VAV Gallery is a democratically student-run gallery that aims to showcase the talents of fine art students at Concordia.
Bi-monthly exhibits are held at the gallery and students can submit their art work to be considered for selection in each show. The gallery prides itself as being for the students, and by the students. Special events are also held at the VAV gallery. A listing of workshops and artists’ talks to be held throughout the year can be found on the gallery’s website at: www.vavgallery.com
The FOFA Gallery
The FOFA Gallery exhibits work from all members of the Faculty of Fine Arts (students, faculty, staff, alumni, etc.) They are interested in presenting work that demonstrates
an innovative character. Solo, or group exhibitions can be submitted. Performance pieces will also be considered for presentation.
For more info visit: [email protected] or call (514) 848-2424 ext. 5467
Art Matters Festival
Art Matters is a student-run festival that aims to bring the work of Concordia students out into the public sphere. Exhibitions and events are held at various venues in downtown Montreal. Students can apply to be curator of a show, or to have their own work presented in a show. Applications are reviewed by the festival’s two co-producers, Jum Verburg and Celia Perrin Sidarous. The festival runs from March 2 -18, 2007 but recruiting for artists, curators, executive members and volunteers has already begun.
For more information on Art Matters visit : www.artmatters.concordia.ca, or call (514) 848-2424 ext. 5011
Fine Arts Student Alliance (FASA)
FASA is the organization under which all Fine Arts student associations and events run. Clubs and associations within the Fine Arts department are eligible for some funding through FASA. Any Fine Arts student is welcome to join FASA, either as a member of their executive, or as a participant/volunteer, at one of their galleries or events.
Student involvement ranges from programs in ceramics, cinema, music, painting, print and photo among others.
For more info visit: www.fasa.concordia.ca or call (514) 848-2424 ext 5057
