Oxygen’s window project is entitled O2.
O2 is a window. O2 is Oxygen Art Centre’s off-site gallery.
CURRENT
15 August – 21 October 2025
Michele Dupas
Alien Flora
Ceramics
ARTIST STATEMENT:
I am fascinated by exotic seed pods and flowers which has led to an exploration of botanical forms, textures, and colours. I am captivated by the process of how to create various textures and surface designs – subtle and bold patterns, the contrast of matte and glossy surfaces and the challenge of emulating botanical textures.
My botanicals are not made with the intent of reproducing the actual flora but rather as a reference and inspiration to create hybrid sculptural forms, other worldly botanical curiosities. Alien Flora is a visual exploration of a future where plant life has adapted in response to catastrophic climate change.
ARTIST BIO: Michele Dupas
I am a full-time ceramic artist; my practice is a mix of creating functional and sculptural works in clay.
I am deeply inspired by the surrounding landscape of Procter, B.C., where my studio is nestled amidst the sweeping views of Mount Loki and Kootenay Lake.
The energy of the land informs both my creative process and my connection to the work. My designs are not made with the intent of reproducing actual flora but rather as a reference and inspiration to create botanical curiosities. My work celebrates nature’s intricate beauty.
Images: (1) Alien Flora: Serotinous Pods, Michele Dupas, Ceramic, 2025; (2) Alien Flora: Xerophytes Pods, Michele Dupas, Ceramic, 2025; Courtesy the Artist
PAST
26 June – 13 August 2025
Ojan Cromie, Michele Dupas, Craig Huff, Terry Huva, Martha Stokoe, Phaedra Urban
Facilitated by Emilie Leblanc-Kromberg
ArtSpeak
Group exhibition
13 April – 11 June 2025
Kalika Bowlby
Call and Response (2025)
Ceramics, natural materials installation
27 February – 16 April 2025
Anne Fromont
Life-Changing Love (2025)
Photograph prints
11 October – 13 November 2024
Jennifer Burke, Samonte Cruz, Bee Schroeder
Purple Pain (2021)
Felt, leather, mesh, paint, glass, brass, fine silver, gold, black onyx & found objects
“Purple Pain” music video – Outside the Box (Nelson & District Arts Council), 2022
9 August – 9 October 2024
Hannah DeBoer-Smith
Tubby Lady’s Terrarium
Clay, cardboard, polymer clay and a bunch of other junk
5 April – 3 June 2024
It Could Mean Everything
Artist: Tracy Fillion
Medium: Embroidery on linen
8 February – 3 April 2024
Why?
Artist: Marcus Dénommé
Medium: Mixed media (silkscreen print/collage) on stretched kitakata paper.
Dimensions: 25” X 30”
Artist Statement
The organisation Unmute Gaza has been a major source of inspiration for this installation. In their mission statement they say that “Israel does not allow journalists to enter Gaza. They have also cut off electricity and the internet, creating a Media Wall that doesn’t allow for the necessary balance in the construction of History. Fortunately, there are still a few photojournalists inside Gaza risking their lives to document what’s happening there. The images they capture provide a true account on what is going on in Gaza. This is why we have decided to create artworks from the pictures made by these journalists, pasting them in our city. Just a small gesture to say WE DO NOT AGREE, WE ARE NOT COMPLICIT, WE ARE NOT LOOKING AWAY. So we print and paste. Print and paste.”
Described here is my own personal wheatpaste recipe:
Mix 3tbsp white flour with 10tbsp water until fully combined.
Add 1 cup of boiling water to the mixture, and move to medium heat on the stovetop.
Mix vigorously until boiling.
Remove from heat and let cool.
**Adding acrylic medium, wood glue, white sugar, and/or vinegar will improve the durability of the wheatpaste.
To find more information and follow Unmute Gaza, visit unmutegaza.com or @unmutegaza
4 December 2023 – 8 February 2024
Ink & Moon Collective: Calendar Retrospective
Artists: Keiko Lee-Hem, Myra Rasmussen, Melissa Owen, Slava Doval, Carron Mulligan, Rayya Liebich, Gina Sanche, Katie Sawyer, Catherine McIntosh, Tammy Everts, Andrea Levin, Brandy Erin, Nikki Pelletier
Artist Statement
We are a group of women passionate about making art and social change. Since 2012, we have produced a calendar with original lino prints. Over the years we have shared skills, evolved, and ventured from black and white to the world of colour. Each year we choose a theme to interpret through carved and printed lino block. What started as a way to create connection and inspiration, has grown into an opportunity to raise funds for organizations that are close to our hearts. In this window exhibition we will display our past calendars as well as some of our favourite prints from past years.
The theme for the 2024 calendar is Wild Hope and all proceeds from calendar sales will be donated to youth-led climate initiatives. Calendars can be purchased at Notably Books, Zinnia Textiles, or online.
Learn more: https://inkandmooncollective.ca/ & https://www.instagram.com/inkandmooncollective
17 November – 1 December 2023
WORM/HOLE: youth print exhibition
Artists: Lokina Comishin Kromberg, Gabby Asbell, Sylvie Thomas, Ella James, Seveyah Bilodeau, Katherine Wall, and Morgan Pesicka
Oxygen Art Centre is delighted to present the first exhibition in our window space, O2, featuring prints created during the WORM/HOLE youth arts education program.
Special thank you to WORM/HOLE instructors Catherine McIntosh, Myra Rasmussen, and Marcus Dénommé, and Education Coordinator Natasha Smith for putting this program and installation together!
Oxygen’s youth arts education program is generously supported by the Nelson & District Credit Union and the Urban Systems Foundation.
UPCOMING
April – June 2024
Tracy Fillion