TREX (the Alberta Foundation for the Arts’ Travelling Exhibition Program) has arrived at Boyle Street Plaza and the walls have come alive with art. Two exhibitions will be visiting the “big yellow building,” home of the Boyle Street Community League, YMCA, and Quarters Arts in early 2016.

Founded in 1980, the TREX program strives to make the AFA’s extensive collection of visual art available to the public. For a variety of reasons, ranging from location to cost barriers, many residents of our province are unable to access art galleries – and that is where TREX comes in. Coordinated by four regional organizations, with the Art Gallery of Alberta responsible for northeast and north central Alberta, this ambitious program brings nearly 100 exhibitions to over 107 communities, with over 300,000 visitors each year, often in unusual spaces such as malls or schools.

Two of these exhibitions have now come to Boyle Street. The first TREX to hit the Plaza was “Echo Chamber” (January 22 to February 24). Upon entering the building, there was no denying the impact “Echo Chamber” had on this formerly-institutional space. Featuring works by Brenda Kim Christiansen, Patrick Higgins, and Paddy Lamb, colour was everywhere. Christiansen’s vivid paintings of animals in urban spaces brought to mind the wildlife that has been forced to adapt, while Higgins’ fractured images of memory and loss felt particularly timely in such a rapidly-changing neighbourhood.

“Dreaming with my Great Mother, Dirinene, Nikâwînaw Askiy” (March 3 to 31) will explore themes of dreams, animals, and landscapes as told by Indigenous women. Showcasing art by Heather Shillinglaw, Camille Louis, and Carla Rae Taylor, each woman’s art will tell a different story of culture, relationships, and meaning.

With the AGA right around the corner, one might assume that Boyle Street residents have no trouble accessing visual art. However, many locals have spoken about feeling unwelcome in our central business district. TREX will undoubtedly make visual art more accessible to many who may not feel as comfortable crossing 97 Street. Bringing in themes of cultural heritage, memory, urbanized spaces, and change makes this even more appropriate for our community.

Boyle Street Plaza is located at 9538-103A Avenue and is open to the public during regular business hours. For more information, call the reception desk at (780) 426-9265.

For more information on TREX, including an interactive map of TREX exhibitions across the province, visit: http://www.affta.ab.ca/Art-Collection/TREX-Program.