Art in Public Places: Thank you The Arts Initiative

July 29, 2014/0 Comments/in Art Inspirations, Exhibitions, Fashion & Art, Photography Inspirations /by Alexis Marie Chute

These photos of artwork were not taken in a gallery…

They were actually taken in a mall.

When I visited Chicago recently to speak at The Compassionate Friends of America National Conference (presenting on Healing through Visual Art) I visited the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago – but I also spent an hour at the outlet mall in the hotel district near the airport. What I found there were colourful and stimulating creative sculptures and 2D artwork at every turn.

First of all, I love that a commercial space invited such unique and eye catching art. Well done Fashion Outlets of Chicago.

Secondly, this just goes to prove that you never know where you’ll find inspiration.

It turns out the mall has paired up with The Arts Initiative (Twitter: @artsinitiative1), a collective “dedicated to placing highly interactive visual art in public spaces.” The Work on show was curated by Miami-based Primary Projects Gallery. The mall features the work of many contemporary artists such as Daniel Arsham, Jim Drain, Friends With You, Bert Rodriguez and Jen Stark for example.

Personally, I look for inspiration everywhere. That’s just who I am. Yet, I loved being totally surprised when I walked into the Fashion Outlets of Chicago. Fashion inspires me in its own right, but the mall truly was like walking through a place of cultural fusion. And I like that.

More about The Arts Initiative in the Fashion Outlets of Chicago

Unfulfilled Precognition Exhibition in Calgary

July 18, 2014/0 Comments/in Art Update, Exhibitions, Gallery Openings, Photography Update /by Alexis Marie Chute

Last night was the opening reception of my exhibition called Unfulfilled Precognition at the EPCOR CENTRE of the Performing Arts in Calgary. My fine art photographs are hung in a window gallery alongside two other artists; Tia Halliday and Natalie McDonald.

Unfulfilled Precognition is a series of photographs I took around the birth and death of my second child. The images were created with the Holga camera and expired film, two deliberately selected tools to convey the helplessness and wonderment of that time. I’ve titled this work Unfulfilled Precognition because, as a mother, from the second I discovered I was pregnant I had visions of the life of my child; I imagined what he would look like and saw him growing up, playing and going to school. When that future became permanently out of reach, those visions were somehow suspended in my mind like memories. I had believed in that future so wholeheartedly. Thus, the photographs reflect this vacant and ghostly yet sensitive psychology.

To view Unfulfilled Precognition, click here.

Unfulfilled Precognition will be exhibited at the EPCOR CENTRE in Calgary, Alberta, Canada from July 11 to September 28, 2014. The opening reception takes place Thursday, July 17, 2014.

EPCOR CENTRE

205 8th Avenue S.E.
Calgary Alberta, T2G 0K9
Phone: 403.294.7455
Fax: 403.294.7457
info@epcorcentre.org

Walk-up Hours
Monday – Saturday: 10am – 6pm
Sunday and Holidays: Closed

Click here to see the visual arts page of the EPCOR Centre.

If you visit the show, please drop me a line and let me know what you think.

Also, if you are going to miss this showing of Unfulfilled Precognition, it will be exhibited next at the Kiwanis Gallery in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada from October 21 – November 23, 2014. Click here to see all 2014 exhibition dates.

Dear Edmonton

May 14, 2014/0 Comments/in Exhibitions, Gallery Openings /by Alexis Marie Chute

I want to share an artsy event with you called Dear Edmonton. It’s a creative mash-up with an inspirational flavor and its happening this June. Many of my friends and fellow artists are organizing and participating; Dave Von Bieker, Omar Reyes, Adam Tenove, Julie Drew, Marcie Rohr and many others. I’m happy to support them.

Here are the details:

Bridge Songs, Dear Edmonton

Bridge Songs is an annual community arts event in Edmonton, Alberta, CAN blending original music (a recorded album and live performances) with visual art, poetry and short films around a central theme.

This year’s event, Bridge Songs: Dear Edmonton, runs June 14, 2014, at The Anglican Parishes of St. Faith’s and St. Stephen the Martyr (11725 93st). The event starts at 7:00 pm and costs $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Click here for tickets.

Check out the cheeky yet sweet video about Dear Edmonton:

Jump into the conversation: Take part creating this event with a simple post on social media tagged #dearEdmonton.

What’s your #DEAREDMONTON?

Kids in Art Galleries

May 6, 2014/2 Comments/in Art Inspirations, Exhibitions /by Alexis Marie Chute

I’ve encountered some pretty frustrating situations when visiting art galleries with my kids. I’ve been stalked by security guards who glare at my children, been hassled because of my stroller (it’s small, I promise), and been booted out over a lollipop.

Seriously people, our children need to be in art galleries from a young age. It is so important.

I have always brought my kids into art settings. They are loud and run around but they feel comfortable there. We stop and look at artwork for twenty seconds before moving onto a new piece. The attention span is short but their memories will be long.

My four year old daughter has actually made many observant comments about the artwork she sees. And she is not afraid to speak her mind and tell me when she thinks something is ugly. I love this. Sometimes we adults get stuck in trying to be polite or thinking art must be viewed and understood a certain way. Kids don’t get stuck in these sticky issues.

My kids are always laughing, smiling and having a great time in art galleries; I think they are fueled by the colours, images, shapes and open space. Of course they want to touch everything, heck so do I, but I’ve taught them to be respectful and if they misbehave they know they’ll be carried or put in the stroller.

As a mom I love it when art galleries have areas for kids. Our regulars, the Art Gallery of Alberta and the Phoenix Art Museum, have child friendly and interactive areas. The Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston, another favorite of mine, does something brilliant. When my husband and I visited there with our kids last summer, they gave my kids a pencil and a little stack of paper taped together like a book. My kids felt honoured. My daughter in particular was sketching the entire visit.

I believe art is such an integral component of a healthy culture – and family. It’s tougher to make an art lover out of a resistant adult, but a child – they are wide open, curious and creative. I encourage art galleries to welcome children with open arms. If you are scared kids will break something, put the work on higher plinths – but do not discourage children from visiting and please do not make parents feel anxious with their kids in your space. And parents; please expose your children to as much art as possible, it is one of the greatest teaching opportunities you can give them.

Here are some photos from my family’s recent visit to the Art Gallery of Alberta.

Art Gallery of Alberta

My daughter watching a floating wig in ANDREW FROSST: Instinctive Break on exhibit March 29–June 8, 2014 at the Art Gallery of Alberta

My hubby, Aaron Chute and I in front of Jill Stanton: Strange Dream, March 5–December 31, 2014 at the Art Gallery of Alberta

Art Gallery of Alberta

Kids love to touch and experience art.

Family time visiting Lyndal Osborne: Bowerbird, Life as Art, February 1–April 27, 2014 at the Art Gallery of Alberta

The children’s room was a little creepy for me but the kids didn’t seem to mind. BMO World of Creativity: Cabinets of Curiosity, July 1–June 30, 2014

Art & Photography Updates

February 26, 2014/0 Comments/in Art Update, Artist Talks, Awards, Exhibitions, Photography Update /by Alexis Marie Chute

February has been a busy month! Here are some exciting new updates:

Art

My artwork, specifically my paintings, were included in an article on SheKnows in their Home & Garden section. The article, “Unbelievable Artwork for Every Room in your House,” featured eleven up-and-coming artists.

Photography

As the month wraps up so too does my exhibition of “The Quiet Rebuild” portraits at Art Central in Calgary as a part of Exposure Photography Festival. I gave two artist talks, “The Stories Behind the Portraits” and “Healing Through Creative Arts.” I was also featured on CBC radio in Calgary two weekends in a row talking about my work and a week ago I photographed ten new volunteer models for the project. (If you are interested in participating, please email me info@alexismariechute.com)

Photo by Chris Tait

I am a finalist in the VISTEK Emerging Photographer Showcase. There are two days left for the online voting so if you like my work please lend me your support before February 27^th at midnight! Click here to vote.

Upcoming Events: Stories behind the Portraits on Feb 15, then Music and Art on Feb 21

February 13, 2014/0 Comments/in Art Update, Artist Talks, Exhibitions, Gallery Openings, Photography Update, The Life of an Artist /by Alexis Marie Chute

This month is a busy one for me, commuting back and forth between Edmonton and Calgary every weekend – but boy am I having a blast! Last weekend was the opening reception of “The Quiet Rebuild” and I loved meeting so many new people and talking about my work.

THIS WEEKEND

The Stories behind the Portraits of The Quiet Rebuild

Art Central, 100 – 7th Avenue S.W. Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Saturday, February 15, 2014, 11 a.m.

Join Alexis Marie Chute as she shares the harrowing yet inspiring stories of her volunteer models. From infidelity, heart attack and loss, her portraits tell tales of resiliency to overcome any obstacle. Alexis Marie will also reveal her own experience which was the impetus behind it all.

NEXT WEEKEND

A Night of Art and Music with Alexis Marie and Drowning Ophelia

Friday, February 21, 2014

Doors open at 7:00 pm, music at 7:30 pm

By donation, RSVP on Facebook

Art Central, 100 – 7th Avenue S.W. Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Local up-and-coming Canadian band, Drowning Ophelia, will be bringing their Alternative-Blues-Pop sound to Exposure Photography Festival to compliment Alexis Marie Chute’s art exhibition, “The Quiet Rebuild”. Come for a night of wine, snacks and the inspiring fusion of art and music!

This is an 18+ event, sorry no minors.

Drowning Ophelia Bio

You could possibly label Drowning Ophelia as “alternative pop;” however, their music combines influences from classic rock to Latin sounds, and have been described as “Santana meets No Doubt meets The Barenaked Ladies”. Currently they are working on their second album, to be released late 2014.

“Watch for them, and you might be saying ‘I saw them long before they were so famous.'”(Tracy Kolenchuck, Edmonton Arts Photographer)

Check out Drowning Ophelia online.

Healing through Creative Arts

Art Central, 100 – 7th Avenue S.W. Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Saturday, February 22, 2014, 11 a.m.

After the death of her son, Alexis Marie Chute realized that photography, art and writing were powerful tools to express grief. Join Alexis Marie as she discusses creative personal expression and ways that photography can be used to find healing and self-fulfillment. Examples of photographic image making will be presented.

The Quiet Rebuild Opening Tonight at Exposure Photography Festival

February 7, 2014/2 Comments/in Art Update, Call for Submissions, Exhibitions, Gallery Openings, Photography Update /by Alexis Marie Chute

I had such a blast hanging my art in the pop up gallery in Art Central last weekend. Usually my hubby does the math but I was the sole installer and defied my right-brain preference and crunched numbers and measured like a grade-A student.

Before the art…

Today is an exciting day. This afternoon I’ll be on CBC Calgary talking about my fine art portraits in The Quiet Rebuild exhibition. Then tonight is the opening reception at Art Central.

Here are the details of the opening:

“The Quiet Rebuild” Exhibition

February 1-28, 2014 – Fridays, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. & Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Opening Reception: Friday, February 7, 2013, 6 – 9 p.m.

Art Central, 100 – 7th Avenue S.W. Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Art happily installed!

Also, I am putting out a call to Calgarians and people from surrounding areas to participate in the continuation of The Quiet Rebuild, my award winning portrait series. If you are interested in being a volunteer model this month, contact me by email: info@alexismariechute.com

I will be continuing these portraits in many cities, so if you are interested, even if not from Calgary, please get in touch.

Expose Yourself to Great Photography

January 30, 2014/0 Comments/in Art Update, Exhibitions, Gallery Openings, Photography Inspirations, Photography Update /by Alexis Marie Chute

Exposure Photography Festival kicks off February 1^st in Calgary, Banff and Canmore Alberta. With over 45 unique exhibitions and nearly 20 special events taking place over the month, Exposure is definitely the place to be for photographers, photo enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates visual artistry.

I am excited to be a part of the festivities by presenting my portraits from “The Quiet Rebuild.” Please join me! Here are the details of my exhibition and the two Artist Talks I will be giving in the gallery.

{Oh, and please vote for me in the VISTEK Emerging Photographer Competition! Click here to vote!}

“The Quiet Rebuild” Exhibition

February 1-28, 2014 – Friday, February 7, 2013, 6 – 10 p.m.

Art Central, 100 – 7th Avenue S.W. Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Fridays, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. & Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

OR by appointment, 780-499-4311

Exhibition description:
Award winning photographer Alexis Marie Chute has created a series of provocative images of individuals in their time of healing following hardship. The portraits are symbolic of the regrowth of a forest after wildfire. As new growth finds its way through ash and ember, so too must individuals rebuild their lives after personal devastation. Alexis Marie compassionately exposes private struggle with skill and artistry in these large black and white photographs.

Preview the show by clicking here.

The Stories behind the Portraits of The Quiet Rebuild

Art Central, 100 – 7th Avenue S.W. Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Saturday, February 15, 2013, 11 a.m.

Join Alexis Marie Chute as she shares the harrowing yet inspiring stories of her volunteer models. From infidelity, heart attack and loss, her portraits tell tales of resiliency to overcome any obstacle. Alexis Marie will also reveal her own experience which was the impetus behind it all.

Healing through Creative Arts

Art Central, 100 – 7th Avenue S.W. Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Saturday, February 22, 2014, 11 a.m.

After the death of her son, Alexis Marie Chute realized that photography, art and writing were powerful tools to express grief. Join Alexis Marie as she discusses creative personal expression and ways that photography can be used to find healing and self-fulfillment. Examples of photographic image making will be presented.

“The Quiet Rebuild” at Exposure Photography Festival

December 12, 2013/0 Comments/in Art Update, Artist in Residence, Exhibitions, Photography Inspirations, Photography Update /by Alexis Marie Chute

I loved being the Artist-in-Residence at Harcourt House Gallery and Artist Run Centre and my solo exhibition there, “The Quiet Rebuild,” touched at the very heart of who I am as an artist. I’m so thankful I visited the exhibition on its very last day with a dear family member and our kids. The youngsters ran around the gallery and laughed and played. It always warms my heart to see children stimulated and comfortable in a space full of art. Teach children to love art and they will hopefully love it as adults as well. That’s the goal.

My exhibition at Harcourt may be over but the show must go on!

One of the photos in “The Quiet Rebuild” will be exhibited in Scottsdale Arizona at Method Art Gallery opening this week, but after that the whole collection will be shown in a solo exhibition in Calgary as a part of Exposure Photography Festival. I will also be giving two talks during the festival, sharing the stories of the portraits as well as discussing art’s ability to heal. February 2014 will be an exciting month!

Here is the info about “The Quiet Rebuild” at Exposure Photography Festival.

“The Quiet Rebuild”

Exposure Photography Festival

February 1 – 28, 2014

Opening Reception: Friday, February 7, 2013, 6 – 10 pm

Art Central, 100-7^th Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta, CAN

The Stories behind the Portraits of The Quiet Rebuild
Join Alexis Marie Chute as she shares the harrowing yet inspiring stories of her volunteer models. From infidelity, heart attack and loss, her portraits tell tales of resiliency to overcome any obstacle. Alexis Marie will also reveal her own experience which was the impetus behind it all.

Where: The Quiet Rebuild exhibition, Art Central, 100 – 7th Avenue S.W. Calgary, AB, CAN

When: 11:00 am, Saturday, February 15, 2013

Cost: Free

Healing through Creative Arts
After the death of her son, Alexis Marie Chute realized that photography, art and writing were powerful tools to express grief. Join Alexis Marie as she discusses creative personal expression and ways that photography can be used to find healing and self-fulfillment. Examples of photographic image making will be presented.
Where: The Quiet Rebuild exhibition, Art Central, 100 – 7th Avenue S.W. Calgary, AB, CAN

When: 11:00 am, Saturday, February 22, 2013

Cost: Free

I am truly looking forward to connecting with the Calgary art community! Join me!

First Place Photo at Method Art Gallery

December 6, 2013/0 Comments/in Art Update, Awards, Exhibitions, Gallery Openings, Photography Inspirations, Photography Update /by Alexis Marie Chute

Yesterday was the opening reception for “The Ultimate Composition” exhibition and competition at Method Art Gallery in Scottsdale Arizona. I have one photograph in the exhibit and another which made the honorable mention list.

Fine Art Photograph copyright Alexis Marie Chute

I called the owner at Method Art Gallery last night, returning a message on my cell phone. Unfortunately I could not be State-side to attend the opening, but the owner informed me that my photograph in the exhibition, “Healing 5” from my body of art entitled “The Quiet Rebuild,” had just won first place in the competition.

First place. I was not expecting this news and thanked the owner, Davin, about a million times.

A little bit about the photo: I created this portrait and others in the collection with the aim of capturing people rebuilding their lives after hardship. The woman in this photograph overcame a post-partum heart attack and worked hard to find happiness and health afterwards, both for herself and for her family. She told me she feared having another heart attack yet she pressed on.

In the end, I want to inspire viewers to never give up, even in difficult times. Life is worth living and every day is a gift.

I am honored to win the photo competition and am very grateful to the jury at Method Art for believing in my work.

“The Ultimate Composition” will be showing at Method Art Gallery until February 1^st.