Photos: Art in the Park exhibit at RVAC shines

About 300 people gathered at the opening of the Art in the Park exhibit at the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre (RVAC) on Nov. 4. The crowd was bolstered by 11 artists present who had works at the display for Art in the Park, and the many young artists and their families who came to see their Glacier Adventure Stewardship Program works on display.

But the real draw was the retirement party for Jacqueline Pendergast, who is leaving the centre after nine years at the helm. Everyone familiar with the goings on at the RVAC knows how much Jackie has put into the role over the years.

Pendergast told the Mountaineer that she’s very much enjoyed her time at RVAC, and has got great satisfaction out of seeing the artistic community based around the centre grow over the years.

Retiring RVAC director Jacquie Pendergast (left) and Victoria Strange, who has now taken over the position. Photo: Aaron Orlando/Revelstoke Mountaineer

When she took over, visitor numbers at the openings were fairly low — they’d be happy if they got 60 people out to the Friday night show opening. Now, the numbers can be hundreds.

Some of her accomplishments include the creation of the large garden and pathways that connect the centre to Victoria Road, and the sculpture in the garden. The building has been painted, and the flooring has been redone, and there have been so many improvements to lighting, decor and the overall operation of the centre during those years.

In a speech, Jackie thanked those who worked alongside her to continually improve the gallery.

(Click on any image for the expanded gallery view.)

“I have had the pleasure of hanging thousands of pieces of artwork over the years. Every exhibit has been a bit like Christmas, seeing work for the first time and then showing it to its best advantage. I have especially enjoyed nurturing new artists and seeing them gain in confidence to not only exhibit in group shows, but also to take on solo exhibits. I would not have been able to set up the various exhibits without my fabulous volunteers known affectionately as ‘The Hangin’ Crew,'” she said. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank past volunteers and [the current crew] Peter, Mas, Cat and Sue.”

Jackie will be doing some traveling in the near future, but she will continue to be a part of the art scene in Revelstoke. She was also a driving force behind the creation of Art First! Gallery on First Street, and she said she hoped to find a little more time in her retirement to focus more on her person art.

“I have enjoyed my time here enormously and feel blessed to have had two successful careers in my life. I am proud of what has been achieved and thank all the volunteers and members who have helped in creating the centre we have today,” she said.

Pendergast is being replaced by Victoria Strange, a relative newcomer to Revelstoke who hails from the east coast, who has considerable experience in the arts world. More on Victoria in a later article.

Thanks for all your hard work and dedication to the arts scene Jackie! Revelstoke has really enjoyed the fruits of your labour.