Programs and Workshops
Engage with our Spring Exhibition, Prevailing Landscapes.
All ages welcome to attend. Admission is by donation.
Opening Reception | April 12, 6pm | RSVP
Join us at the Gordon Smith Gallery on Friday, April 12th at 6pm for the opening reception of Prevailing Landscapes. Light refreshments will be served, courtesy of Parc Retirement Living.
Curatorial Tour | April 13, 2pm | RSVP
Join curator Jackie Wong for a tour of Prevailing Landscapes.
Live Carving with Cameron Kerr | April 26, 12 – 4pm & April 27, 2 – 4pm | RSVP
Observe exhibiting artist Cameron Kerr as he works on carving a sculpture live in the Gallery.
Cameron Kerr in Conversation with Patrik Andersson and Jackie Wong | April 27, 12:30pm | RSVP
Exhibiting artist Cameron Kerr will be joined by curator Jackie Wong and scholar Patrik Andersson to delve into his artistic practice and the thematic underpinnings of his work showcased in Prevailing Landscapes. This conversation offers an exploration of Kerr’s creative methodology, providing an understanding of the narratives embedded within his sculptures. Gain insights into Kerr’s artistic vision and the narratives that inform his work, and stay to observe his live carving after the talk until 4pm.
Art Education Unveiled: Perspectives from Prevailing Landscapes | May 9, 6pm | RSVP
Facilitated by Andrew Booth, Vancouver Art Blog founder
Join exhibiting artists and educators Stan Douglas, Krystle Silverfox, Ian Wallace and Karen Zalamea as they discuss the intricate relationship between art and education. This first installment of our new Speaker Series will offer a rare glimpse into the minds of artists who are shaping the landscapes of contemporary art and molding the future of artistic expression through their roles as educators.
Explore & Create Saturday Art Program
Families with children ages 5 – 12 are invited to join us on select Saturdays from 1 – 3pm for drop-in art activities inspired by works in the Gordon Smith Gallery’s current exhibition.
Program Schedule: April 20; May 4, 11, 18, 25; June 1, 8, 15, 22
Participation is by donation. Parent or guardian supervision is required. For additional assistance or accommodation, please contact coordinator@smithfoudation.ca.
Art Education, for Life
Launching in conjunction with the Prevailing Landscapes exhibition, this groundbreaking Speaker Series initiative is poised to weave the threads of creativity into the fabric of diverse career and life paths. The series serves as a nexus, gathering luminaries from various fields—renowned artists, scientists, thought leaders, and business powerhouses—to illuminate the profound impact of art education on their journeys.
Delve into the intimate narratives of accomplished individuals who credit art education as a catalyst for their success and personal growth. From celebrated artists who’ve shaped cultural landscapes to scientists who find inspiration in the artistic process, and business leaders who understand the strategic value of a creative mind, each speaker brings a unique perspective on the enduring value of art education.
Art Education, for Life transcends traditional boundaries, fostering interdisciplinary conversations that underscore the universal relevance of creative thinking. As speakers share their stories, the series aims to inspire, challenge perspectives, and highlight the transformative power of artistic learning not just in the studio but as a life-long companion.
Art Education, for Life is generously supported by The Audain Foundation, Polygon Homes and Anthem Properties.
All ages welcome to attend. Admission is by donation.
Spring Schedule
Art Education Unveiled: Perspectives from Prevailing Landscapes | May 9, 6pm | RSVP
Facilitated by Andrew Booth, Vancouver Art Blog founder
Featuring artists and educators Stan Douglas, Krystle Silverfox, Ian Wallace and Karen Zalamea, the conversation will provide a compelling exploration of the intricate relationship between art and education. The first in a new Speaker Series will offer a rare glimpse into the minds of artists who are shaping the landscapes of contemporary art and molding the future of artistic expression through their roles as educators. Experience a unique opportunity to delve into the transformative power of art education with the artists featured in Prevailing Landscapes.
Fall Schedule
Altered States: Jeremy Shaw | September 26, 6pm
Facilitated by Andrew Booth, Vancouver Art Blog founder
North Vancouver-born and Berlin-based artist Jeremy Shaw sits down with Andrew Booth to delve into the role that early exposure to quality art education had in building alternative perspectives on visual media from a young age. A former Artists for Kids student, Shaw now works in a variety of media to create a post-documentary space to dissect and assemble disparate belief systems and counter-histories.
Artful Minds, Scientific Insights | November 23, 2pm
Dr. Maiya Geddes, assistant professor in the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery at McGill University will be in conversation with Dr. Randy McIntosh, Professor at SFU and Director of the Institute for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, exploring the intricate relationship between art and neuroscience. Geddes will delve into the neural mechanisms shaping creativity and aesthetic experiences, unraveling the mysteries of the mind at the crossroads of artistic expression and cognitive processes.
The Smith Foundation is honoured to be the proud owner of a 100 year old Steinway & Sons baby grand piano, donated by Kathryn Allison in memory of her mother Barbara Allison, a friend and student of Gordon Smith.
The donation of the Steinway piano is in memory of my mother, Barbara Allison. She trained as an opera singer, but when she became a single parent, she went back to school to become a teacher. She met Gordon Smith when she took his Fine Arts Teaching Methods course at UBC. They became great pals and he encouraged her to nurture every child’s creativity, not just the prodigies. Gordon Smith inspired my mother’s teaching practice, and made it possible for me to paint murals all over my bedroom walls. She relented, only because he approved!
Lixia Li plays the 100-year-old Steinway & Sons baby grand piano gifted to the Gordon & Marion Smith Foundation by Kathryn Allison. Photo by Cindy Goodman.