Image caption: Participating artists from the Brock’s Department of Visuals Arts gathered at the opening reception of the Department of Visual Arts Annual Juried Exhibition at Dispatch Restaurant on Wednesday, March 6 to share their creative work with the local community.

TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 2024 | by Gillian Minaker

Brock’s Department of Visual Art (VISA) is inviting the community to enjoy its Annual Juried Exhibition in a unique new home this year.

In partnership with Dispatch Restaurant, the exhibition will showcase selected artwork of VISA students, faculty and staff until Sunday, April 28 in downtown St. Catharines.

Sonya Marie de Lazzer, Gallery Co-ordinator and Instructor at the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts (MIWSFPA), said collaborating with the team at Dispatch was a valuable experience for the Department, especially the students.

“This kind of opportunity gets students and their creative work outside of the studio and into the community, which is significant from a learning standpoint,” de Lazzer said.

Participating artists gained new perspective as they conceptualized and created work to be displayed in a public setting and outside a traditional gallery, she said.

“New venues bring new audiences, increasing exposure for emerging artists and adding to their portfolio of work. This collaboration also highlights the richness of outreach and partnership; we’re so lucky to be surrounded by such an amazing and supportive community in Niagara,” she said.

Michal Kapusty, General Manager of Dispatch, a popular dining destination known for its innovative approach to the culinary arts, echoed the significance of collaborating with Brock to support the growth of a vibrant and strong downtown community.

“Working with the Visual Arts department at Brock has been exciting and rewarding. Food and beverage, just like the artwork in the exhibition, is also form of expression and storytelling. It’s a perfect pairing,” he said.

Dispatch Restaurant is located at 386 St. Paul St. For more information, please visit the Visual Arts website.