Rebecca Chunn gave an informative presentation on her work and on the field of Environmental Art to a small and inspired group. Rebecca graduated Emily Carr University of Art and Design in 1997. She presented images of an ephemeral installation she had created for an Eco Workshop that was held this past spring at Crab Park at Portside in the Downtown Eastside and images of her past exhibition at Gallery Gachet. In speaking about her work Rebecca conveyed the idea of non-permanence as a part of the field of Environmental Art. As the environment shifts and changes in its natural state or under the influence of humans, so too may Environmental Art installations. Participants felt a sense of sadness and loss when the frog mandala that we had all created together was dismantled at the end of the Salon, reflecting the sadness for the loss of species and habitat in the natural environment. It was a powerful sensation and the conclusion of the evening had an almost ritualistic feel with participants sharing stories and poems. This was a very special experience.
The Community Arts Council of Vancouver would like to express our gratitude to our partner, Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre, and to the British Columbia Arts Council, the Province of British Columbia, the City of Vancouver, the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation and Arts BC for the funding support that made this special evening possible.