Art Gallery Opening Reception
Date: Feb 9
7:00 pm
- 9:00 pm
Where: Level 3 Atrium
Opening Reception
You are invited to join us for a free public art gallery opening reception!
Daze Jefferies: stay here stay how stay explores transfeminine belonging in Newfoundland, using the ocean as an archival body to counter historical narratives. Through textile, wax, and multimedia, the artist honours intergenerational knowledge, embraces rural trans pleasure, and addresses discourse on trans and sex worker bodies with a narrative of care, intimacy, and resistance.
Sheilagh O’Leary's: A Sea Change is a tribute that spans three generations, exploring cultural erasure and resurgence through analogue portraits and cyanotypes. Inspired by her mother's experiences as a French-Mi'kmaw woman, the exhibit delves into complex interactions of embodiment, power dynamics, identity, and environmental stewardship, symbolizing life, renewal, and change
Jenny Yujia Shi: The End of a Line draws from her childhood in Beijing and immigration to Halifax at eighteen. Exploring displacement's impact, the autobiographical display spans a decade, offering a poignant glimpse into Shi's migration experience and reflections on Canadian citizenship, positioning herself within Canada's complex history.
There will be live entertainment by harpist Venessa Goodyear and refreshments available (cash bar 19+). Admission to the Art Gallery exhibitions will be free during the event.
See more about the artists here:
Daze Jefferies: Stay Here Stay How Stay | The Rooms
Sheilagh O’Leary: A Sea Change | The Rooms
Jenny Yujia Shi: The End of a Line | The Rooms
Image: Daze Jefferies. with/holding (2023). Mixed media, digital illustration, maternal grandmother’s handwriting. Courtesy of the artist.
Today's Events & Programs
Newfoundland Folk Holiday Performance – Fergus O'Byrne & Jim Payne
Continue the festive spirit with a delightful holiday performance featuring Fergus O'Byrne and Jim Payne!
Immerse yourself in the warmth of Newfoundland folk culture, including traditional Christmas carols, rousing sea shanties and work songs, poignant ballads, comic ditties, folk tales and recitations, and toe-tapping jigs, reels, and polkas on a variety of instruments.
Cost: Free. A ticket is required. Reserve your free ticket online or by calling (709) 757-8090.
About the Performers:
Jim Payne – From Notre Dame Bay, Jim is a leading performer on accordion and a collector of Newfoundland traditional music. He is one of the province’s most prolific songwriters and has created soundtracks for theatre, plays, and documentaries. Jim also owns and operates SingSong Inc., Newfoundland’s largest traditional music label with fourteen available titles, dedicated to music, story, song, and dance reflecting the Newfoundland experience.
Fergus O'Byrne – Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Fergus became a familiar voice on radio and television from 1971 to 1983 as a member of the renowned folk group Ryan's Fancy. He now tours nationally and internationally with Jim Payne and A Crowd Of Bold Sharemen and is recognized for promoting Newfoundland and Celtic music while mentoring young folk music enthusiasts.
Beaumont-Hamel and the Trail of the Caribou
In this exhibition, find out about the impacts of the First World War on Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and how events overseas dramatically altered our lives at home.
Each tour is approximately 30 – 40 minutes and is included in the cost of admission. Free for Rooms members.