Union Gallery, A Year in Review
Brynn Higgins Stirrup
The Union Gallery is conveniently located in Stauffer Library on the corner of Union Street and Alfred Street, making it an ideal location to take a break from studying and essay writing. Surprisingly, many students on campus are unaware of this hidden gem right on their doorstep.
To begin, you should know that admission is free and the gallery is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 11:00am—4:30pm. The gallery features contemporary visual arts from our very own student artists here at Queen’s, and professional artists with regional, national, and international profiles. The gallery is student driven, and is staffed by arts professionals who work in conjunction with a Board of Directors, consisting of Queen's students, and arts professionals from the university and community.
Left: Monika Rosen Right: David Woodward
Currently on display, there are two shows in the Main Space and in the Project Room that I highly recommend you venture out to see. Both shows feature 4th year students from the Fine Art program at Queen’s.
Everyone is welcome to attend receptions and artist talks. Both events involve the artists talking about their work on display followed by questions form the audience, refreshments, and the opportunity to mix and mingle. The artist talks are a more casual gathering, while the receptions are a more formal affair.
In recent news, the Gallery lost its mandatory fee renewal in the Fall Referendum of October 24, 2012, with a narrow margin of 28 student votes. The referendum asked voters if they agreed to the continuation of the three-year mandatory fee of $3.71. It was voted in favour by 49.6 percent of students, and against by 50.4 percent. This was a significant loss for the Union Gallery since we are student run, and the majority of our funding comes from students.
The funding loss will become effective in the 2013-14 school year, and will mark the first time in 18 years the Gallery will be without a mandatory fee. In response, the Gallery is trying to determine what cuts will be required for next year. In the meantime, the Gallery will be making efforts to reinstate our fee for future years. To achieve this, we are trying to increase our visibility and encourage support for the arts culture at Queen’s University. Any support that you can give is appreciated and makes a difference.
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Or stop by the Gallery and become a member and receive our newsletter, “Untitled” as well as membership benefits.
Current Shows: March 26 - April 19, 2013
Main Space: Rosalind Breen & Audry Assad
Project Room: Emma Fowler
Yours Creatively,
Emily Carlaw, Arts Contributor
