The Chemainus Valley Museum reopened June 17 with a special exhibit for the summer.
Red Flag! Red Flag! is an exhibit that’s been travelling to different venues around the Island the last two years to encourage the discussion on climate change and global warming.
The red flag is typically used as a warning for imminent danger or indicating preparation for battle. Global warming and climate change are a monumental battle that needs to be more thoroughly addressed with a greater sense of urgency.
Val Galvin of Renditions In Rags Hooked and Braided Rugs Studio in Chemainus invited fibre artists who frequent her studio to use recycled fabrics and textiles to tell how climate change and global warming is affecting their lives. A total of 45 artists submitted original ‘flags’, inviting discussion of the need for conservation and preservation of nature. The flags consist of a backing and are hand hooked using recycled textiles – everything from plastic bags, netting, leather, wool, T-shirts and yarn – as a medium.
The majority of the artists are from Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, with additional contributions from the B.C. Interior and Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.
The exhibit has previously appeared or been connected to the Robert Bateman Gallery in Victoria, the Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery, Arts on the Avenue, Ladysmith Museum, Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society and now at the Chemainus Valley Museum which is open seven days a week from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. with admission by donation.
“If anyone is interested in the collection as a teaching resource or for an exhibit I would be happy to put their name in the line-up of future venues,” noted Galvin.
Staff and volunteers at the Chemainus Valley Museum have been very busy during downtime from COVID. New flooring has been installed, a fresh coat of paint added and exhibits changed.