Arts & Culture

The new exhibition of art works that explore the theme of “What are the stories we want to tell future generations?” are on display for the next six months at the No. 3 Road art columns located at Aberdeen and Lansdowne Canada Line stations.

Photo courtesy City of Richmond

Unique art work adorns Canada Line columns

By Richmond Sentinel

Published 11:47 PDT, Wed August 7, 2019

Last Updated: 2:13 PDT, Wed May 12, 2021

A unique six-month exhibition by three Richmond-based artists opened Tuesday at the Aberdeen and Lansdowne Canada Line stations.

A unique six-month exhibition by three Richmond-based artists opened Tuesday at the Aberdeen and Lansdowne Canada Line stations.

After exploring the question, “What are the stories we want to tell future generations?” Jeni Chen, Paige Gratland and Megan Yung created works that reference inclusion of the LGBTQ2S communities, cultural diversity and Richmond’s unique natural heritage.

Presented by the Richmond Public Art Program to showcase local visual artists and their artwork in outdoor public spaces, the series—in large, backlit display cases at the base of three concrete columns supporting the Canada Line guide-way—are part of the city’s commitment to enhance the No. 3 Road streetscape, in partnership with InTransit BC. This is the second of a two-part year-long exhibition; the first exhibition presented artwork by artists Nadia Mahamoor, Ming Yeung and Valerie D. Walker.

The public is invited to the Artist Salon talk at the Richmond Cultural Centre, Performance Hall (7700 Minoru Gate) on Thursday, Aug. 15 from 7 to 9 p.m., where all three artists will present their work. The discussion will be moderated by Jas Lally, a Richmond Art Gallery Association Board member. Admission is free with registration required. For further information on the event and to register, visit www.richmondartgallery.org/upcoming-events.

Graduating from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Science degree, Chen recently obtained a Fine Art certificate from Emily Carr University of Art + Design. Her wide range of work experience has served as inspiration for her art. Currently, she is writing and illustrating a picture book for children, and developing a new body of work in mixed media painting. She lives in Richmond with her husband and son.

Gratland is Richmond’s 2019 Branscombe House Artist-in-Residence. Her projects move playfully across media and include video, performance, sculpture and printmaking. Through her socially-engaged practice, she offers opportunities for interpersonal and intergenerational exchange. Paige, also an experimental filmmaker, studied film production at Ryerson University. Her No. 3 Road Art Column panels depict artifacts from the communal hand weaving activities that were done through her Setting the Table project.

Yung is an emerging artist and student based in Richmond. Through most of her childhood, she was enrolled in summer art classes at Arts Umbrella and was taught by local community artists. It was through these experiences that she learned the fundamentals of composition and colour. She has created artwork for the Richmond School Board, Richmond Public Library and a Richmond Street Banner, which is currently on display throughout the city.