The New Gallery has partnered with the Calgary Public Library to implement a special residency program. Beginning in the fall of 2013, this collaboration encourages social practices and public engagement. Lea Bucknell, the inaugural artist-in-residence, will be building a wooden structure, Graphite Mountain, at the Library’s Central Branch (616 Macleod Trail SE) to act as a place for public gathering and a venue for cartographic and drawing-based workshops.
Both poetic and playful, Graphite Mountain resembles an idealized mountain form and provides a unique and unexpected experience for library-goers. Clad in old wooden fence boards that have been cut and arranged to mimic mountain stratigraphy, the structure’s interior cavity becomes a studio for the artist during her residency. A curiosity in the library, this mountain environment collapses notions of picturesque landscapes and retreat spaces into one stand-alone structure.
Lea Bucknell is a multidisciplinary artist with a history of showing in unconventional exhibition spaces and creating site-specific projects. Quick-witted and keen-eyed, her artwork often blends observation with playful and inquisitive commentary.
Lea studied sculpture and geography at Thompson Rivers University and graduated in 2008. She received her Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Western Ontario in 2011 with scholarships from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council and an Ontario Graduate Scholarship.
She has participated in multiple community-based art projects such as Wreck City: An Epilogue for 809, the Storefront Residencies for Social Innovation and Homework with Broken City Lab; and Forest City Garden Project with the McIntosh Gallery. She has also received fellowships to participate in residencies at the Banff Centre, the Vermont Studio Centre, and Pilchuck Glass School, among others. In addition to her work with The New Gallery and the Calgary Public Library, Lea is also participating in exhibitions in Seattle, WA this fall.
Events and workshops
Residency kick-off reception
Please join us in welcoming Lea Bucknell as the Central Library’s inaugural artist-in-residence. Presented as part of Intersite Visual Arts Festival.
Saturday, September 28 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM.
Arts Club: Discover Drawing
Join others as you experiment with various drawing techniques.
Saturday, October 5 from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM.
On the Map
Explore the streets and myths of Calgary and learn how maps and cartography can tell a story, real or imagined.
Wednesday, October 9 and 23 from 6:00 to 7:30 PM.
Dioramas: Creating Place
Join Lea Bucknell in creating a diorama of your favourite place. Like miniature stage sets, these three-dimensional scene creations can be real or fictional.
Sunday, October 20 from 12:30 to 4:00 PM.
Artist’s talk
Hear from Calgary Public Library’s first Artist-in-Residence, Lea Bucknell, about her artistic practice and previous projects.
Friday, October 25 from 12:00 to 1:00 PM.
Saturday Drawing Club
Unleash your inner artist at this drop-in drawing club open to all ages and skill levels.
Saturdays, October 19, 26, and November 2 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM.