Gallery Vertigo is about to mix up a few elements with its upcoming exhibitions.
The gallery is presenting the metal sculptural work of Vernon artist Chris Rogers as well as the abstract acrylic paintings of Vancouver artist Koralee and photographs by Vernon’s Wayne Emde.
Rogers was recently featured in Gallery Vertigo’s Earth Week: Renewal Exhibition at the Village Green Centre.
The self-proclaimed “wrecklamation” artist makes characters out of found metal objects.
Born in West Vancouver in the 1950s, Rogers moved to Vernon in 1999 and presently lives in Coldstream. His artistic interest began in 2000 at the family cottage in Michigan.
Inspired by the beauty of the 100-foot pines and the thick forest floors, Rogers started foraging for hours collecting wood pieces and rusty objects. In his workshop, he would conjure up little critters and birds.
He soon became known as the “Critter Maker of Pinewoods.”
With his warped sense of humour, Rogers’ pieces are named with tongue-in-cheek puns that add to the fun of his art. Now his focus has changed to metal sculptures made with reclaimed/recycled materials found locally and throughout North America.
The creative journey starts with his never ending search for materials at garage sales, thrift shops, antique stores and the great outdoors.
Koralee began painting in 2013. Completely self-taught, she layers, pushes and scrapes acrylic paint on a canvas of wood or paper.
“My art is born from emotional experience. I use the means of creation to process grief and loss, confusion and conflict,” she said.
On Vertigo’s members wall is Hashima: Japan’s Battleship Island, an exploration of industrial ruins by local photographer Emde.
A singer-songwriter, Koralee will be selling her CDs at the exhibition opening night reception, Tuesday from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Exhibitions run from May 31 to June 25. Gallery hours are noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. More information is available at facebook.com/galleryvertigo.