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
Embroidered Holiday Card Workshop
Join us for a special holiday workshop! Learn to make your own embroidered “Happy Holidays” cards featuring a festive wreath and greeting. Your friends and family will love this thoughtful, handmade gift.
Fun for all skill levels.
What to expect:
- All materials and instruction are provided
- Tour the holiday trees and décor around the building (photo opportunity)
- Enjoy a coffee or hot chocolate while you create
- Leave with a set of embroidered holiday cards
Cost: $40 plus HST. 10% discount for Rooms members. Register online or by calling (709) 757-8090.
Growing the Voices – Festive Instant Choir
Growing the Voices is back at The Rooms! Everyone is welcome to join the Festive Instant Choir and sing to your heart’s content.
Cost: Free. No ticket required.
Bring your family, friends, and visitors!
Peoples of Newfoundland and Labrador
Stroll across land and sea, and through time, to meet the peoples who have made Newfoundland and Labrador home for the past 9,000 years.
Each tour is approximately 30 – 40 minutes and is included in the cost of admission. Free for Rooms members.
A Christmas Tradition – Kevin Major: The House of Wooden Santas
A Christmas tradition is back by popular demand!
Join author Kevin Major for a fireside conversation and a reading of The House of Wooden Santas followed by a Q&A, as well as a visit to see all 24 Santas.
The House of Wooden Santas is a deeply felt story about belief in oneself and others, and the spirit of the season. Kevin shares how the carvings of Imelda George led him to write this Christmas classic, photographed by Ned Pratt.
Cost: Adult $12 (+HST), Child/Youth $6 (+HST). Free for Rooms Members. Ticket includes admission to The Rooms galleries. Get your tickets online or by calling (709) 757-8090.
The House of Wooden Santas book is available for purchase in The Rooms Giftshop.