An Intricate and Expansive Look at Native Prairie – The Grasslands: Near and Far Art Exhibition in Val Marie
July 13, 2022
The Grasslands: Near and Far Art exhibition combines oil paintings by Laureen Marchand and watercolors by Catherine Macaulay. Located in the Cloakroom Gallery at Prairie Wind & Silver Sage in Val Marie, Saskatchewan, visitors are welcomed to an artistic journey though grasslands in both vista and detail.
Catherine Macaulay’s watercolours of grasses and flowers create landscapes on an intimate scale. Supplying the “near” portion of the exhibition, viewers see a space between botanical accuracy and more abstract representation.
“The wide open prairie can feel both overwhelming and empty; however, a closer examination reveals a world of subtle detail and infinite colour. This close-up view turns the expansive into something much more personal and intimate.” – Catherine Macaulay
Laureen Marchand’s oil paintings capture vast regions in miniature space and portray the “far” portion of the exhibition. Her representation stems from a belief that if she can paint something so it looks the most like itself, it might help viewers see not just the painting’s subject but themselves in it.
“In this series of artworks, I invite you to place yourself in some of Canada’s most remote and subtle landscapes, exploring how we engage with the beauty around and in us. This is an experience that takes time to know and patience to understand – a more human beauty.” – Laureen Marchand.
Catherine Macaulay grew up in a rural setting on a farm just outside of Swift Current, Saskatchewan. After years exploring locations near and far, she reclaimed her country roots, and moved to an acreage along the Frenchman River just outside of Val Marie, Saskatchewan. Catherine has exhibited across western Canada and in Scotland and Ireland, and is represented in public and private collections across the country and overseas.
Laureen Marchand also lives in Val Marie. Though she spent many years living a city life, she now calls this region home. Laureen has exhibited regionally and nationally, and her paintings have been recognized by the Saskatchewan Arts Board and the Canada Council and are held in many public and private collections.
The art exhibition is open in the Cloakroom Gallery in Prairie Wind & Silver Sage Wednesday – Sunday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm until September 4. Celebrating 25 years in 2022, Prairie Wind & Silver Sage is housed in the historic Little Brick Schoolhouse in Val Marie, Saskatchewan, the gateway to Grasslands National Park. Prairie Wind & Silver Sage features an EcoMuseum, art gallery, gift shop and espresso bar, and serves as both a community resource and visitor destination. For more information, visit pwss.org or call 306-298-4910.
For more details view our Current Exhibitions or visit in person at the Little Brick Schoolhouse.