Portage la Prairie-based artist Yvette Cuthbert is one of three Manitoba artists featured in a new nature-themed art exhibit opening tonight at the Mennonite Heritage Archives (MHC) Gallery at Canadian Mennonite University.
The exhibit explores environmental themes and the far-reaching effects of climate change. Winnipeg-based artist Karen Cornelius’ tropical plant-inspired artwork will fill the main floor, while the upper level pairs Cuthbert’s vivid portrayals of British Columbia’s rainforests with fellow Portage artist Eveline Mangin Mauws’ prairie landscapes.
“The exhibit is about nature and climate change,” says Cuthbert. “If there’s a drought in British Columbia, it doesn’t just affect the rainforest, but the prairies too. We’re all connected and need to do our best to protect the environment from global warming."
The joint exhibit came together after Mangin Mauws approached Cuthbert about applying together. Their collaborative application was submitted to the MHC Gallery over two years ago, while Cornelius applied separately. Due to the gallery’s limited programming, securing a spot was no small feat.
“They only have about four shows a year, so we were quite fortunate to get a show," she says.
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Cuthbert’s love of rainforest imagery stems from her upbringing in Squamish, B.C., where nature was a big part of her artistic development.
“I love the rainforest, that’s where I grew up. My mom would take us there to sit and draw. She's an artist too, and my little sister, who passed away, was an amazing artist. My other sister is an architect, so we’re all creative people. It’s in my blood.”
Visitors to the exhibit can also pick up an informational booklet created to enhance environmental education.
“They're making a little booklet about the rainforest and various things that some people might not know about the environment, so, if you're there, make sure you pick one of those up.”
The exhibit, featuring Wild Beauty at Risk by Karen Cornelius and Through the Layers of Time by Yvette Cuthbert and Eveline Mangin Mauws, opens tonight at 7:00 p.m. and will run until July 5.
“I would love everyone to come down and learn a little something about nature out on the West Coast!”