“The Quiet Rebuild” New Portraits at Exposure Photography Festival

Along with the exciting new group exhibition InFocus Edmonton, I am preparing another body of artwork to be exhibited during Exposure Photography Festival in February 2015. The first debut of my large black and white portraits was in my Artist-in-Residence exhibition, “The Quiet Rebuild,” at Harcourt House Artist Run Centre in Edmonton, Alberta in October 2013 – and the artwork has been seen in many galleries and public spaces since. Coming up, I will reveal brand new portraits in “The Quiet Rebuild” series during the Exposure festival.

These photographs are in keeping with the theme of resiliency in the wake and aftermath of hardship and are beautiful, subtle visual stories of my models. All models responded to an open call and volunteered. The show will feature Albertan and Ontario residents.

The Quiet Rebuild – New Portraits

February 28 – March 1, 2015

Annex Gallery at Harcourt House

10215-112 Street, Edmonton, AB

Saturday, February 28: 10am to 10pm, 6:30pm Artist Talk, 7pm reception with live music

Sunday, March 1: 10am to 5pm

To see many of the portraits in “The Quiet Rebuild” please click here.

To volunteer for “The Quiet Rebuild,” please email Alexis Marie: info@alexismariechute.com

 

Only 10 More Days to Submit to InFocus Edmonton

We have received so many fabulous submissions already for InFocus Edmonton, but there is still time to add your creative voice to this inaugural group exhibition. The call for submissions is live for ten (10!) more days as we search for the best of images of Edmonton and area photographers.

Share your photography with all of Alberta during Exposure Photography Festival 2015!

Click here for the call for submissions.

Click here to submit.

Other posts about InFocus YEG:

15 Days into our Call for Submissions and 15 Reasons Why You Need to Submit

Q&A To Help Prepare Your InFocus Edmonton Photography Submission

Hot off the Photographic Presses: The InFocus Edmonton Call for Submissions

Exposure Photography Festival Broadens its Scope to include all of Alberta

Happy Halloween: Submit your Photography to InFocus Yeg

 

 

Art at Kit & Ace Edmonton

I am so proud to be one of the first artists featured in the brand new Kit & Ace clothing store on Whyte Avenue in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. My image, “Walk to Remember” was handpicked by Kit & Ace and greeted customers as the store officially opened its doors early this November. Rumor has it there is already in an interested buyer.

Kit & Ace are not only about clothing; they actually seek out and spur on community involvement, especially among the artsy. Kudos to them!

My fine art photograph featured at Kit & Ace comes from the series, “Unfulfilled Precognition,” which is an artistic documentary on personal hardship and resiliency. Click here to see more images from “Unfulfilled Precognition.”

“Walk to Remember” will live in the store until early 2015. If you visit Kit & Ace, snap a selfie with my art and I’ll share it on Twitter (@_Alexis_Marie) and Facebook.

 

Visit Kit & Ace:

Whyte Ave Studio – Edmonton

10428 82 Avenue, Edmonton AB, Canada T6E 2A2

Hours

Monday to Wednesday  11am – 7pm

Thursay to Saturday  11am – 8pm

Sunday  12pm – 5pm

I currently have a large exhibition of “Unfulfilled Precognition.” Read here for details.

Happy Halloween & Reminder: Submit your Photography to InFocus YEG

The first month in our call for submissions for InFocus YEG is nearing an end. If you have submitted already, THANK YOU! If not, there is still time. Locate your best pictures and enter them here. Or, if you are inspired by the spooky season, head out with your camera and capture something new. We are excited to see what you have been working on!

Happy Halloween!

 

Other posts about InFocus Edmonton:

15 Days into our Call for Submissions and 15 Reasons Why You Need to Submit

Q&A To Help Prepare Your InFocus Edmonton Photography Submission

Hot off the Photographic Presses: The InFocus Edmonton Call for Submissions

Exposure Photography Festival Broadens its Scope to include all of Alberta

InFocus Edmonton Call for Submissions

InFocus Edmonton Submission Form

 

Current Exhibitions of Unfulfilled Precognition and The Quiet Rebuild

This is a busy season in so many ways! Right now, I have two exhibitions mounted; one in Red Deer and one in Edmonton. Here is some info about the two shows:

The Quiet Rebuild

This exhibit features nine large scale photographs of individuals rebuilding their life after challenging circumstances. They are pictures amongst natural wood and manufactured pieces along with an object donated to represent their struggle. The photographs are moving and contemplative. They are the first images in an ongoing series representing the resiliency of the human spirit.

Solo Exhibition: “The Quiet Rebuild” – Mezzanine Gallery

October 15 – December 14, 2014

Opening reception: TBD

Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, 10230-111 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, CAN

Click here to see more images from The Quiet Rebuild.

Unfulfilled Precognition

The photographs in this series were captured in the time leading up to and following my son’s death moments after his birth. The images are named to represent the extraordinary capacity for a mother to envision the life of her child, even before the baby is born, and how those dreams linger uninhabited once death interferes. The images are intimate and soulful, and are a unique bridge between documentary and fine art photography.

Solo Exhibition: “Unfulfilled Precognition” – Kiwanis Gallery

October 21 – November 23, 2014

Opening reception: November 7, 2014, 6:30-8:30pm

Gallery located in the Red Deer Public Library, 4818-49 Street, Red Deer, Alberta, CAN

Click here to see more images from Unfulfilled Precognition.

 

Visit Exhibits and Events to see info about upcoming shows and artist talks.

15 Days in to our Call for Submissions & 15 Reasons Why You Need to Submit

InFocus YEG is an open theme group exhibition that will proudly display the local talent of Edmonton and area photographers. The exhibit is open to professionals, armatures and students alike.

Here are 15 reasons you should submit to InFocus YEG:

(1) See your photography hung in the Annex of Harcourt House Artist Run Centre, one of Edmonton’s most important artistic hubs.

(2) Your work will be featured in Exposure Photography Festival, which is province-wide for the first time in history.

(3) Sell your work during InFocus and keep 100% of the earnings.

(4) Network with other photographers and professionals during the festival.

(5) Participate in this exciting group exhibition as a fun way to kick off 2015.

(6) Discover other image-makers in Edmonton and find a creative community.

(7) Have something cool to talk about on Facebook and Twitter other than what you had for breakfast (Although we’re sure it was delicious!).

(8) Snatch up a volunteer opportunity with InFocus to gain experience mounting and running an exhibition.

(9) Attend a rockin’ reception party on February 28, 2015 with live music, wine and yummy snacks (and invite your family and friends!).

(10) Have your work discussed for its merits and inclusion in the show during the Curator Talk on Saturday, February 28 at 6:30pm in the gallery.

(11) It’s easy to submit your work online through our no fuss submission form.

(12) Each photographer’s Artist Statement and CV will be displayed to educate all visitors about your work.

(13) Have a lasting keepsake in the printed InFocus program with each photographer featured.

(14) If you enter before October 24, you have the chance to have one of your images featured in the Exposure Photography Festival magazine-style catalogue to represent InFocus!

(15) Photography is awesome!

Submit to Infocus YEG here. Deadline November 30, 2014!

 

Q&A to Help Prepare Your InFocus Edmonton Photography Submission

Is there a theme for InFocus?

There is no theme or categories for the exhibition. It is an open-theme show which means you may submit photographs of any subject you like. The goal of InFocus is to exhibit the best work by Edmonton and area photographers.

Is there a limit to the number of photographs I can submit?

No. You can submit as many photographic images as you’d like. The cost to enter is $10 per three images. If you want to enter more than three, you may do so in a subsequent entry.

Am I guaranteed to be included in the exhibition?

No. As the goal of InFocus YEG is to show the best work from our city and area, and also the fact that our space is limited, only a select number of photographs and photographers will be included. Even if your work is not selected, it may just mean we ran out of space and we strongly encourage you to submit again next year.

Who can submit to InFocus?

Anyone living in Edmonton or the surrounding communities may submit. The competition is open to professionals and amateur photographers, students and young people.

How will the photographs and photographers be selected?

InFocus is curated by Alexis Marie Chute, BFA, MFA candidate. She will select the images for inclusion from all submissions. She is looking for high quality photography that exhibits the talent and interests of our creative community.

Where will the photographs be displayed?

InFocus will be hung in the large multi-purpose room in the Annex building of Harcourt House Artist Run Centre.

Why is it important that InFocus is a part of Exposure Photography Festival?

Exposure 2015 is the first year that the festival is province-wide. In past, Exposure has only included Calgary, Banff and Canmore. As it is Edmonton’s first festival, it is important we celebrate our local talent and imagery.

When will the exhibition take place?

InFocus will be open to the public for viewing on Saturday, February 21, 2015 from 10am until 10pm. It will reopen to the public again on Sunday, February 22, 2015 from 10am until 5pm.

What is the deadline to submit to InFocus?

To be considered for the featured image to represent InFocus in the Exposure magazine, the deadline is OCTOBER 24, 2014. The call for submissions for InFocus will officially close on NOVEMBER 30, 2014. There will be no extended deadline. Please submit early.

What is the schedule of when photographers will be notified, and when I would need to drop off my work and pick it up?

Please see the official call for submissions page for the InFocus Edmonton Schedule.

Do I need to resize my files for submission?

Yes. Please see the InFocus Edmonton Technical Details on the official call for submissions page.

Does my photograph(s) need to be framed to be accepted?

Your images must be prepared in a professional manner for exhibition. What that means is that they need to be printed at a high quality and either framed or printed on canvas and stretched. All photographs must be wired for easy hanging. Any work accepted for the exhibition but then delivered without the above listed standards, will be disqualified from the exhibition.

What do you recommend for framing?

Professional framing is always best but professional quality consumer frames will also be accepted. There must be real glass, not plastic, used in the framing. Simple black frames with mated images are a classic way to present your photograph(s). Please note the type of framing/presentation method chosen when submitting your work.

How much mating should I have around my photographs?

The size of the mat is personal preference and also a consideration of style and impact. It can be visually catching to have a smaller image with a large mat, or no mat around a photograph in a simple frame, for example. Generally, a minimum of two inches of mat around an image will give the photograph room to breathe.

Do you accept mixed media art?

We will accept mixed media art as long as the primary medium is photography. If you have questions about your specific piece, please email Alexis Marie: info@alexismariechute.com

What size should I make my photographs for the exhibition?

This is up to you. If you are flexible regarding the size you print your image(s) for the exhibition, please note this in your submission form. Depending on space factors and the number of works to be shown, extremely large photographs may not fit – but this is where the curatorial magic comes in. At the end of the day, size your images to match your vision.

Why do I need to submit my CV and artist statement?

This information will be available for viewers of the exhibition. This information is often of interest to visitors wishing to purchase a photograph. Things to list on your artist CV that relate to you as a photographer: education, classes, exhibitions, publications, collaborations, memberships, volunteering, grants, etc. If you do not have anything to list in these categories – that’s okay! Maybe InFocus will be your first accolade on your new photography CV. If you do not submit a CV, that is totally fine.

What is important to include is your artist statement. This can be as short as a few sentences to a few paragraphs. In your artist statement you can talk about how you got interested in photography, how you take your photographs, why photography is important to you and the meaning behind your work.

Can I submit a series of photographs?

Yes. The whole series may be accepted or only one image depending on space.

Why is there a fee to submit?

InFocus is a 100% volunteer effort, a labor of love. The fee to submit your photographs goes to the practical aspects of mounting the exhibition. Such expenses include: listing the exhibition in the Exposure magazine, advertising the show, printing invitations and posters, venue insurance, reception party snacks and wine, and small printed programs for the show.

How do you accept payment?

PayPal.

Can I sell my photograph(s) displayed during InFocus?

Yes! One of the goals of InFocus is to support our local creative talent. All photographers will retain 100% of their sales. Volunteers will provide interested buyers with the photographer’s contact information and purchase details.

How can I volunteer for InFocus?

InFocus has many volunteer opportunities including: hanging and striking the show, distributing the call for submissions and exhibition posters, manning the show, and setting up for and clean up after the reception, for example. If you would like to sign up to volunteer, first of all: THANK YOU! Please contact Alexis Marie to be added to our volunteer list: info@alexismariechute.com

How should I price my photograph(s)?

This is a personal decision. Some things to consider: printing costs, framing costs and your own value as a photographer (your worth should never be underestimated!). Think about what price you are comfortable selling your work? Please do not value your work too low. If your photography is accepted into InFocus, you may discuss the price with the curator at that time.

What should I list for the date and medium of my photographs?

The date should be listed as the year the image was made. The medium can be something to the effect of “Photograph” or “Photograph on aluminum” or “Mixed-medium Photograph” or “Giclée print” for example.

What is the Curator Talk?

At 6:30pm on Saturday, February 21, 2015, curator Alexis Marie Chute will discuss the ideas and importance behind InFocus Edmonton as well share about the photography and photographers selected for the show.

When is the reception party taking place?

Following the Curator Talk on Saturday, February 21, 2015, InFocus will host a reception and Exposure Photography Festival party. There will be live music, snacks and drinks. If you would like an invitation to the reception party, please send your mailing address to info@alexismariechute.com. All photographers are encouraged to attend and invite their family and friends. It is going to be a great night!

 

If you have questions not addressed here, please email info@alexismariechute.com and you will receive timely answers. Odds are that if you are wondering, others are as well.

Best wishes for submitting to InFocus Edmonton! We look forward to seeing your work!

Click here to read the InFocus YEG Call for Submissions.

Click here to submit to InFocus YEG!

Follow us on Twitter: @infocusYEG

 

 

Hot off the Photographic Presses: The InFocus Edmonton Call for Submissions!

On October 1st we launched the Call for Submissions for InFocus Edmonton, or InFocus YEG for short. The submission deadline is November 30, but with Thanksgiving and Halloween in between, the time will slip away quickly. Rummage through your negatives or digital files to find your best images and submit them here!

InFocus YEG strives to exhibit the amazing local talent of Edmonton and area at Harcourt House Artist Run Centre during the month of February 2015 as a part of Exposure Photography Festival. This is the first year that Exposure is province wide and the first time ever Edmonton is included in the creative festivities.

InFocus is an amazing opportunity to exhibit your work in a professional space with province-wide recognition. Plus, we are going to have a rockin’ reception party with a chance to celebrate the photographers that make our city and area distinct.

As a special incentive to enter early, the photograph for the magazine-style Exposure Photography Festival catalogue will be chosen from the images submitted before October 24, 2014! This is a huge opportunity to have your work seen across the province – and likely the country! Don’t wait to submit!

To learn more about InFocus YEG and how to enter your photos, click here.

One on One Art Coaching for Marketing Success

Are you an aspiring artist but get stuck with the next steps after you’ve created your work? You’re not the only one. Many artists are unfamiliar with how to get their work out into the world and effectively market themselves.

I had the benefit of growing up in an entrepreneurial family full of professionals that instilled in me the business focus in any venture. I paired this knowledge with my long experience as a professional artist and my love of helping others. When I coach artists, I offer advice and guidance in these areas:

  • Writing an effective artist statement
  • Applying for exhibitions (and where to find them in the first place)
  • Building a social network platform
  • Applying for funding
  • Photographing your work
  • Applying for Artist Residencies
  • Professional practices for artists
  • Blogging about your work

There are so many creative ways to get your work out of your studio and onto gallery and client walls. It is doable. Attitude and knowledge are key. Having someone to answer your questions will prove invaluable and will help propel you to achieving your goals.

To read more about my art coaching, please click here. Or email me at info@alexismariechute.com

Alex Colville Retrospective at the Art Gallery of Ontario

The woman with the strong arms holding binoculars up to her eyes, the man behind her reclining and obscured…

I will never forget that image. The first time I saw it I was in my BFA undergrad studies at the University of Alberta. The lecture theater was darkened and I sat on a wooden folding chair as the art history professor projected the image, “To Prince Edward Island” by Alex Colville as large as the wall. I never imagined seeing “To Prince Edward Island” in person; that thought never occurred to me back then. When I was in Toronto for work recently, I snuck in a visit to the Art Gallery of Ontario and was pleasantly surprised to find a retrospective of Colville’s work.


ART GALLERY OF ONTARIO ALEXIS MARIE CHUTE

The smooth manner Colville painted skin tone, his stylized approach to form and the way his characters seem to float in their environments; the artwork is captivating and timeless.

ART GALLERY OF ONTARIO ALEX COLVILLE ALEXIS MARIE CHUTE PAINTING AND DETAIL

When Alex Colville died in July of 2013 at 92 years old, it was the loss of a great career artist. He worked at his paintings for more than seventy years, a similar length as his marriage to his wife Rhoda. Their love story can be seen on many of Colville’s canvases. I found it so compelling, and romantic, that the artist used his wife as a muse and painted her at every stage of her life, doing simple every day things. Colville also painted her, and himself, near the end of their lives, their bodies obviously changed from the youthful images found in early paintings like “To Prince Edward Island.”

ART GALLERY OF ONTARIO ALEX COLVILLE ALEXIS MARIE CHUTE QUOTE AND WIFE

There is something magical about seeing famous art in person. It is mesmerizing and surreal. I cherish these opportunities to lean in close to witness first hand every brushstroke, each tiny detail. Colville’s fine details seem to vibrate on the canvas, the surface work of the paint so skillfully applied I imagine the artist being a patient man with a steady hand.

ART GALLERY OF ONTARIO ALEX COLVILLE ALEXIS MARIE CHUTE PAINTINGS

The retrospective was inspiring. It runs from August 23, 2014 to January 4, 2015 at the AGO. If you have the chance, I strongly recommend seeing it.

Art Gallery of Ontario
317 Dundas Street West
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
M5T 1G4
Call 1-877-225-4246 or 416-979-6648

ART GALLERY OF ONTARIO DUNDAS WEST ALEXIS MARIE CHUTE

NOTE: There was an additional $5 fee to access the Colville Retrospective on top of the gallery entrance cost.