Artist’s Euro journey inspires “A Search For Voice” exhibit

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. —  Peace Gallery North’s artist-in-residence for the month of August sees her exhibit as sort of a homecoming.

Holly Kirkpatrick Ulrich, a longtime resident of the North Peace, says the showcase, “A Search For Voice,” came from her experiences living in Europe, most notably Switzerland.

From 2007 to 2011, Kirkpatrick Ulrich worked at Peace Gallery North as a gallery assistant and summer program instructor.

“I did it for a few years,”  said Kirkpatrick Ulrich. “I’ve had my handmade jewelry for sale.  It’s exciting because now I get to have a show.”

Kirkpatrick Ulrich’s exhibit will feature 18 x 22-floor mats, as well as watercolour and landscape paintings.

Metalwork will also be featured.

“I was really inspired by the landscape in Switzerland,” said Kirkpatrick Ulrich.  “The floor mats were easy to bring back to display, compared to a big canvas.”

“I would take these walks with my easel and set it up and paint what I saw before me. I’d see these beautiful lakes and sailboats around.”

“The language barrier created a space.  Since I couldn’t really speak to people, it took away the distraction.”

 Each of the 51 items in the exhibit will be up for silent auction throughout the show, with proceeds going toward the Fort St. John Salvation Army’s food bank.

Kirkpatrick Ulrich hopes the incentive to give back to the community and promote her work is a plus in coming to the show.

The exhibit, which will run from August 2nd to 29th, will feature a wrap-up party instead of an opening night, as is the case with shows at Peace Gallery North.

Kirkpatrick Ulrich will be in southern France, vacationing with her family and devoting more time to her artistic commitments.

“It’s very difficult to make money as an artist,” said Kirkpatrick Ulrich. “You have to do it because you love it.  It’s why I continue.”

“A Search for Voice” begins on August 2nd and runs through the 29th at Peace Gallery North in Fort St. John.

The closing reception takes place on the 29th of August from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Visit Peace Gallery North’s Facebook page for more details about the exhibit and the gallery.