Expose Yourself to Great Photography

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Exposure Photography Festival kicks off February 1st 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 - Artist Talk - Alexis Marie Chute - Digital Invitation

 

 

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.

 

Art and Healing - Artist Talk - Alexis Marie Chute - Digital Invitation

 

 

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.

An Artful Start to 2014

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2013 was a great year. I started my MFA in Creative Writing at Lesley University and wrapped up my yearlong artist residency at Harcourt House Gallery and Artist Run Centre. People opened up about their struggles and healing in my portrait series, “The Quiet Rebuild,” and one of those images won first place in a photography competition at Method Art Gallery in Scottsdale Arizona.

My Harcourt art studio is already full of sunshine thanks to my daughter.

My Harcourt art studio is already full of sunshine thanks to my daughter.

As great as 2013 was, 2014 is already off to a wonderful start.

 

 

  • You can now find me either in my home art studio where I will be painting, or in my new studio at Harcourt House where I will be continuing with my wood sculpture explorations.

 

 

 

  • Opening in February is my solo show, “The Quiet Rebuild” the portraits. This exhibit is a part of Exposure Photography Festival and will be held in Calgary Alberta. I will also be hosting a number of artist talks and presentations during the month. (“The Quiet Rebuild” will also be shown at the Glenrose Hospital gallery later in the year.)

 

  • Also coming up in 2014 are two solo exhibitions of “Unfulfilled Precognition” which features the documentary-style art images that I took leading up to and following my son Zachary’s death in 2010.

 

I share my home studio with a very messy little artist indeed!

I share my home studio with a very messy little artist indeed!

I want to take this opportunity to thank the many people in my life who have supported me along the way. Thank you Aaron for always encouraging my dreams, having a positive attitude and making my passions your passions. Thank you Mom for always having a listening ear and taking such great care of my kids while I work. Thank you Candace for hanging out with me throughout undergrad while I painted and for modeling for me and generally being the best best-friend a girl could ask for. Thank you Dad, Bob, Randy and Gloria, Kaila, Kim Kelly, Robert Sinclair, Paul Freeman, Derek Brooks, Sharon Moore Foster… There are too many people to name. Hugs and love all around.

 

Photo copyright Alexis Marie Chute

Photo copyright Alexis Marie Chute

 

Cheers to 2014!  

First Place Photo at Method Art Gallery

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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

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 1st.

scottsdale arts district Alexis Marie Chute Art Walk the Line Scottsdale Arizona

I also want to thank my mom for taking these photos!

Group Exhibition at Method Art Gallery in Arizona

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I’m proud to announce that I received a confirmation this morning that I will be a part of a group exhibition called “The Ultimate Composition” which opens December 3, 2013 in Scottsdale Arizona.

Check out the photographs in the show. I have one piece in the show and a second with honorable mention.

Visit Exhibitions to see all upcoming showings of my work.

Fabulous Media Coverage for The Quiet Rebuild

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The opening of The Quiet Rebuild at Harcourt House gallery was a huge success. As I began my artist talk I looked at the large crowd that gathered, over 75 people, and was overcome with emotion. It will always be a very special moment for me.

One of the strengths of my artwork is that it not only has meaning but that meaning says something that matters. My work communicates with viewers that no matter what life may bring their way they will survive and thrive. It’s a message of hope.

I am very thankful to all the staff at Harcourt House, to my family (specifically my husband Aaron and our awesome kids), to my friends, art supporters… The list goes on and on. It is so humbling to hear from individuals that have a strong connection to my work. It means the world to me.

I am also very thankful for all the awesome media coverage I’ve received.

Here are some articles about The Quiet Rebuild:

“Local artist Alexis Marie Chute in her own words: 20 questions” Edmonton Examiner

“Edmonton artist Alexis Marie Chute’s latest exhibit was an act of recovery after a very formative year” Edmonton Examiner

“The Quiet Rebuild looks at human resilience in healing after tragedy” The Gateway

“Prevue: The Quiet Rebuild” Vue Weekly

“The Quiet Rebuild” PhotoLife Magazine

“11th Annual Artist in Residence Exhibition, Opening Reception: Alexis Marie Chute” Galleries West

Video Links:

“The Quiet Rebuild” Alberta Primetime Teaser

The Quiet Rebuild & Alexis Marie Chute on Alberta Prime Time and Shaw TV Today

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My artwork in The Quiet Rebuild will be featured today on Alberta Prime Time and Shaw TV.

Here are the details:

Alberta Primetime

6pm, Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Channel 9 or 212

Shaw TV, Go! Program

Starting at noon and running through the afternoon/evening

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Channel 10

Fall Harcourt House Artist in Residence Update

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The Quiet Rebuild

“The Quiet Rebuild” – my art show at the culmination of my year as Artist in Residence at Harcourt House Gallery and Artist Run Centre – officially opens in exactly one week! I can hardly believe it! The year has gone by so quickly and I have cherished every precious moment of it.

 

Photo copyright Alexis Marie Chute

Photo copyright Alexis Marie Chute

My studio has undergone massive transformations as well. I started my residency with two loveseats and now there are none as I needed every square foot. If you come and visit my studio you’ll have to sit on a painting chair… but still come! When my residency began the walls were bare yet now it seems like every inch of space has been transformed. In November 2012 I set out with delicate, two foot tall wood sculptures and now have large, nearly 5 foot high, sculptures that weigh a ton. During the year I have also painted and worked with wood burning.

 

Photo copyright Alexis Marie Chute

Photo copyright Alexis Marie Chute

So what exactly is “The Quiet Rebuild” all about, you ask?

After my son died I discovered that art was a helpful tool to work through my grief and find healing. I also learned that people struggle in similar ways after all kinds of hardships and that one of the best traits of humanity is resiliency. My artwork in “The Quiet Rebuild” is an abstracted picture of my grief and journey to find healing. I also found inspiration in others who shared their stories with me from all kinds of struggle; these brave individuals have given me permission to share their stories with my viewers. The rebuilding process is quiet, unglamorous, but needed and soulful. I hope my work in “The Quiet Rebuild” will be a visual enjoyment and encouragement to many people.

Photo copyright Alexis Marie Chute

Photo copyright Alexis Marie Chute

When/Where/Why/How/Who

First of all, everyone is welcome!

Opening Reception: Thursday, October 24, 2013

7:30pm –  I will be giving an artist talk about my work

8:00-10:00pm – Reception, snacks and mingling

Harcourt House Gallery: 3rd floor, 10215-112 Street, Edmonton, Alberta

http://harcourthouse.ab.ca/

WHY: Because “The Quiet Rebuild” is quirky and beautiful; the artwork playful while deeply moving and thought-provoking.

Want an Invite to The Quiet Rebuild?

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Do you want a personal invite to my solo exhibition entitled The Quiet Rebuild at Harcourt House Gallery and Artist Run Centre? I’d love to have you there! Please email me your address and wait by the mailbox! The countdown is on. Only two months till The Quiet Rebuild opens.

Art lovers, mark your calendars. Opening reception: October 24th. The exhibition runs until November 24, 2013.

Summer Artist in Residence Update

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Summer? What summer? Oh, do you mean the heat wave that is passing through my art studio in the Harcourt House Annex? Ah, that summer. Yes, it’s true. I’ve been spending countless hours at work, despite the nice weather, as my solo exhibition in Harcourt’s main space is quickly approaching. It’s just over two months away. TWO months! I can hardly believe it.

It seems like only yesterday that I walked into the white walled space and set down roots in the gallery community. Now, I am completely out of wall space.  I feel like my work has taken on a life of its own and has grown in depth and breadth. It’s a good time.

Alexis Marie Chute Artist in Residence Harcourt House Edmonton-0006 blog

I am finishing sculptures, paintings, mixed media 2D work, no wait 3D work… it can’t decide what it is! I am presently embarking on a photographic component to my work as well, incorporating images of our local Edmonton construction that we all love so much. Plus photographs of people will also begin in just two days! (A huge thank you to all my lovely volunteers who have opened up about their struggles and what it has taken for them to rebuild their life.)

Alexis Marie Chute Art Studio Harcourt House Gallery Blog 001

All the artwork speaks to this one large message: the human heart can endure much and rebuild itself after hardship. Side note, the rebuild process is never easy and always creates something altogether new. I call my work, “The Quiet Rebuild.”

Mark your calendars for “The Quiet Rebuild”!

Thursday, October 24, 2013 – Opening Reception & artist talk

Visit the exhibition in the Harcourt House gallery from October 24 to Novemeber 24, 2013.

Alexis Marie Chute Art Studio Harcourt House Gallery Blog 002 Alexis Marie Chute Art Studio Harcourt House Gallery Blog 005

Artist in Residence Meet and Greet Today

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After you enjoy Harcourt House’s members exhibition, Kinetic, and gobble up a delicious burger on the lawn in front of the gallery, come find me in the Annex building for the Artist in Residence meet and greet. I will be giving a poetry reading and doing a woodworking demo.

One of my wood sculptures that incorporates Jenga and pieces of wood I cut into a whimsical structure.

One of my wood sculptures that incorporates Jenga and pieces of wood I cut into a whimsical structure.

See you tonight!

Click here for the address and more details.

Here are some of my Artist in Residence updates:

December 2012 Update

New Work, Residency and the Groove

March in the Studio, AIR Update

Artist in Residence interview on Shaw TV