A reception was held Friday night at the Weyburn Art Gallery to open up the new exhibition, "Exploring C.Q.", featuring works by artist Wilbur Sargunaraj.
Curator Regan Lanning said the artist is a singer, a songwriter, an author, a photographer, and a cultural facilitator.
"His exhibition helps us understand our CQ, and so it's our ability to function and relate effectively with people from different cultures," she explained. "I feel that this is incredibly important in Weyburn, for us to learn how to better communicate and relate and form relationships with people from all walks of life."
Lanning said she's been working with Wilbur for years to get his works in Weyburn's gallery.
"I always try to have an eye out for exhibitions that challenge us and help us grow as people, but also as a community. I think that Wilbur's work is incredibly important, and he is such an interesting person to talk to. He's travelled all around the world and explored different cultures and made lasting relationships with people from all around the world, and it's changed who he is. And that's just beautiful."
The artist also spoke and performed at St. Michael School on Friday.
"Wilbur talks to a lot of schools, and I thought that having him here in Weyburn, he was coming to help install the exhibition with me and he was going to be here anyway, so how could we get him out into the community in another way?"
"One of the things I really work at as Curator is getting the schools in the galleries, because I feel like if we can normalize galleries as being someplace we go, and someplace we enjoy with children, then they grow up into being adults who go to galleries for fun," she shared.
"I think art is such a great way, that is non-confrontational, of having conversations that are so very important to be having with our children. So any time that I can do anything to bring the galleries to schools or expose children to the gallery, I love doing that."
She said they had 28 school tours during the James Weir Peoples Choice this year.
"Art is just important for all ages."
Lanning added a gallery viewing is a great night out for friends, families, and couples. The exhibition will be on display until June 27th, and can be viewed for free any time the Weyburn Credit Union Spark Centre is open.
See photos of the St. Michael School visit and follow Wilbur Sargunaraj on Facebook HERE.
Follow the Weyburn Art Gallery HERE.
