Marking the Valley: A Juried Exhibition

Wendy Gervais, "Downstream", mixed media, 16" x 11.5"

Marking the Valley is a juried art exhibition celebrating the beauty of the Capital Region river valley. It features 28 Alberta artists from Cold Lake, Athabasca, Calgary, and the Greater Edmonton Region. Presented by Visual Arts Alberta - CARFAC and the River Valley Alliance, Marking the Valley promotes Alberta Art while showcasing the North Saskatchewan River Valley.

Gervais describes her process this way: I enjoy walking during the winter along Saskatchewan Drive east of 109 Street; over the hill; down the stairs and along the paths which lately have been inaccessible because of the bridge construction; absolutely a magical place in the winter. In warmer weather my route consists of walks along the river from Emily Murphy Park to Hawrelak Park, traveling not on the pedestrian trails provided but, as often as I can, the little paths along the river. The best stretch for me is beside the Mayfield Golf Club. You cannot see the greens and the area is particularly quiet. One section is lined both sides by high-bush cranberries that have halo blossoms. I do not draw or make art while in the river valley; I enjoy the time walking, listening and looking. I collect all those things we are supposed to leave on the ground in parks. Things are collected, saved until they are required.

Marking the Valley is at the Kaasa Gallery in the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium (11455 87 Ave NW in Edmonton) from August 28 to October 7, 2014 and at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium ( 1415 14 Ave NW in Calgary) from October 17 to November 30, 2014.