Madeline Smith will be joining Latitude 53 as the gallery’s Communications Assistant for the summer months, bringing a knowledge of writing and the city’s arts scene — plus an undying love for Twitter and summer patio parties — to the position.
Madeline is a writer and editor from Edmonton who covers music, theatre, and visual arts as both a freelancer and staff member of the university’s student newspaper, The Gateway. Now the paper’s Managing Editor, her red pen is second in command.
Most of the time, Madeline can be found binge-drinking chai, staying up well past the waking hours of most normal human beings, and juggling multiple projects and distractions at once. She can also recite every word to just about any pop song you’d like to hear, with a specialty in embarrassing 2000s-era rap.
Here’s a little post on the Sled Island experience and public art from our Programs Assistant, Kelta Coomber.
Gopher Envy: Reflections on Sled Island, Public Art and Calgary
by Kelta Coomber
I just came back from the Sled Island Festival in Calgary. I’d never really seen the city in all its glory before; I’d just known about the mountains, the cowboy hats and all that Western goodness. But I was really struck by the city this time, and not only because it’s chock-full of lovely people, but because it’s full of public art. The city was covered in community murals, statues, public installations, and even some pink gophers in the Opera Plaza. Cool stuff.
What was most interesting, however, was not just the sheer number of works, but the kind of works that were installed in the first place. Most of Calgary’s public art pieces had a great sense of humour. They were wacky, but thought-provoking, and I appreciated the balance they achieved.
As we drove home, Weird Al blasting on the speakers, I thought: what does Edmonton need in terms of public art and where do these works need to go? I’m a firm believer that more so-called “everyday” people need to be engaged in conversations about the aesthetics of their own environments. Public art, by definition, is entrenched in the public sphere and needs the feedback, criticism and support of the community in which it is housed.
So here’s the thing. What does Edmonton need in terms of public art, and where should these works go?
If you have any projects I can help with, tell me and I’ll meet you at the dark alley of your choice to make it happen. I’ll be there.
Latitude 53 is doing three summer public arts projects that you’ll be hearing about soon, soon, soon. Right now, we’re putting out a feeler for a Guerrilla Gardening Workshop that we’re hoping to offer in July. Interested? Drop Kelta Coomber a line at kelta@latitude53.org.
Guerrilla gardening is an umbrella term for plant-based artworks that seek to reclaim abandoned public spaces. It can be both highly political (advocating for land reform, better environmental policy or greener urban planning) and apolitical (for so-called beautification purposes). It can be divided into three main streams:
Seed bombing is the process of throwing grenade-like bundles of soil, nutrients and seeds in areas that cannot be accessed normally. They can be thrown into those hard-to-reach places to make you feel like a green warrior.
Moss Stencilling is the process of using moss (either freehand or with stencils) to create temporary works on blank walls.
Guerrilla Gardening the process of planting flowers or vegetables in uncared for public or private spaces to make a space less toxic, more beautiful, and more functional (who wouldn’t want an infinite supply of zucchini? Them things are tasty!).
So here’s the question: if Latitude 53 put on a Guerrilla Gardening workshop, would you be in?
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.
Last week, we began introducing our summer staff, interview style. This week, meet Chelsea Boida, our new Programs Assistant.
What are you going to be doing at Latitude 53 this summer?
My main role will be with the Incubator Series, which is a weekly show in Latitude 53’s community gallery that features works in progress. Also, I will be assisting with coordinating the Draw event, the archives, programs and exhibitions, and rentals. It’s my first time being employed in an arts organization, although I have been interested in this kind of work for years.
What’s your favourite thing about Edmonton’s arts community, and specifically Latitude 53? What are you looking forward to this summer, festivities-wise?
The city of Edmonton is small enough and large enough that there are a lot of opportunities to contribute to the arts community and be supported. Along this line, I like how Latitude 53 takes on programming challenges and builds connections among artistic entities.
I am from Edmonton, and this summer I’m looking forward to visiting galleries, camping, and finding out what has changed over the last two years when I lived in Vancouver.
Where did you go to school? What did you study there?
I love being in school, and I imagine myself always taking some kind classes. Some topics I have dabbled in are web design and geography. As well I have finished a Bachelor of Fine Arts and an Office Administration diploma.
What kind of hobbies have you been entertaining recently?
Gardening, cooking and home brewing are my major excitements these days. I consider it witchcraft.
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.
