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.
Events & Programs
Join us for an exclusive members-only tour of Grounding. This exhibition brings together some of the most beloved artworks from The Rooms’ collections, examining how our surroundings and structures shape what has been valued, preserved, and shared by our communities.
Led by Mireille Eagan, Curator of Contemporary Art, an acclaimed curator and writer, the tour will offer an insightful reflection on how our environments influence art and community values over time.
$12 plus HST.
Pre-registration is required—secure your spot today by contacting Visitor Services at 709-757-8090.
Auks, Wolves and Whales
What fills the void when a species is no more? Legends, folklore, and history worth learning from. Come listen to the stories of the Great Auk, the Newfoundland Wolf, and Endangered Whales as they echo across the ages through their body and bones. Commiserate with the extinct, heed the calls of the endangered, hold ossified bones, and see how artists transform tragedy into hope for a sustainable future.
Tour is approximately 30 – 40 minutes and included in the cost of admission.
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.
Tour is approximately 30 – 40 minutes and included in the cost of admission.
Join us at The Rooms for an inspiring drawing class designed specifically for students age 15 - 20 years old. Whether you’re a budding artist or just curious about exploring your artistic interests, this class is perfect for you!
What to Expect:
Our experienced instructor will guide you through fundamental drawing techniques, from line work to shading. Each session focuses on a different theme, from drawing the harbor view to capturing the details of our natural history collection.
This fun and relaxed atmosphere is a place for teens to meet fellow teen artists, share ideas, and enjoy a supportive environment.
Materials Provided: High-quality drawing supplies will be provided.
Unlock your creativity, express yourself, and create beautiful art! No prior experience necessary. Let’s make art together!
Cost: $20 plus HST per session. 10% Discount for Rooms Members. Reserve your spot by calling (709) 757-8090.