Reach looking forward
The mask called Eagle Boy, created by UFV student Anthony Williams, is one of nine on display at the Reach.
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As you enter the Reach’s South Gallery, you can’t help but get the feeling that you are being watched.
Nine masks – created by graduates of the Indigenous Arts program at the University of the Fraser Valley – adorn the walls, their frozen eyes constantly staring forward.
It’s the kind of exhibit that attracts plenty of interest.
“There has been a good response to the exhibit so far. For a lot of people, they’ve never seen masks like this before,” said Scott Marsden, curator at the Reach.
He is hopeful that this show is the beginning of a long relationship between the local university and the new gallery.
“The Reach is still building partnerships with UFV, the Indigenous program and the community.”
Still in its first year, the gallery – and its staff – are still gauging what the public wants.
“We’re just figuring out what the expectations are.”
Marsden noted that carvings have been well received, something he will keep in mind as he plans upcoming shows.
“I’m already planning for 2011.”
The Reach will host one final show this summer, textured works by B.C. artist Darrel Spenst (starting Aug. 6) before the gallery undergoes a major changeover.
In September, the year-long People of the Valley, River and Land exhibit comes down.
“We will start a regular rotation of the whole place. People will visit and everything will be new.”
For more about the Reach and its many programs, visit thereach.com.
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