We’ve been saying hello to our summer staff here on the blog during the last couple of weeks. Kelta Coomber is a Program Assistant at Latitude 53 coordinating some very exciting public arts projects. Here’s an interview from her about her summer pursuits.
What are you going to be doing this summer at Latitude 53?
I have the true pleasure of planning three public arts projects this summer. I’m planning a video installation, guerrilla gardening workshop and a day of public installations in late August. It is my responsibility to plan these events, ask for donations and then make sure it all runs smoothly with the guidance and help of the Latitude 53 staff. Pretty tubular stuff.
What is your favourite thing about Edmonton’s arts community? What about Latitude 53?
The Edmonton arts community is truly vibrant; I have the pleasure of knowing many artists, and I think there is great support (from the public at least) for them. I respect that Latitude 53 embraces innovation and experimentation in art and wants to provide support for a whole range of sensibilities and interests. I love the work environment at Latitude 53 - there is a lot of respect for each person’s creativity and many daily laughs.
Where do you go to school? What do you study?
I am a student at the U of A taking political science, but I’m hoping to go into art history.
We’re back with our series introducing our new summer staff at Latitude 53. Here’s a little interview from Alyssa Kuhnert, the Communications Assistant.
What are you going to be working on at Latitude 53 this summer?
This summer I’ll be taking a look at ways to engage new audiences with all of the great events and programming happening at Latitude 53, as well as working to promote Latitude 53’s role within the community to new places throughout the city. I’ll also be helping out with media relations, Latitude 53’s website and blog, and spreading the word about summer programming and events.
What’s your favourite thing about Latitude 53? What summer event are you looking forward to in Edmonton?
Latitude 53 plays such a central role in bringing contemporary art and discourse to Edmonton, supporting a really amazing community. The gallery’s programs—from Visualeyez to the newer writer-in-residence program—add a sense of artistic wealth and diversity that is unmatched in Edmonton. It also throws some of the city’s greatest parties. This summer, I’m definitely looking forward to the Rooftop Patio Series, as well as taking a few epic walks in the River Valley.
Where do you go to school? What do you study?
I do a lot of reading at the University of Toronto, where I study Art History and English.
Meet our new summer staff and interns! Here’s a little q. and a. from Kimi Ahluwalia. She’s the new Engagement Assistant.
What are going to be working on at Latitude 53 this summer?
I’m acting as Latitude’s Summer Engagement Assistant. I will be working on DRAW 2011, a collaborative effort between Edmonton’s artist-run centers that culminates in a fun, creative event for the public. I will also be assisting in this year’s Patio Rooftop Series as well as volunteer coordination.
What are you looking forward to this summer at Latitude 53?
I’m really looking forward to working in the Patio Series, it looks like a lot of fun!
Where do you go to school? What do you study?
I’m a fourth year undergraduate at the University of Alberta majoring in Art History and Psychology.
Latitude 53 is looking busy these days with the arrival of its summer staff and interns, each of whom are helping coordinate all of the fun going on this summer—events like the Rooftop Patio, Summer Incubator Series and DRAW. We’ve decided to make our summer staff a little less mysterious by asking them a bit about themselves, interview style. Here’s what we found out from our Development Assistant, Tyler Sherard.
What are going to be working on at Latitude 53 this summer?
This summer, I am going to be coordinating the Patio Series, and also working to become Vicky’s replacement as Development Coordinator when she leaves us to move to Toronto later this summer. Additionally, I am working on starting up the new Circle of Friends donation program.
What’s your favourite thing about Latitude 53? What summer event are you looking forward to in Edmonton’s arts community?
My favorite thing about Latitude 53 is how easy it is to get involved; and then once you do get involved the many connections to other arts-centric individuals and organizations it affords. I’m looking forward to the Patio Series this summer, and I really love the Fringe Festival (mostly for drag shows).
Where did you go to school? What did you study?
I went to the U of A and just finished my Bachelor of Arts in Painting, Drawing and Printmaking.
Something zany about yourself?
I was (technically) born on an airplane.
Thanks, Tyler! Look forward to hearing from the rest of the summer staff over the next couple of days.
