If you’ve been inside the RCA recently, you’ve probably noticed many new and exciting artworks hanging throughout the building. Every few months, different artists exhibit their work in our gallery spaces, creating a captivating world of imagination around every corner. The RCA has recently unveiled its latest exhibitions from talented local artists. From activism art to the Turkish art style of “Ebru”, we’re excited to shine the spotlight on the many talented artists in our community. 

Often the first thing people see when they are welcomed into our building is our Atrium. With its floor-to-ceiling windows and spacious sitting area, this is the perfect space to view Earth Guardians Reimagined by Tracy Thring. Earth Guardians Reimagined brings to life an exhibition that previously graced the walls of the RCA. On May 21, 2023, Tracy Thring passed away after sadly losing her battle with cancer. This exhibition has been spearheaded by her eldest daughter and curated with care by her family to honour her life, talent, and passion. These stunning pieces by Tracy Thring bring animals from all over the world to life through acrylic paint. Tracy taught art, wrote screenplays and murder mysteries, illustrated children's books, and much more. We are proud to honour her memory with this exhibition. 25% of sales of her work will be donated to Inspire Health. Earth Guardians Reimagined is on display until April 30. 

Found in our Atrium Display Cases are the collaborative works of Annabel Stanley and Sarah Parsons. Annabel Stanley is a Natural Fibre Artist who creates her works with vine canes, dogwood, willow, moss and many other materials from nature. Sarah Parsons has always enjoyed making art and has been active within the art community – both teaching and creating art with the Cool Arts Society, a tenant of the RCA. This exhibition is composed of woven sculptures by Annabel, along with paintings of enchanted scenes inspired by the natural world by Sarah. Together, these works are made from and are about the beauty of nature.

In our Alex Fong Galleria, experience a poignant installation by UBC Okanagan students, led by UBC Okanagan Gallery Director and Assistant Professor in Visual Arts Tania Willard. Hummingbird Spirits is a series of relief prints, made to honour the memories of children from Residential Schools across Canada. This exhibition serves as a call for justice and healing within Indigenous communities, as we remember those who never returned to their families. Hummingbird Spirits displays numerous linocut prints, all featuring a hummingbird motif. Each print was created during Tania’s Hummingbird Spirits project, where UBC Okanagan students and faculty produced hummingbird prints on flags placed in the UBC Okanagan Courtyard. In Pacific Coast Indigenous culture, the Hummingbird symbolizes beauty, intelligence, and love. Hummingbird Spirits is on display from February 29 to April 22. This exhibition is produced in partnership with the RCA in anticipation of Opera Kelowna’s new production Wreckonciliation, an Indigenous opera, with performances on March 14 and 16 at the Mary Irwin Theatre. Get your tickets here. 

Located in our First Floor Studio Hallway is Art for Social Change, as part of the Sustainable Development Challenge. Each year, youth from all over Kelowna take part in addressing important global issues through art. Students ages 5 to 25 are asked to create artworks reflecting one of the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals that they feel strongly about. Displayed throughout our hallway are works addressing climate action, poverty, quality education, and more. We are excited to host this exhibition and help these students bring awareness to these incredibly pressing issues.

A quick trip to our second floor Mezzanine Gallery will transport you to a world of cloud art. Botanical Handmade Paper Embraces Cloud Art by Candace Thayer-Coe explores the art of Turkish marbling, or “Ebru”. Candace Thayer-Coe is a paper artist who has studied and practiced Japanese and Western paper making in the Philippines, often working with handmade paper using the techniques of Japanese “Suminagashi” and Turkish “Ebru”. Her vision with this exhibition is to re-emerge the ancient craft of marbling, showcasing the beauty it can create. The works in this exhibition are one-of-a-kind mono-prints that are easy to get lost in. Botanical Handmade Paper Embraces Cloud Art is on display until May 30. Candice is a regular instructor here at the RCA, often teaching Suminagashi. Be sure to keep an eye out for her next workshop! 

On Saturday, March 9, 2024, artists and community members gathered together to celebrate these works of art in our latest Exhibition Opening Reception. If you'd like to receive invitations to our Gallery Receptions, and many more perks, become a member for just $20 annually today!

Rotary Centre for the Arts Executive Director, Colleen Fitzpatrick.

Speech by Opera Kelowna's Wreckoncilliation singers.

Candace Thayer-Coe.

Dorothy Goodeye & Family with Syilx Representative in front of Hummingbird Spirits.

We hope you stop by the RCA for a chance to see these breathtaking exhibitions for yourself! Our building is open 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM Mondays to Saturdays, and 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Sundays and holidays.  

Want to apply to have your work displayed in our galleries? Find the criteria and how to apply here.