This exhibition offers a comprehensive exploration of Robert Bateman's artistic journey, providing an opportunity to view iconic pieces from his personal collection while delving into the influences and evolution of his creative practice. Aimed at challenging perceptions of Bateman's work as merely wildlife or illustrative art, the exhibition underscores his engagement with contemporary art movements and his experimental spirit. Tracing his development from early bird studies and carvings influenced by the Group of Seven, through a phase of abstract expressionism, to his eventual return to realism inspired by Andrew Wyeth, the exhibition showcases Bateman's dynamic approach to art. It also highlights his philanthropic efforts and environmental advocacy, illustrating how his detailed depictions of wildlife not only capture beauty but also emphasize the importance of conservation. By presenting a nuanced view of his career, the exhibition invites visitors to reconsider the criteria for artistic merit and appreciate Bateman's significant contributions to both art and environmental awareness.

The Penticton Art Gallery is thrilled to welcome the community back to its largest annual fundraising event, the auction gala, on Saturday, June 22nd, 2024. To build excitement, a curated collection of artworks, unique items, and experiential packages will be exhibited as part of the Auction Preview, available for viewing and bidding from March 17th to June 21st, 2024. For those unable to attend in person, online bidding will be open until 9:00 pm on June 21st. All proceeds support the gallery’s education and outreach programs, ensuring continued affordable and accessible visual arts programming for the community. Join us in supporting this vital event and help the Penticton Art Gallery maintain its role as a leading cultural institution in the Okanagan.

The annual student art exhibition showcases the creativity and talent of visual arts students from Princess Margaret, Penticton Secondary, and Summerland Secondary schools. This beloved event highlights the importance of arts education and features a diverse range of artistic mediums, providing insights into the students' lives and perspectives. Each piece reflects the dedication of both students and teachers, emphasizing the transformative power of the arts in fostering creativity, collaboration, and empathy. The exhibition, titled "Endless Possibilities," celebrates the vibrant cultural contributions of these young artists and invites the community to connect with their stories and experiences.

Discover the essence of spring and community through the annual Meadowlark Festival exhibition, a cherished event that celebrates art, nature, and partnership. Featuring renowned artists like Anne-Marie Harvey alongside a rich history of talent, the festival epitomizes the beauty of British Columbia's landscapes. Learn how artists are selected and explore Anne-Marie's journey from the northern wilderness to the vibrant Okanagan, where she finds inspiration in every brushstroke. Visit annemarieharvey.com for more about the artist and meadowlarkfestival.ca for details on the festival.

We are honoured to work with our Guest Curator Kagan Goh along with a number of incredible community partners including; Gallery Gachet, the Community Arts Council of Vancouver, Connection Salon, Workman Arts, Rendezvous With Madness and Voices With Impact. As a direct result of this collaboration, we are pleased to be able to present the Gifts of Madness exhibition her at the Penticton Art Gallery which we hope will continue on in some form at one of our presenting partners later this year.

In 2022, the Vernon Public Art Gallery joined forces with Calgary-based artist Katie Green and the Turning Points Collaborative Society to develop an ambitious multifaceted public art project. The result was, Behind the Mask, a community driven public art process that uses handmade masks as a way to build community, find healing, and explore self. Katie Green collaborated closely with 10 individuals from the community and together they came together in an intimate three-part workshop series that included round circle sharing, journaling, mask-making, and creative character development.

The Penticton Art Gallery is seeking the public’s input on Canada’s Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) Program in the form of a handwritten, typewritten letter or email to be displayed in the gallery from March 23 – May 11, 2024, as part of our MAID in Canada exhibition.

The intent of this exhibition is to provide the community with a safe space to reflect, talk and explore the impacts and the implications of Canada’s Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) Program. If it hasn’t impacted your life already it’s only a matter of time before you or someone you know will be directly impacted by it.

The Penticton Art Gallery's Adopt a Painting Program is a pivotal force in the recent growth of our Permanent Collection. Despite the majority of artworks in our collection being acquired through donations, this initiative has emerged as a dynamic catalyst for securing significant pieces through crowdsourced fundraising efforts. Our selection process undergoes a comprehensive evaluation to ensure that each acquisition not only enhances the depth of our collection but also strategically addresses gaps, thereby enriching the overall significance of our gallery holdings.

Established in 1972, the Penticton Art Gallery's Permanent Collection has expanded and grown over the years through a combination of donations and occasional purchases. Encompassing paintings, sculptures, drawings, printmaking, ceramics, and photography, the collection stands as a powerful testament to the prevailing issues shaping our times.

Collections like that of the Penticton Art Gallery inspire us to recognize art as integral to the human experience, shaping collective memory and influencing public discourse.

The En’owkin Centre is an Indigenous post-secondary arts and cultural centre located on the Penticton Indian Reserve. En'owkin's unique building design reflects a traditional Okanagan winter home also known as a pit house. It is a gathering place where families and community members can replenish themselves spiritually and is also a teaching place where story, co-operation, craft and artistry come together. The En'owkin Centre (hereafter referred to as En'owkin) is a dynamic institution, which puts into practice the principles of self-determination and the validation of cultural aspirations and identity.