Thursday, August 24, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Forest City Gallery Director Accepts New Position
Forest City Gallery Director, Jenna Faye Powell, accepts new position with Division Gallery/Arsenal Contemporary Art in Toronto
LONDON, ON, August 17, 2017 – Sarnia native and London transplant, Jenna Faye Powell, will be leaving her role as Gallery Director with Forest City Gallery (FCG) to accept a new position with Division Gallery/Arsenal Contemporary Art in Toronto.
The move is a good one for Powell, who has spent the last five years acting as a champion for London’s art community as a whole, and FCG in particular.
Throughout the past five years, Powell has worked tirelessly to ensure the stability and growth of FCG, one of Canada’s first artist-run centres. Initially involved with the Gallery as an intern while completing her undergrad at Western University, Powell was hired as Gallery Director in 2012 after completing her MFA at NSCAD University. Powell’s inherent understanding of the necessity of artist-run culture is informed by her own burgeoning practice. One of 15 shortlisted finalists with the 2012 RBC Canadian Painting Competition, Powell exhibits regionally and nationally, and has recently completed a residency at the Vermont Studio Centre. Powell is attuned to the challenges and rewards of pursuing a career in the visual arts, and has spent the last five years collaborating with diverse communities of artists locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. Her heartfelt efforts have ensured the continued success of FCG.
During Powell’s five years as Director, FCG has seen a period of reinvigorated momentum amongst its community members and supporters. This expansion can be attributed to the passion and care Powell has devoted to programming exhibitions and events that are timely and relevant, as well as her ongoing commitment to London’s art communities and FCG’s Membership. Bringing the Gallery back to its earlier roots, Powell re-introduced music events to FCG’s fundraising roster, opening doors for both emerging and established musicians while creating a safe space for experimentation. Powell has spearheaded many projects while working with FCG’s Board, including the realization of FCG’s publication series Digest, the construction of the neighbourhood Pocket Park, the long-terms plans for FCG Upstairs/arts residency, as well as various structural and security improvements to the gallery’s facility.
Powell has humbly worn many hats throughout her time as Director. Powell is an invaluable and integral part of FCG, and will be dearly missed by those involved with the Gallery and the London arts community at large. As a force to be reckoned with, Powell will undoubtedly find success in her new role with Division/Arsenal and we could not be more proud of her and excited to see what her future holds.
Concurrent to this press release, FCG is announcing a Call for Applications for the Gallery Director position. In the interim, past Board Member Liza Eurich will assume the temporary position of Interim Director for the month of September. Eurich (MFA Western) is a practicing artist and has been a valued for Board Member for the last 5 years. Thank you to Eurich for bolstering FCG, and ensuring the stability of the gallery’s programming during this transitional phase. Powell will continue to work with Eurich, and Christina Battle for the implementation of What is Left? What is Right? exhibition and events.
For more information visit forestcitygallery.com.
Image: Jenna Powell presents at Christine Negus' 'Adults Read Their Childhood Writing', 2016.
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About the Organization: Forest City Gallery is London’s artist-run centre. Encompassing a diverse community of artists, FCG emphasizes creative interplay and the fostering of relationships between artists at all stages of their careers, with a particular emphasis on supporting emergent practices. Founded on the principles of artistic autonomy and a celebration of its regional context, FCG is committed to extending the discourse between established and experimental art forms. FCG advances relevant contemporary practices in visual/media arts, performance, literature and music amongst local, regional, national and international arts communities.
For more information:
Ruth Skinner
Forest City Gallery, Board President
board@forestcitygallery.com
Liza Eurich
Forest City Gallery, Interim Director
director@forestcitygallery.com
Jenna Faye Powell Forest City Gallery, Out-Going Gallery Director info@forestcitygallery.com