The Humboldt and District Gallery is introducing a new exhibit, called Passages, created by Paula Cooley and Louisa Ferguson on June 30. 

The exhibit features mixed media sculptures using glass, ceramic, metal and wood. Director of Cultural Services, Jennifer Fitzpatrick, explains how the project came about. 

“It started as a mentorship between the two artists, and it really grew from there. Paula is a full-time clay artist from Saskatoon, and Louisa is a contemporary artist with practice in glass. You’ll see a combination of metal and glass in a way I think people really haven’t seen before.”

Cooley and Ferguson use the iconic boat form as a starting point for their works, stated the Gallery in a release, allowing them to explore things such as formal qualities of light, shadow, and negative space or metaphorical journeys through life and time. 

One-third of the project is collaborative, a third is done by Cooley and the final third by Ferguson. 

“There are pieces made specifically by Paula, specifically by Louisa, and then a really interesting combination, so we really do encourage people to come on down and have a look.”

The Gallery is now running during its summer hours, allowing more time to visit the new exhibit from Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm and 1:00 - 5:00 pm. 

The Gallery is hosting an opening reception to meet the artist and discover more about their works Saturday, July 9, from 1:30 - 4:00 pm. 

“I think it's really important to understand the process and to hear from the artists when looking at a show like this. You can come in and meet Paula and Louisa, and really get to know their work. It’s a fabulous addition to our community.”