Portraits of Place

Curated by Maysa Miller-Saohin

Location: Satellite Gallery, Northeast corner of Allard Hall Main Atrium, Second Floor

Opening Saturday, March 22 from 12 – 5 p.m., in conjunction with ArtBus 2025

You’re invited to the opening reception of Portraits of Place — a solo exhibition by Wendy Gervais. The exhibit explores the loss of original houses in Garneau, reflecting on their role as landmarks of memory when shaping a community’s identity. 

Located on River Lot 7, Garneau is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Edmonton. Importantly, the community has upheld many of the original houses, dating back to Garneau’s inception in 1874. The houses, together – row by row – create the foundations of the community, each with their own style and character that provides a glimpse into the many generations of Edmontonians who have inhabited the space. 

As Edmonton continues to grow, neighbourhoods are bound to change, and Garneau is no exception. One by one, the original houses of the area have become threatened or knocked down by the looming urbanization of the developing city. Portraits of Place is a reaction to this loss, reflecting on how houses are landmarks of memory in the fabric of a community’s identity. 

The artworks in Portraits of Place are created by Edmonton-based artist Wendy Gervais. Through charcoal and coloured chalk, Wendy explores the nuanced characteristics of houses in Garneau, bringing attentive detail to the life and history they store with each mark while also expressing the loss that continues to shape the community’s future.

The MAG Satellite Gallery is a pilot that provides MacEwan students space and mentorship to develop their curatorial practice and gain experience in exhibition-making through planning, researching, and producing their own exhibition projects with the support of Faculty of Fine Arts and Communications faculty and the MAG.

Accessibility information: The Satellite Gallery is located on the second floor of MacEwan University’s Allard Hall, which is accessible by elevator. There is paid parking underground and a gravel lot behind Allard Hall with ramped sidewalks. There are no stairs to enter into Allard Hall from ground level. The Satellite gallery is in an open space and seating nearby for those who might need a rest.