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The Quiet Rebuild: New Portraits Exhibit opens Tomorrow!

The Quiet Rebuild: New Portraits

Award-winning photographer and writer Alexis Marie Chute builds on her series of provocative images of individuals in their time of healing following hardship. The exhibition features never before seen photographs in the noteworthy series, now aptly exhibited at Harcourt House where the work was first conceived during Alexis Marie’s term as Artist in Residence in 2012/2013. In The Quiet Rebuild, Alexis Marie compassionately exposes the private struggles of volunteer models in large black and white photographs.

Artist Talk: Art and Healing

Alexis Marie Chute will speak about her photographs in The Quiet Rebuild –New Portraits. She will share the stories of her volunteer models and discuss the connection between creativity, healing and resiliency.

The Quiet Rebuild Alexis Marie Chute art photography exhibit invite back blog

Details of The Quiet Rebuild: New Portraits:

Location:

Drawing Room, Annex Building,

Harcourt House Artist Run Centre

10211-112 Street, Edmonton, AB, CAN

Exhibit Hours:

Saturday, February 28, 2015, 10:00am – 10:00pm

Sunday, March 1, 2015, 10:00am – 5:00pm

Events:

Artist Talk – Saturday, February 28, 6:30pm

Opening Reception – Saturday, February 28, 7:00pm

Please click here for a preview of the images in The Quiet Rebuild.

 

Hope to see you at the exhibition!

 

Musical Performance by Evan Crawford at “The Quiet Rebuild: New Portraits” Exhibit

The Quiet Rebuild: New Portraits exhibition is this coming weekend and I’m excited! There are new portraits from individuals and families from across Canada. These photographs capture people who inspire viewers with their strength, determination and resiliency to overcome challenging obstacles and hardship. Their stories will touch your heart. They touched mine.

I am excited to announce that Evan Crawford will be the musical feature at the opening reception Saturday night, February 28th. I am passionate about supporting local musicians – plus, cross-discipline collaborations are awesome.

Get to know Evan Crawford:

Coming from a family of talented musicians, Evan Crawford learned to find something he loved about many different kinds of music. His early influences include country, blues and rock and roll. His country roots taught him how to make something beautiful in its simplicity, while incorporating the darker sound of blues, and the edgy lyricism of rock and roll. These things combined create an alternative sound that can be enjoyed in both peaceful and up-beat environments.

His upcoming EP called In Her Hands, marks his coming to grips with falling in love, while at the same time thinking that anybody who loved him was fated for unhappiness. The five song EP begins with the initial concept of not wanting nor deserving love and ends with a song conveying his acceptance. His single Among the Stars pays tribute to his guitar teacher who passed away when Evan was fourteen, who still remains his single greatest influence in music.

Preview his music on Reverbnation and check out Evan on Facebook.

Details of The Quiet Rebuild: New Portraits:

Location:

Drawing Room, Annex Building,

Harcourt House Artist Run Centre

10211-112 Street, Edmonton, AB, CAN

Exhibit Hours:

Saturday, February 28, 2015, 10:00am – 10:00pm

Sunday, March 1, 2015, 10:00am – 5:00pm

Events:

Artist Talk – Saturday, February 28, 6:30pm

Opening Reception – Saturday, February 28, 7:00pm

Please click here for a preview of the images in The Quiet Rebuild.

 

Exposure Photography Festival Kicks-off around Alberta

February is an exciting month – and even more so now as the much-enjoyed Exposure Photography Festival spreads across the province for the first time. Up to 2015, Exposure was only celebrated in Calgary, Banff and Canmore – but no longer!

Personally, I am thrilled that all of Alberta, particularly our capital region of Edmonton, will have the chance to host exhibitions, artist talks and other programming about photography.

Along with my tireless partner, Aaron Chute, I am curating an exhibit called InFocus. The show will feature Edmonton and area photographers under one roof in the drawing room at Harcourt House. We have such a creative community and this is a fabulous opportunity to show it off!

Exposure Photography Festival Alexis Marie Chute Artist Photographer 001 blog Exposure Photography Festival Alexis Marie Chute Artist Photographer 005 blog

Not only am I working away at InFocus, but I also have a solo exhibition of my own work, entitled The Quiet Rebuild: New Portraits. These images feature volunteer models from across Canada who have endured struggle and tragedy and yet embody an incredible amount of resiliency. It is truly a pleasure to share the stories of others and be a part of their journey.

Exposure Photography Festival Alexis Marie Chute Artist Photographer 003 blog Exposure Photography Festival Alexis Marie Chute Artist Photographer 004 blog

 

 

“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

 

 

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

 

 

An Artful Start to 2014

 

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!  

“The Quiet Rebuild” at Exposure Photography Festival

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.

The Quiet Rebuild Wall copyright Alexis Marie Chute

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, 100-7th 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!

The Quiet Rebuild gallery copyright Alexis Marie Chute

Artists of Many Mediums

I am a multi-medium artist. For this I have no apology.

Recently I found the framed article that I was given when I was named a “Sizzling Twenty Under 30” by Edmontonians Magazine. In rereading the article, one line popped out at me:

“She is noted for her unique way of mixing different art and media forms… deftly combining photography, painting, drawing and even adding pieces with her sewing machine.”

 

Some things never change. My mixed media compulsion is a part of who I am, inseparable from my artistic practice and unrelenting to the critics that exhort, “Pick one medium and stick with it.”

 

Yes, it’s true that if one spreads themselves too thin, the whole can suffer. Yet, if that someone can excel in different areas, I believe they should carry on. Even if they fail, so what? They tried. Freedom to experiment and think outside the box are values I cherish in my work and I encourage others to embrace as well. Honestly, it’s a reflection of our times. What job out there is singular in its focus? Not many I wager. People are expected to multitask whether they like it or not. (I happen to like it.)

I love the variety of my artistic approaches. When a concept calls to me, I respond by creating artwork that makes sense – which may be wood sculpture, painting, photography, writing or a combination of them all. I am not suggesting every artist juggle all these mediums, but it’s my style – and I chose to believe in myself and understand that not everyone will appreciate my work (though I am immensely grateful for those that do).

My current exhibition at Harcourt House Gallery and Artist Run Centre (on until November 29, 2013 before it travels to Calgary in February 2014) reflects my style to a tee. Many artistic mediums interconnect to form “The Quiet Rebuild,” a visual (and literary) picture of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of hardship.

The issue of being ‘mixed-medium’ was referenced in the latest issue of Vanity Fair (December 2013) in the article, “Paint by Numbers,” by Mark Stevens. The article asked the question, “Who is the greatest living artist?” The survey of top individuals in the field resulted with a list of some of the most incredible and visionary artists of our time. The top six included:

 

  1. Gerhard Richter

  2. Jasper Johns

  3. Richard Serra

  4. Bruce Nauman

  5. Cindy Sherman

  6. Ellsworth Kelly

 

I was wildly encouraged by Stevens’ article as he commented on some of the artists that made the top of the list. Gerhard Richter is commended for being a “chameleon” of artistic styles within his painting and that his shift between approaches in his work does not diminish any of it. Stevens wrote, of Richter’s varied artistic style: “He contains contraries, as if no single net can capture the whole truth.”

 

"Paint by Numbers" Vanity Fair article by Mark Stevens

“Paint by Numbers” Vanity Fair article by Mark Stevens, Dec 2013

Stevens’ article also discussed the multi-faceted approach of Bruce Nauman. Stevens’ wrote: “[Nauman] is not confined to any medium, but adapts his methods to his meanings, shifting easily among performance, video and installations.”

 

"Paint by Numbers" Vanity Fair article by Mark Stevens

“Paint by Numbers” Vanity Fair article by Mark Stevens, Dec 2013

I hope to one day be included on a list like the one in Vanity Fair, but for now it gives me solace that many of the great living art icons do not limit themselves to one medium. They have branched out, experimented, and rebuked any notion of solidarity of approach. These artists encourage me to stay the course and believe in my work.

Click here to see Vanity Fair’s image gallery of the top 6 artists.

Click here to see who else made the list in the top living artist poll.