Art Gallery Opening Reception


Date: Feb 28
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Where: Level 3 Atrium

You are invited to join us for a free public art gallery opening reception for three new exhibitions!

Grounding

Marking The Rooms 20th anniversary, the ideas behind this building’s architecture act as touchstones for exploring artistic expression in this province.

Bringing together some of the most beloved artworks from The Rooms’ collections, this exhibition considers how our surroundings and structures shape what has been valued, preserved, and shared by our communities.

Artists include Dinah Andersen, David Blackwood, Grant Boland, Vessela Brakalova, Maurice Cullen, Jerry Evans, A.Y. Jackson, Philippa Jones, Michael Massie, Mary Ann Penashue, Barbara Pratt, Christopher Pratt, Mary Pratt, Ned Pratt, Helen Parsons Shepherd, Gerald Squires, Jessica Winters, and many others.

 

To Launch Forth into the Deep: A Legacy of Supporting the Arts at Memorial University

This exhibition, part of Memorial’s 100th-anniversary celebrations, offers a glimpse into its extraordinary collection of over 4,000 artworks. By empowering artists to thrive at home, Memorial transformed Newfoundland and Labrador’s cultural landscape, enriching local life, and elevating the province’s voice on the national stage.

Artists: 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.

 

Amber-Lynn Thorne: Because of the Sea

In her work, Amber-Lynn Thorne weaves together ceramics and written reflections. She transforms the ocean into a place where discarded histories are lovingly reclaimed—a boundless reservoir of memory. Her art invites us to witness the quiet power of the hand: to hold, to mend, and to connect the tangible with the deeply emotional.

There will be live entertainment by pianist Alla Melnychuk, refreshments, and a cash bar 19+. Admission to the Art Gallery exhibitions will be free during the event!

 

See more about the artists here:

Grounding
To Launch Forth into the Deep: A Legacy of Supporting the Arts at Memorial University

Amber-Lynn Thorne: Because of the Sea

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today's Events & Programs

10:30 am - 11:15 am
Family

Embark on a monthly musical journey with your little one at the Infant Sensory Music Group, hosted by Certified Music Therapist Renée White. Join us in exploring the unique art exhibitions at The Rooms, setting the stage for a sensory-rich experience that enhances your infant's development.

February 25th sessions take place in the exhibition - Goodnight Moon: a Rhythm, a Tempo

Who's invited:
Newborns to 9 month olds and their caregivers. (This program is designed for younger babies; if your baby is on the move, check out our other TOTS programs.)

Monthly sessions:
Immerse yourselves in a new art exhibition each month, creating a dynamic and ever-evolving backdrop for your infant's sensory exploration.

About Ms. Renée:
Renée White, certified music therapist and University of Windsor Honors Bachelor of Music Therapy graduate, brings her expertise to create a warm and welcoming environment. As "Ms. Renée," she shares her passion for using music as a tool for connection and growth.

Cost: $15 plus HST per session. Cost includes 1 caregiver and 1 infant. 10% discount for Rooms members. Get your ticket online or by calling (709) 757-8090.

Please note: All ticket sales are final; no refunds will be issued.

11:30 am - 12:15 pm
Family

Embark on a monthly musical journey with your little one at the Infant Sensory Music Group, hosted by Certified Music Therapist Renée White. Join us in exploring the unique art exhibitions at The Rooms, setting the stage for a sensory-rich experience that enhances your infant's development.

February 25th sessions take place in the exhibtion Goodnight Moon: a Rhythm, a Tempo

Who's invited:
Newborns to 9 month olds and their caregivers. (This program is designed for younger babies; if your baby is on the move, check out our other TOTS programs.)

Monthly sessions:
Immerse yourselves in a new art exhibition each month, creating a dynamic and ever-evolving backdrop for your infant's sensory exploration.

About Ms. Renée:
Renée White, certified music therapist and University of Windsor Honors Bachelor of Music Therapy graduate, brings her expertise to create a warm and welcoming environment. As "Ms. Renée," she shares her passion for using music as a tool for connection and growth.

Cost: $15 plus HST per session. Cost includes 1 caregiver and 1 infant. 10% discount for Rooms members. Get your ticket online or by calling (709) 757-8090.

Please note: All ticket sales are final; no refunds will be issued.

1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Winter may be here, but there’s no need to stay home!

Join us at The Rooms to exercise and socialize during this colder and drearier time of year. While strolling throughout the building and enjoying both the exhibitions and the views, participants will focus on a different spotlight item from our collection each week. After our stroll, staff will lead a brief discussion on the weekly spotlight, and then everyone is encouraged to stay and socialize with friends new and old.

Following the Senior's Stroll, we will open our art gallery classroom for a guided art activity. All materials are provided, and everyone is welcome to attend.

No registration is needed. Included with the cost of admission ($7.80 plus HST for seniors), free for members.

For further information, please contact catherineoneill@therooms.ca

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Join us for a special panel featuring three Newfoundland & Labrador creators as they share how picture books and children’s stories come to life.

From surprising inspirations to the joys and challenges of illustration and design, you’ll get an inside look at the creative journey behind books for young readers.

Discover how stories are imagined, shaped, and brought to the page, becoming cherished favourites for generations!

This program is in partnership with Breakwater Books.  Panelists features Cara Kansala, Lori Doody, and Veselina Tomova.

This is a free event but a ticket is required. Please reserve your free ticket online or by calling 709-757-8090.