Artist Talk: Shirley Moorhouse and Curator Rose Bouthillier


Date: Jun 8
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Where: Level 4 Art Gallery

Come and meet artist, Shirley Moorhouse and curator Rose Bouthillier as they take us through the newest exhibition, Eyes - Shirley Moorhouse.

This exhibition showcases 30 years of Shirley Moorhouse’s innovative art practice, from her earliest pieces to new and recently restored artworks. Moorhouse is renowned for her distinctive wall hangings, which incorporate embroidery, beading, and smoke-tanned caribou hide, along with unconventional materials and found objects. Her vibrant imagery delves into complex themes, including environmental stewardship, resource extraction, geopolitics, spirituality, and cultural continuity. Through her work, Moorhouse also extends the invitation “to reflect, to dream, and to celebrate the beauty and mysteries of life."

This is a free event but a ticket is required. Reserve your free ticket online or by calling 709-757-8090. Limited capacity. 


About the artist:

Shirley Moorhouse born in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Nunatsiavut is a highly respected member of the national arts community. Her work has been featured in exhibitions such as the 2023 Bonavista Biennale (Bonavista Peninsula, NL), INUA: Inuit Nunangat Ungammmuaktut Atautikkut (Inuit Moving Forward Together), (Qaumajuq/Winnipeg Art Gallery, 2020); and SakKijâjuk: Art and Craft from Nunatsiavut (2017), a nationally traveling exhibition that originated at The Rooms. Moorhouse’s work is held in public collections such as The Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum, Bowdoin College (Brunswick, ME); Indigenous Art Collection, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (Gatineau, QC); the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Collection; and Sir Wilfred Grenfell Art Collection (Corner Brook, NL).

About the curator:

Rose Bouthillier is a contemporary art curator and writer based in Maberly, on the Bonavista Peninsula, NL. She joined the Bonavista Biennale as Artistic Director in April 2022. Previously, she served as Curator (Exhibitions) at Remai Modern and as Associate Curator and Publications Manager at the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland.

 

 

 

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.

January 28th sessions take place in the exhibition - Erica Rutherford: Her Lives and Works

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.

January 28th sessions take place in the exhibtion Erica Rutherford: Her Lives and Works

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.

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

6:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Tour

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.

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Join us for a conversation between The Rooms Curator of Contemporary Art, Mireille Eagan and Elbow Room resident, Nasim Makaremi Nia as they discuss her practice, inspiration, and new exhibition Nasim Makaremi Nia: Entangled.

Nasim Makaremi Nia is an Iranian-born visual artist based in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. Working across drawing, sculpture, and installation, she explores how migration, memory, and identity shape belonging. For more information on the artist visit: Nasim Makaremi Nia: Entangled | The Rooms, Newfoundland and Labrador

This is a free program but a ticket is required. Reserve your free ticket online or by calling 709-757-8090.