An opening reception was held Friday evening at the Weyburn Art Gallery for 'Zero Degrees of Separation', a new exhibit featuring the works of 30 artists from the City of Weyburn's Permanent Collection in celebration of its 50th anniversary.
In a previous interview, City Curator Regan Lanning shared about the unique exhibit, which has differently coloured tape connecting each piece to show how each artist was connected. The 'web of interconnectivity' demonstrates how 'no artist stands alone'.
During the event, Co-Chair of the Weyburn Arts Council, Natasha Hill, shared:
"I truly believe that every piece of art carries with it a glimmer of each person that has viewed it. Think of the magnitude of connectedness that brings us through our lifetime - to the art, and to each other."
"Tonight, while you're taking in the exhibition, I encourage you to contemplate how you are now a part of it. Imagine where your own degree of separation lies with the work that you see tonight. Tell me, what's your tie?"
Lanning shared previously, "In 1974, the Weyburn Arts Council began acquiring works of art for the City of Weyburn on behalf of its residents, and the main purpose of this collection is to be a cultural record of the visual arts. It contains mainly Saskatchewan artists and a lot of Weyburn artists who really helped to create the Weyburn art scene that we all benefit from now, today."
She said while she was compiling artist biographies in 2020, she began to notice connections between the artists.
"They were always taught by another artist, or were friends with other artists, or worked with other artists."
A 'giant web of interconnectivity' began forming in her head, which has led to this exhibition's special presentation within the Gallery, which shows the connections between artists.
"The web is intense. There is no artist without a connection. We are who we know, right? So much of who we are is shaped by the community around us, and art is no different," said Lanning.
The exhibition, which will run until January 3rd, 2025, from the Permanent Collection. It also includes additional information about the people, places, and things important to the art world.
