SuppliedParka Patio Fundraiser
Saturday March 12, 8 p.m. – late (5-7 is a free all ages event hosted by The City of Edmonton Youth Council. 8 p.m. onwards is 18+)
Latitude 53 10242 – 106 Street
$15 in advance, $20 at the door
Edmonton is one of Alberta’s leading cities for an active arts scene through its numerous galleries, notably the Art Gallery of Alberta and the FAB art gallery at the University of Alberta. However, one local gallery that stands out amongst the rest is Latitude 53. This organization is a “not-for-profit artist-run centre” that highlights the work of up and coming artists. They are “Alberta’s leading contemporary art centre” that values “experimentation, collaboration, and diversity” in their featured artists’ pieces.
Parka Patio, Latitude’s annual fundraiser that supports “upcoming programming and gallery operations,” is an outdoor event showcasing these artists’ work, as well as providing food and drink from places like the Duchess Bakeshop and Credo Coffee. There will also be live music from DJs Teller and Spenny B and a special performance by Goldtop.
One of the emerging artists donating a piece this year is Alex Linfield. He is currently finishing his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the University of Alberta and is interested in art involving recording devices, as well as the “translation that is involved after something is recorded.” However, the piece that he’s donating to Parka Patio this year is something out of the ordinary for him. Linfield normally works with larger pieces. His donation, titled “Two by Four”, is a unique take on, fittingly, a two by four. The texture has been altered, and upon closer inspection, the sides have been high resolution scanned. This change in his artistic approach has been an interesting opportunity for him.
“[The piece] kind of allows you to reassess things that you do experience and engage with the idea of medium as the message,” says Linfield. “I thought about it and thought I should think about the viewer and the person standing in front of this object, so I thought of making something that was a commodity but not a super desirable commodity.”
Linfield has a positive relationship with Latitude 53, and appreciates the opportunities they give to artists emerging onto the scene. Latitude is primarily artist run, giving opportunities and freedom to each individual contributor. They encourage artist experimentation in a variety of different mediums. Their focus on contemporary art is something that’s unique, as this type of art is not featured as heavily in other galleries.
“The curators and directors of latitude 53 are bringing in a very different kind of art than public galleries like the AGA or the other galleries around here,” says Linfield. “I think as you have more artist run centres popping up … you get a greater diversity of people thinking about art defining what art can be and what it is.”
Gerry Dotto is another artist featured in this year’s Parka Patio who is well established in the Edmonton arts community. He has many pieces to his name featured in numerous exhibits, including the upcoming Alberta Biennial. He has been working with Latitude 53 since the 80s and is donating a piece to the Patio this year to show his continued support.
Dotto’s work titled “Debbie Does Dallas,” is a smaller piece from a group of prints created with text. Dotto has incorporated thread into the wordplay of this design as well.
“The title and picture itself is three letter Ds … it also happens to be the title of an old porno movie.” Dotto says.
This year’s Parka Patio will celebrate the work of many talented artists, as well as create an atmosphere fit for all those who enjoy the arts. All profit from tickets sold will go to Latitude 53 to continue supporting the gallery and its pieces. This fifth annual fundraiser is sure to be a great success and a wonderful opportunity for new and emerging talent.
