Free Shared Ground Workshop | February at the Pearl Ellis Gallery

Whether you’re a long-time member or a regular reader of our newsletter, thank you for staying connected with the Pearl Ellis Gallery. February may be a quieter month, but it’s an ideal time for close looking, creative exchange, and discovery—and there’s plenty happening in the gallery.

Coming Up Soon | Shared Ground Workshop

Saturday, February 21 | 1:30–4:00 pm
Free | All materials provided

Looking for a relaxed and inspiring creative afternoon? The Shared Ground Workshop invites artists to come together to collaborate, experiment, and create something new. Through a series of short 2D and 3D projects, participants will explore fresh ways of working with others in a welcoming, low-pressure environment.

Whether you’re curious about collaboration, interested in shaking up your usual practice, or simply want to spend time making alongside others, this workshop offers a supportive space to play, connect, and be inspired.

Space is limited.
To confirm your attendance, please email joan@pearlellisgallery.ca.

What’s Happening at the Gallery

Current Exhibition | Flight Lines by Tashi Draper
On view until February 29

Our main gallery is currently featuring Flight Lines, a solo exhibition by Tashi Draper. This striking series of limited-edition prints is inspired by birds in flight and the graceful paths they carve through the air. Each image is hand-carved into natural Marmoleum, printed with archival inks, and hand-pulled on fine archival paper using a traditional etching press. The richly embossed works are predominantly black and white, with subtle touches of colour that heighten their sense of movement, rhythm, and quiet intensity. 

Birdlovers will enjoy spotting familiar and exotic species—and unframed editions are available to take home, with framing offered if needed.

Spotlight on Craft

Our Spotlight on Craft area is currently featuring work by Charley Farrero, Dianne Nelson, and Pat Borecky. Charley Farrero presents whimsical ceramic tableaux and his much-loved fried egg brooches; Dianne Nelson shows beautifully painted silk pieces that explore colour and movement; and Pat Borecky offers unique textile pouches and bags that balance function with thoughtful design. Together, these works offer an engaging glimpse into the creative practices of our members.

Community Notes & Thanks

We’re pleased to share a small behind-the-scenes update and to highlight one of the gallery’s most popular offerings—our art card collection.

We warmly welcome Chris Willcock, who will be taking on the role of card coordinator over the coming months, and extend our heartfelt thanks to Rim Slim, whose care and attention over the past two years have helped this program thrive.

For visitors, the card display is a wonderful way to discover local art in an accessible format. The cards are affordable, ever-changing, and often reflect seasonal themes. All of the images on our cards are created by gallery members. Most are reproductions of original artworks, alongside a wide selection of one-of-a-kind original art cards created in a variety of media. They make thoughtful gifts and an easy way to take a piece of the gallery home.

Member Opportunities & Calls

Call for Submissions | Vibrations: Energy Made Visible
Juried Themed Exhibition
Submission Deadline: March 4
Exhibition Dates: March 31 – April 25

Vibrations: Energy Made Visible invites artists to explore the unseen energies that shape our physical, emotional, and spiritual worlds. Artists are encouraged to interpret “vibration” broadly—through movement, rhythm, sound, emotional resonance, intuition, or spiritual frequency—and create work that makes these invisible forces felt.

Full details and the online submission form are available on our website.

Get Involved

Many of the opportunities at the Pearl Ellis Gallery are made possible through the involvement and support of our members. If you’re not yet a member and would like to become more involved—through exhibitions, workshops, or volunteering—we’d love to welcome you.

Closing

Thank you for being part of the Pearl Ellis Gallery community. We hope you’ll stop by to see the current exhibitions and, if you’re able, join us for the Shared Ground Workshop later this month.

Warmly,
Teresa Kachanoski
President, Pearl Ellis Gallery of Fine Arts Society