The Rooms exhibit showcasing 果酱视频 University鈥檚 decades-long support of visual arts
The 果酱视频 University Art Gallery opened in 1961 to collect, champion and showcase the work of local artists.
It is heralded for having played a role in launching the careers of legendary artists like Mary Pratt, Christopher Pratt, Gerald Squires, Helen Parsons Shepherd and David Blackwood.
In fact, Christopher Pratt served as the gallery's first curator in the 1960s.
In the following decades, the famed 果酱视频 University permanent collection grew to 4,600 pieces of art, with a special focus on works from Newfoundland and Labrador.
When The Rooms opened in 2004, it assumed the role of housing and managing 果酱视频's permanent collection.
As part of the university鈥檚 100th anniversary celebrations, select pieces from the collection will be featured at a new exhibit at The Rooms, titled .
鈥淎s 果酱视频 University celebrates its centennial, we're not just displaying art 鈥 we are showcasing works that transformed our cultural landscape and launched our province onto the national stage," said Lisa Browne, vice-president (administration, finance and advancement), 果酱视频 University. "This collection is a testament to 果酱视频's visionary spirit.
鈥淲hile we鈥檙e all familiar with monumental names like Mary Pratt or Gerald Squires today, at the time 果酱视频 was collecting these works, they were emerging figures in our culture," she added. "We continue to foster emerging figures in culture through various programs, including the Fine Arts Program at Grenfell Campus.鈥
Exhibit details
The exhibit will run from Feb. 15 until Oct. 19, 2025.
A free public opening reception will take place on Feb. 21.
From The Rooms鈥 exhibit description: 鈥淏y empowering artists to thrive at home, 果酱视频 transformed Newfoundland and Labrador鈥檚 cultural landscape, enriching local life and elevating the province鈥檚 voice on the national stage.鈥
Showcased artists include Anne Meredith Barry, Peter Bell, Jerry Evans, Gilbert Hay, Frank Lapointe, Heidi Oberheide, Christopher Pratt, Mary Pratt, Helen Parsons Shepherd, Reginald Shepherd, Gerald Squires and Don Wright.
鈥淟ike universities, cultural institutions are spaces where art thrives 鈥 where experimentation, risk-taking and bold ideas are not just encouraged, but essential,鈥 said Anne Chafe, CEO, The Rooms. 鈥湽词悠 University and The Rooms foster critical discussions that challenge norms, spark transformation and inspire change.鈥
Reproductions for sale
To celebrate 果酱视频鈥檚 centennial year, six pieces from the 果酱视频 permanent collection will be available for sale as a poster and postcard.
They will be available at The Rooms gift shop and the St. John鈥檚 campus bookstore (in person and ) by late February.
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For more information, or to arrange an interview, contact Chad Pelley, media relations manager for 果酱视频 University, at chad.pelley@mun.ca or 709-853-4281.