This is a long overdue post of thanks to all those who helped to make IceBear’s summer exhibition, ‘The Modern Age Dreams of a Dreamer’ such a great success. First, of course, thanks and appreciation to Jock Hildebrand and the Cowichan Public Art Gallery Society for inviting us to be a major feature event for their gallery-in-waiting. We look forward to the day when they open the doors of their own gallery! Next, to Susan Down of Portals Gallery, operated by the Cowichan Valley Arts Council, and their amazing docents and team of installers, without whom this could not have come together so smoothly. IceBear has exhibited in many venues across Canada and the U.S., and have seldom encountered such a friendly, patient and efficient hanging crew. We thanked them in person, we really wanted to thank them publicly, as groups like theirs often get overlooked in the excitement of openings.
We would like to thank Matt Zeleny of Camosun College’s Innovations department for volunteering to make the trip up to do some 3D video of the sculptures, the video is now part of a virtual tour of the show.
A big thank you to local favourite Ed Peekeekoot for playing at our opening. It would just not be an IceBear opening without his cheery presence and magical music. We also thank Ed for the use of his music on the virtual tour of the exhibition that was made for all those who could not attend in person.
Our thanks to the many people who loaned sculpture and paintings for this exhibition; what was on display highlighted almost 25 years of work.
We want to thank, of course, the several thousand people who found time and energy to brave the summer heat wave; many came multiple times. It is gratifying for an artist to know his work is so well appreciated and understood.
We would like to thank Valley Voice, the local arts magazine, for the great ‘heads up’ article in advance of the opening.
Last but not least, a huge shout out to Don Bodger of Black Press, who wrote such great articles about the art, that encouraged people around the valley to attend. Few things happen successfully in small communities like ours without the support of people like Don, and papers like the local Black Press publications.
And to any whose names may have inadvertently been left out, please know that you are always appreciated.
A link to the virtual tour can be found near the top of our homepage, www.icebearstudio.com or go directly to youtube: https://youtube/dj_KOv4HJT0.
Charronne Johnston,
Crofton