From internationally-exhibiting artists to emergency Master of Fine Art students, four new exhibitions are gracing the Vernon Public Art Gallery (VPAG) walls.

In the Topham Brown Memorial Gallery is Tammy Salzl鈥檚 exhibition titled Beautiful Parasites - a multi-media installation consisting of paintings, sculptural objects, video, and sound composed by Canadian composer Greg Mulyk. Salzl鈥檚 artwork is quite overtly surrealistic and ambiguous in meaning. The subject matter is multilayered and often based on various cultures鈥� fables, fairy tales, and myths, while incorporating Salzl鈥檚 autobiographical references and parallel interpretations of appropriated narratives and imagery. Salzl鈥檚 work is influenced by surrealist art resulting in dreamlike scenes populated by real and imagined creatures.

鈥淪alzl is an internationally exhibiting artist with a focus on multimedia works that include painting, drawing, sculpture, video, and film,鈥� said Dauna Kennedy, VPAG executive director.

In the Caroline Galbraith Gallery, Laurence Belzile鈥檚 exhibition titled Through the Gardens features colorful abstract paintings with both softness and forcefulness. Born in Gasp茅sie, Quebec, Belzile now lives and works in Vancouver. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University with a major in painting and drawing, and a Master of Fine Arts from Laval University.

A Painting exhibition by MFA candidates at UBCO Jessie Emilie Schmode and Troy Teichrib fills the Community Gallery, with a focus on figuration and urban graphic abstraction.

With a goal of encouraging intercultural understanding and to build community connections, Voices of Vernon, the exhibition supported by the B.C. Anti-Racism and Multiculturalism grant saw local organizations work with School District 22 to hold conversations by selected local storytellers and allowed students and educators to identify and take action against discrimination and racism. A collaborative storyboard done in response to the stories told through the program will be on display in the Up-Front Gallery at the VPAG.

An Opening Reception will take place on Thursday, Jan. 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the gallery. The community is invited to celebrate the four new exhibitions, along with welcoming the exhibiting artists who will be in attendance and will give a short talk about their work. Light bites and drinks will be served and entry is by donation.

The new exhibitions will remain on display until March 5.

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