Hot Mess: A Residency in Motherhood The exhibition Hot Mess: A Residency in Motherhood by local Artist Erin Boake will be on display at the Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery (MAG) July 20^thto September 29^th, 2019.  In her exhibit Hot Mess, Boake explores and embraces the chaotic, cluttered and cyclical nature of motherhood. Boake’s self directed Residency in Motherhood, is an ongoing and evolving experiment in seeing and embracing the beautiful side of the clutter, and the raw, sticky, messy side of parenting.  This project is for the invaluable, behind the scenes, household heroes we call Mom. “It has been thrilling to watch Erin Boake mature as an artist,” says Lorna Johnson, Executive Director. “She has mastered her drawing and painting skills and she continues to challenge herself with creative new projects. Hot Mess shows that even the most mundane of household tasks can be fuel for a creative mind and a source of beauty. We are very pleased to present Erin’s work at the MAG.” Erin Boake was born and raised in Red Deer, where she completed her first two years of visual arts at Red Deer College, before transferring to Alberta College of Art & Design. She graduated with a degree in Painting in 2003. Erin spent many years traveling and living in various communities around Canada and abroad. Between 2008 and 2013, Erin had the opportunity to live and work in Iqaluit, Nunavut, teaching drawing and design at the Nunavut Arctic College.  Erin has been teaching art for 17 years, and in the last year, has taken over the role of owner and operator of Artribute Art School, alongside her own studio practice.  Erin currently lives in Red Deer with her husband and two small girls, and spends her time doing laundry when she’s not painting it.  

The rain has made everything so beautiful and green.  It has been a little cool but this is the type of weather that can make for some great outdoor adventuring and family time!  We have some amazing events coming up at both of our sites. Join us this weekend at the Kerry Wood Nature Centre for our Trash to Treasure program that runs from 10:00a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Join us at our Fort Normandeau site for Fort Normandeau Days, our biggest party of the season as we celebrate life at the crossing, circa 1885.  There will be battle demonstrations, performers, vendors and activities for the whole family!  Fort Normandeau Days is happening Both Saturday and Sunday, August 24 & 25 from noon until 5:00p.m. each day. Tanya Wells Public Programmer & Special Events Coordinator Kerry Wood Nature Centre & Historic Fort Normandeau