WEYBURN – The innovative Get Out Gallery is back, transforming Weyburn’s River Park into an open-air art space. Now in its second year, the pop-up exhibition brings curated artwork into the heart of the community.
The brainchild of Regan Lanning, Curator and Arts Coordinator for the City of Weyburn, the Get Out Gallery is a summer-only initiative designed to break down barriers between art and everyday life.
“Our summers here are so short, so I thought it was a great way to get the art out of the gallery and into the parks full of people enjoying the beautiful summer weather,” said Lanning.
The project took years to launch due to fabrication costs, but support poured in from organizations like Â鶹´«Ã½AVeast District for Sport, Culture and Recreation, Prairie Sky Co-Op, Weyburn Oilwomen, Young Fellows Wives, and Art Farm.
“There was also a donation made by a couple local artists who wish to remain anonymous,” she added.
Lanning credits inspiration to Amber Anderson, former curator of the Estevan Art Gallery, who pioneered similar outdoor displays.
It differs from the art in the gallery because it's only three pieces instead of the usual 15-30 pieces required for a gallery exhibition.
“I love our gallery, and I find it to be such a safe and welcoming place, but I also recognize that the Gallery can be intimidating to folks who don't come regularly. This exhibition goes to the people, instead of the people coming to us. Its relaxed, and completely accessible.”
Public art is a great “gateway” gallery experience, said Lanning.
“No pressure on the viewer, no special trip to the gallery required. Plus, public art is great for the health of a community. It creates a sense of ownership amongst community members and increases civic pride.
The Get Out Gallery is part of Lanning’s broader push to bring art out of the gallery.
“COVID changed the way I saw art presentation, because we lost access to our gallery for months,” she said. “I had to pivot, and find other ways of getting the art to the people. The Get Out Gallery is one aspect of this shift, the other being the mural project in Jubilee Park.”
Visitors can explore the exhibits at their own pace along River Park’s pathways.
“I am working on a public art walking tour, which will be accessible via the City of Weyburn Website, but that won't be ready until next summer,” said Lanning.
Last year the three works were by three different artists, Rickee Lee, Brad Istace and Max Himsl. This year, River Park hosts three pieces by Saskatchewan artisit Lorena Squires, all displayed in durable, weather-resistant metal cases funded by local sponsors.
“We've received a lot of support for the community,” said Lanning. “Lots of positive feedback about this and the mural program.”
Lanning encourages locals to snap photos with the art, share them on social media, and tag the Weyburn Art Gallery/Weyburn Arts Council.
“We sure love to see Weyburnites and visitors enjoying what we offer,” said Lanning.
