Mezzanine Wall Gallery
Gordon Fenske
January 8 – February 25. 2025
About the Artwork:
Snap, and a moment is captured, forever still, saved for generations to see; whether it displays a bird, animal or a beautiful scene. I go to my subjects where they are in their own reality, rather than photographing them in the studio. I like to photograph them in their natural environment.
I’ve been a photographer
since 
I was a teenager.
I’ve ventured into many
fields of photography but
I love to be in nature.
That is where I make my magic. I don’t take pictures for myself but for other people who don’t get out into nature.
I want to show you what I see.
About the Artist:
Gordon Fenske is an inspired wildlife photographer living in Victoria BC. He has been taking pictures of wildlife and nature for almost 40 years. He has been the president of 2 local photography clubs and the Vancouver representative for CAPA Canadian Association for Photographic Art. During the years Gordon has won many awards for his nature photography in Canada and New Zealand, where he won the silver medal; the highest medal a non-resident of New Zealand can win in their national competition. Gordon has been lucky enough to have forged friendships with some incredibly interesting and skilled photographers over the years
Window Gallery
Melanie Thompson – Imaginarium Britanica
January 7 – 27. 2025
About the Artwork:
I want viewers to see the beauty of nature in many forms. As a previous viewer stated “(the exhibit) transported me to a deeper connection with nature's beauty” and this is precisely my intention. In this space there are works for the walls, the floor, and plinths as well as work hung from the ceiling.
This Imaginarium uses found
and collected botanical materials such as but not limited to seed pods, leaves, sticks, kelp, and bark. A wide variety of techniques are used to create the work from basketry, stitch, 3d sculpture, printmaking to paint and cyanotype.
About the Artist
I am a multidisciplinary visual artist. My work is materials driven and that inspires my making. My approach is experimental. I work with natural and found materials. I manipulate the material to see what it is capable of. Everything is grist for the mill. I often obtain materials with no creation in mind, the process of working with the material in an exploratory way informs my decisions of what to make, what techniques to use, what form they will take. Materials also direct the concept behind the work which leads to large installations and collaborations with other artists.
Website
Instagram
Black History Month Display
January 27 – February 25, 2025
Every February, people across Canada participate in Black History Month events and festivities that honour the legacy of Black people in Canada and their communities.
The British Columbia Black History Awareness Society (BCBHAS) celebrates the achievements of Black people in British Columbia by creating an awareness of the history of Blacks in B.C., stimulating interest in the contributions of persons of African ancestry to B.C. and Canada today, and celebrating historical and contemporary achievements in the arts, education, government, sports, science etc. The non-profit Society was formed in February 1994. Since March 2019 the Society is a charity registered with the Canada Revenue Agency.
Website
Second Floor Wall Gallery & Reception Wall
Crystal Ali
January 7 to 27, 2025
About the Artwork:
Black Lines, Bold Narratives explores the intersection of identity, resilience, and cultural heritage through contemporary abstract art. My exhibition delves into the shared experiences of black people, portraying their stories through dynamic lines, shapes,
and colors.
Each piece reflects the struggle and strength of assimilating in Western societies, and the isolation and stereotypes faced during this process. Influenced by suprematism and constructivism, my artwork challenges traditional narratives and celebrates the profound beauty of black identity. This exhibition aims to foster a dialogue on diversity and inclusion, inviting viewers to connect with untold stories through a modern artistic lens.
About the Artist:
Crystal Ali is a 21-year-old emerging painter and Nigerian immigrant whose work is rooted in the rich narratives of black identity. With a modern contemporary approach, her art draws from suprematism and constructivism abstract theories, focusing on the portrayal of black people and their stories. Her journey as an artist began with a deep fascination for how line and shape can convey profound emotions and experiences.
Website
Accessibility: Accessible washrooms, Wheelchair access on main and second floor, and disabled parking stalls. Limited access to mezzanine and upper gallery spaces
For inquiries related to exhibitions, please contact Shantael Sleight at shantael.sleight@saanich.ca or call 778-584-3756.