A show for Mother Earth

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 15/01/2020 (2117 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

With increasing attention on the environment and the precious, at-risk nature of its resources, the MHC Gallery located at Canadian Mennonite University (600 Shaftesbury Blvd.), presents an art exhibition with a focus on taking better care of our earth and each other.

Mother Earth and Her Lovers: Repair and Maintenance, featuring new work by artists Bob Haverluck, Rhian Brynjolson, and Sam Baardman with poets Dennis Cooley, Lori Matties, and Gerry Wolfram will open on Fri., Jan. 24, at 7:30 p.m. and run to March 14.

Bob Haverluck, the catalyst for this creative collaboration, brought it together to take a stand, to make a difference, and to care for the earth. The exhibit will feature paintings and photography, poetry on the page and the stage, a mixture of science and art, and workshops to encourage the repair and maintenance of Mother Earth.

“The warnings about the watery earth’s troubled future cries for our full attention. But attention not only to the earth. For those hardy hearts already working for the well-being of the lakes, forests, animals, oceans, peoples and all, themselves need ongoing maintenance. The soft machinery of their hearts, these who dare to look, see, work for a gladsome earth’s defence and restoration is itself repeatedly needful of repair and maintenance,” said Haverluck.

Ray Dirks, of MHC Gallery has known Haverluck for almost 20 years and is familiar with the work of all three participating artists.

“Bob’s unique take on both language and visual art encourages people to pause and think, sometimes on things they might not otherwise ponder,” Dirks said. “All three artists have an activist heart. Bob, Sam and Rhian are all talented artists and devoted activists seeking to not only create art but to help create and motivate more people to heal and maintain the earth. I have always been impressed by each of them as artists and as people of integrity.”

The exhibit will include special events throughout its run including a workshop titled Our Peace Treaty With the Earth on Feb. 8, as well as afternoon coffee houses at the gallery featuring stories, poems and songs.

Bob Haverluck is a Winnipeg artist and storyteller who has exhibited his work and shared in conferences, workshops and courses in Chicago, Cape Town, Vancouver, and Toronto. His artwork has appeared in various publications. Winnipeg-based musician and photographer Sam Baardman is well-known for his socially conscious style. Rhian Brynjolson is a visual artist, author, and art educator who works out of her studio at Falcon Lake.

Featured poet Lori Matties is a Winnipeg writer and MHC gallery volunteer. “Through drawings, photographs, paintings and poems, we are singing a love song, crying a lament, laughing through our tears, and resolving to repair the wounds of the home we share with trees, birds, animals and other creatures. My hope is that what we offer will tug at the heartstrings of all who take the time to venture in. And may it give rise to indignation and hope,” she said.

For more information, contact Bob Haverluck at haverluck.bob@gmail.com or visit https://www.cmu.ca/gallery/exhibits.php?s=motherearth