Dialogue and Debate with Memorial University at The Rooms
Date: Mar 19
7:00 pm
- 8:30 pm
Where: Theatre
Broad Strokes: The Passion and the Past of the Art Gallery of NL
What role did Memorial University play in seeding a Newfoundland and Labrador arts community in the 1960s and 1970s and what is the role of cultural institutions like art galleries in the province today? Join The Rooms and Memorial University for Dialogue and Debate: The passion and the past of the Art Gallery of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Dialogue and Debate is an event series that invites experts from Memorial University to discuss and expand on the collections and exhibitions featured at The Rooms. The discussions are lively, informative and designed for the public.
This is a free event but a ticket is required. Please reserve your free ticket online or by calling (709)757-8090/
Featured Debaters:
Jane Walker (BFA'15), (she/her) is a visual artist and arts administrator based in Corner Brook / Elmastukwek. She holds a bachelor of fine arts in visual arts from Grenfell Campus, Memorial University, and a masters of research from the Glasgow School of Art. Walker is the Director of the Grenfell Art Gallery and has been deeply involved in the art initiatives across the province for ten years, including the establishment of Union House Arts (2016-2022) and working with organizations like the Bonavista Biennale (2017, 2019, 2021) and Riddle Fence Journal of Arts and Culture (2018-2024). Jane has written for Canadian Art, Visual Arts News and other publications, winning the 2021 VANL-CARFAC Critical Eye Award for Art Writing. Since 2021, she has also worked on public art projects with Business and Arts NL, including creating a Public Art Strategy and later curating the art collection for the new Adult Mental Health and Addictions Centre in St. John’s, opening in spring 2025.
Dr. Jeff Webb (BA'85, MA'87) is a professor at Memorial University and head of the Department of History. He is the author of three books: including Observing the Outports, that examines the university scholarship upon Newfoundland Society and Culture, and most recently, The Cause of Art, that tells the story of the Memorial University Art Gallery’s efforts to foster a professional Newfoundland visual art. He has also published numerous essays on a variety of topics. They include a history of the rise and fall of Memorial University’s Extension Service. In a project related to that, in collaboration with Derek Norman, he made a documentary film, The Films of Fogo Island, the revisited Extension’s and the National Film Board’s pathbreaking development of participatory media as a tool for public engagement.
Today's Events & Programs
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.
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
Fishing for Cod
For centuries, fishing for cod has played a vital role in the lives of the peoples of Newfoundland and Labrador. Generations of fishing men, women, and children made use of the land and sea to sustain them and spent their lives “making fish.”
Join us each day for an interpretive guided tour in one of our galleries. From the story of the cod fishery to visiting a current art exhibition to a Family Rainbow Tour, there is something for everyone.
Each tour is approximately 30–40 minutes and is included in the cost of admission. Free for Rooms members.
Join Newfoundland and Labrador icon Andy Jones for a magical evening celebrating his adaptation of the beloved folktale Peg Bearskin.
Based on rich folklore from Placentia Bay, Andy will share captivating readings from the book, delve into the origins of this timeless tale, and showcase the stunning “bearskin” edition of this classic story.
Adding to the enchantment, violinist/fiddler Christina Smith, will weave melodies throughout the evening, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
This promises to be a night filled with laughter, lore, and a deep love for all things Newfoundland and Labrador.
Tickets: $20 plus HST. 10% discount for Rooms members. Get your tickets online or by calling 709-757-8090.