Emergence, Fireline Kinship, Through Our Eyes, and Gathered.

The Vernon Public Art Gallery is pleased to present four new exhibitions: Emergence, Fireline Kinship, Through Our Eyes, and Gathered.

Emergence is a group exhibition that features recent BFA graduates from UBCO, showcasing a range of innovative approaches in research and studio practice. The 2026 exhibition includes work by Averi Boerboom, Trinity Davis, Rain Doody, Carly Johnson, Clifford Jasper Ozee, Stevie Poling, and Maya Taki, seven artists whose practices reflect both the diversity and energy of this year’s graduating cohort.

Taylor Baptiste’s Fireline Kinship is a multidisciplinary exhibition developed in response to intensifying climate realities in the Okanagan and the 2021 Nk’Mip Creek wildfire. The work reflects on one’s relationship with the land and the role of community in navigating loss and resilience. The exhibition features a short film alongside regalia and sculptural works that engage fire as both a site of loss and a catalyst for renewal.

Through Our Eyes by BGC Okanagan’s Teen Junction Youth Program offers youth a platform to express themselves and build connection through the arts. This year’s exhibition explores the contrast between how youth feel they are perceived by society and how they truly see themselves. Through painting, mixed media installation, and personal storytelling, the artists challenge assumptions, share lived experiences, and reclaim their own narratives with honesty and vulnerability.

The School District No. 22 Indigenous Students’ group exhibition, Gathered, celebrates their creativity, cultural knowledge, artistic expression, and unique perspectives. Together, the works speak to the importance of storytelling, learning, and self-expression, offering a vibrant reflection of the many voices and experiences within Indigenous youth communities today.

“On behalf of the Vernon Public Art Gallery, we are pleased to present work by several groups of talented artists and individuals, from the elementary and secondary school students of School District No. 22 and youth of Teen Junction to the graduating class of UBCO’s BFA program and the multidisciplinary artist Taylor Baptiste of the Osoyoos Indian Band and Syilx Okanagan Nation. These exhibitions offer such a well-rounded look at the present and future of contemporary art in the region and we’re thrilled to be exhibiting them in the gallery over the next two months.” — Dauna Kennedy, Executive Director, Vernon Public Art Gallery

The four exhibitions encourage discovery while emphasizing the important role the arts play in fostering vibrant and connected communities. Together, the exhibitions highlight the evolving voices and creative practices shaping contemporary art today.

An opening reception will take place on May 28 from 6–8 PM at the Vernon Public Art Gallery. The public is invited to attend and celebrate the exhibitions, with the artists in attendance. Light refreshments will be served. Admission is by donation.

Gathered will be on view May 21 – June 20, Emergence May 29 – July 25, and Fireline Kinship and Through Our Eyes May 29 – July 29.

The Vernon Public Art Gallery is located at 3228 31st Avenue, in downtown Vernon. Entry is by donation. For more information, visit vernonpublicartgallery.com or call 250-545-3173.

Image Credits

Images courtesy of the University of British Columbia Okanagan for Emergence, Taylor Baptiste for Fireline Kinship, Teen Junction for Through Our Eyes, and School District #22 for Gathered.