Gage Gallery Artists Collective
NOW OPEN AT
19 Bastion Square
19 Bastion Square
Laura Feeleus and Elizabeth Carefoot present
Vivid Connections, June 29 - July 18, 2021.
“It only happens a couple of times in your life,” says Laura Feeleus. “The sense of being in the right place at the right time - it’s like receiving a gift.” Feeleus felt that way when she walked into 19 Bastion Square. She immediately saw the potential of the two large rectangular rooms, twice the size of their Oak Bay location. The historic storefront has paned front windows for natural light, as well as track lighting and gleaming white floors. The new location situates Gage Gallery in Victoria’s cultural centre. Nearby are commercial galleries like West End, Madrona and Alcheringa. Public spaces in the area include the Legacy Art Gallery, Victoria Arts Council Gallery, Open Space and Vancouver Island School of Art.
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Laura Feeleus was full of conviction about the new space, but other members had concerns. Questions arose about security issues downtown and moving during uncertain times. “We learned that the Downtown Victoria Business Association is working hard,” says Feeleus, “to make the city core a safe and accessible place.” Members view Bastion Square as a community place which hosts festivals and markets. Pubs and restaurants in the area ensure evening traffic. With post-Covid days ahead, the area will again be bustling. Feeleus has an accounting background, and is Gage Gallery Treasurer. She used her skills to secure a 5-year lease on the commercial property and help organize renovations. She’s excited to be in the first show in the new space!
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Margo Cooper joined the Gage Gallery Artists Collective in 2015. The dedicated board member volunteers on the Gage Selection Committee. She’s seen a wealth of talent approach Gage for membership. “We offer artists something hard to find,” Cooper says, “a well-run and accessible commercial gallery space featuring high-quality art.” Members are invited to participate in group and solo shows, in exchange for a time commitment and fees. Artists have the flexibility to show in other venues or take a sabbatical. “We were pleased no one left during the pandemic,” says Cooper, “which helped out financially.” The gallery’s success as a non-profit allowed them to move downtown and expand. Cooper gives a nod of thanks to the Oak Bay patrons who supported the Gage for seven years. “I encourage them to come downtown,” she says, “and enjoy our bigger brighter space.”
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Photo: Mike Cooper
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Ira Hoffecker joined the Gage community in May 2020. She found her colleagues to be a strong support during the isolation of Covid-days. “Even though we couldn’t meet in person,” she says, “we had weekly meetings on Zoom. We checked in and planned ahead.” The creative energy of the group resulted in a series of interesting and successful shows. Locals were invited to participate on-line, using art to express their emotional states during the early days of the pandemic. When the gallery reopened with Covid protocols in place, support from community bolstered spirits. Hoffecker is busy using her promotional expertise to assist the Gage move. “I think we are all ready for a new challenge,” she says, “and excited about the opportunities this space delivers.”
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Many people know Mary Jo Hughes in her professional roles as Director of Victoria Legacy Art Galleries, and former chief curator at AGGV. After 30 years of curatorial experience, she’s now developing her own art practice. Hughes began studying eight years ago at VISA, and has entered several exhibitions. “I love painting,” she says, “and can’t wait to have my first solo show.”
Hughes joined Gage Gallery in 2020 and finds the interaction with her colleagues stimulating. She likes the welcoming and congenial atmosphere at the gallery. “Visitors are invited to engage with the artwork and learn about the artists,” she says, “without any sales pressure.” Hughes believes the new location offers greater access to wider audiences and presents a chance to collaborate with other art venues. She hopes that special events like art walks and evening openings could evolve in the future. |
Photo: Gabriela Hirt
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Michael Warren at Madrona Gallery with two Brad Pasutti paintings.
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“The more the merrier,” says Michael Warren, referring to Gage Gallery’s move downtown. Warren has piloted the success of Madrona Gallery for the past decade. He believes that a cluster of galleries within walking distance increases traffic to all. “It gives a signal to locals and visitors,” he says, “this is a cultural area that supports the arts in a variety of ways - in tune with contemporary issues and ideas.” Warren praises the diversity of styles and interesting projects delivered by Gage’s 21 artists in rotating shows. At Madrona, exhibitions continued throughout the pandemic with sustained sales. Warren recognized that Victoria’s robust art market is not entirely dependant on tourism. “We’re always thankful for tourists,” he says, “but were heartened by the locals who supported our artists.” |
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Web Design and Content by Kate Cino Arts writer published in Focus on Victoria, Yam and Boulevard. History in Art degree and Public Relations certificate from the University of Victoria This website and its content is copyright of Art Openings, 2009. All rights reserved. Written permission is required for reproduction of photos or text. [email protected] 250 598-4009 |
Laura Feeleus, Kate Cino, Elizabeth Carefoot. Photo by Barbara McCaffrey
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