The Vernon Public Art Gallery has three exhibitions coming this month, which offer a wide spectrum of artistic expression.

Emergence is an exhibition showcasing the work of graduating artists from UBC Okanagan's fine arts programs; Smoky Summers is a series of evocative oil paintings by Nicola Tibbetts; and Gathered is a collection of artwork by Indigenous youth from the Vernon School District.

The exhibitions open May 22 and will run for various lengths of time. People are encouraged to stop by and experience the creativity displayed by the works, and the cultural conversations they invite. 

Emergence: UBC Okanagan BFA/BMS Graduate Exhibition

Since 2009, the art gallery has supported emerging artists from UBCO. Emergence is an annual group exhibition featuring graduates from the Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Media Studies programs. This year's cohort brings together six dynamic artists working with painting, photography, sculpture, digital media and installation. 

Drawing on personal history, critical theory, and environmental concerns, the artists explore pressing issues such as consumerism, sexuality, grief, memory and ecological legacy. Highlights include Faith Bye's sculptural still-life paintings that mourn familial loss through embedded domestic objects; Amy BugeraÎÚÑ»´«Ã½™s print-based critique of consumer culture inspired by Guy DebordÎÚÑ»´«Ã½™s theory of spectacle; and Fredrik ThackerÎÚÑ»´«Ã½™s visceral portrayals of queer desire through the lens of pornographic media.

Other featured artists in this exhibition include: 

ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½¢ Ella Cottier, whose ceramic installation re-imagines trash as future archaeological artifacts.

ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½¢ Brenna Lam Kennedy, exploring intimacy and time through digitally manipulated photography.

ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½¢ Kate Nicholson, who reinterprets family photos to reflect on nostalgia and growing up.

Smoky Summers: Oil Paintings by Nicola Tibbetts

B.C.'s summers have grown increasingly defined by smoke and flames as wildfires become more severe. It's a climate reality that has altered emotional and physical experiences of the season. In Smoky Summers, Nicola Tibbetts captures the unsettling quiet of smoke-shrouded landscapes with haunting beauty. Her oil paintings evoke a paradoxical sense of serenity amid environmental turmoil. 

The exhibition explores themes of loss, transformation, and resilience as Tibbetts reflects on the emotional weight of climate grief and the shifting relationship between people and nature. Her work acknowledges the lingering joy and warmth of summer ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½” long days, freedom from routine ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½” even as smoke and fire re-frame summer into something uncanny and uncertain. 

Gathered: SD 22 Indigenous Art Exhibition

Gathered is a celebration of the creativity, cultural knowledge and artistic expression of Indigenous students from across School District 22. The exhibition showcases work by students from elementary through high school using a wide range of media. 

The exhibition reflects both traditional knowledge and contemporary influences, with many students drawing from their cultural heritage while engaging with present-day themes and personal experiences. The result is a diverse collection that speaks to identity, community and the evolving nature of Indigenous art.

An opening reception for Emergence and Smoky Skies will be held May 22 from 6-8 p.m. It is free to attend. An opening reception for Gathered will take place May 24 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with opening remarks at noon. 

Emergence and Smoky Skies will be open for viewing until July 16; Gathered is on until June 13.