Introducing the 2010-2011 gallery team

The niche gallery team for the 2010-2011 academic year will consist of members Tyler Stewart, David Smith and Kaari Landry. It'll be exciting to see how these new individuals contribute their own unique visions for the gallery.

Special thanks to Bonnie Patton and Brenna Crabtree for being the back-bone of the gallery this past Spring semester 2010. The exhibitions wouldn't have been possible without their organization and dedication to the gallery. The Faculty + Staff Exhibition was a great way to end the school year. Excellent work, girls!

I'd like to send best wishes for another successful year at niche gallery! I hope that the 2010-2011 gallery team will enjoy the experience of running the gallery as much as our team did this year.

-Lisa Spinelli, former director

CALL FOR GALLERY VOLUNTEER STAFF

Niche gallery is searching for new volunteers for the 2010-2011 school year. As the current gallery team will be entering their fourth year in September, we felt it would be suitable to give younger students an opportunity to obtain a valuable learning experience. This experience could be helpful to both Art History and Art Studio majors.

If you or someone you know is interested in helping run niche gallery, please e-mail Bonnie Patton at bonnie.patton@uleth.ca, or Brenna Crabtree at b.crabtree@uleth.ca

It is our gallery team's sincere hope that a group of students - 3 to 5 students - will help next year so that the gallery will continue.

There aren't really any strict rules or qualifications needed to run niche gallery - just a sincere interest and enthusiasm, as well as reliability, will do just fine.

However...

...on that note we'd still like to make a recommendation that at least one gallery team member have a background in Museum Studies (i.e. - someone who has taken Intro. to Museum Studies and/or Critical Issues in Museum Studies). This way the whole 'behind-the-scenes' gallery procedures will be addressed, because it's easy to underestimate the amount of thought behind an exhibition when you're new to the exhibition process; there's really more to it than one might think.

With that said, here are some good reasons to volunteer to run niche gallery:

1. It's a great learning experience
2. It's fun and interesting to run a gallery
3. It will look awesome on your artist CV/Resume
4. You'll obtain a lot of knowledge and appreciation for gallery spaces

Positions needed t0 be filled for 2010-2011 are:

• Director/Curator
• Public Coordinator
• Interviewer/Review Writer
• Technician/Installation Assistant

We hope to receive some e-mails in the New Year - may the recruiting begin!

Sincerely,

the 2009-2010 niche gallery team

Art Department Open House & Call for Submissions

Greetings Everyone,

Next week the University of Lethbridge Art Department will be hosting its annual Open House on Tuesday April 21 & Wednesday April 22. This year's Open House is titled The Itch, and tours will be offered by students between 10am-6pm each day. The Open House allows members of the community to view the art studio spaces where various student works will be on exhibition.
Niche gallery is going to participate in the Open House, presenting gallery cards and a guestbook. I will be stationed at either the main Art Society table on Level 8 or in front of the niche gallery, Locker #W138, between 2-5pm on both April 21 & 22 to address any inquiries. This would also be an excellent opportunity to sign up for an exhibition at the niche gallery, as all remaining 2009 semesters - Summer and Fall - are currently unbooked.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Niche gallery has open exhibition times for the 2009-2010 school year. Exhibition opening dates will be available as early as May 27th.

If you are interested in having an exhibition, please contact me at lisa.spinelli@uleth.ca, or approach me in person at the Open House.

Information for artists:

• exhibitions change bi-weekly
• posters will be made for your exhibition
• gallery dimensions are 9"w x 33"d x 33"h
• your exhibition will be documented (photos)
• a $5 fee is requested to assist in gallery expenses
• an opening reception will be held with refreshments
• a curator will contact you after your exhibition booking is confirmed

I look forward to speaking with students and members of the community next week.

Hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Lisa Spinelli

niche gallery director

Sam Staves: LUB-DUB Opening February 25

Hi Everyone,

A blog for niche gallery is on its way! This blog will document all of the exhibitions and latest information on niche gallery, located at the University of Lethbridge, Locker # w138, Level 8 of the Fine Arts Building. We have an opening coming up this Wednesday February 25th at 4:00 p.m.

Sam Staves LUB-DUB

We hope to have a good turn out! Refreshments will be available at the opening.