Durch Mein Fenster – Susie Thursby
Durch Mein Fenster – Susie Thursby
” Become a beginner at something” – Chip Cooley – Author
That’s just what I did, not quite 7 years ago. Never was very sure of the outcome. I’ve spent my entire life to date in the role of a people-pleaser. I wanted my art to please, but instead, learned a lesson quickly. I’m the only one that needs to be pleased, as I am the creator. Public perception belongs to each and every viewer, as an individual free thinker.
Never a painter that pre-plans each new piece. Instead, I go to my paint kit, select the colours that speak to me in the moment, and wait for the evolution. My pieces are expressions of myself and my inner emotions, constantly introducing and adding new techniques and mediums. With the privilege of being able to show my work in a public setting, I invite the visitors to my show to let my work speak to their individual thoughts and emotions. Welcome to “THROUGH MY WINDOW”.
Susie Thursby is a self-taught Artist, and started her path to creative sharing 7 years ago through painting. Creativity being her main focus, she explores a wide variety of visual themes and mediums. Art for Susie acts as a form of peace & self-exploration, and provides a feeling of accomplishment by bringing in creative energy. With acrylics being the primary medium, Susie loves to experiment with texture along with other mediums. Her choices most recently have included ink markers, modeling paste, and both oil and chalk pastels.
She holds steadfast to her interest in the upcycle movement, hence very seldom purchases a new canvas. Framing her own pieces is done in the same manner, through thrift stores and online purchases. Susie has participated in a few gallery presentations, including a solo show in the Strathmore library gallery, and a recent pop-up show in SE Calgary. Susie has also been a presenter at Casa in 2023, and participated in the exhibition “Making it Big” which included pieces by 50 local artists. Working toward this next phase in her career, Susie is excited to be welcomed again within the halls of Casa.
Date:June 15th, 2024 – August 24th, 2024
Location:Casa – Concourse Gallery
Organizer
The Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge (AAC) was established on March 20, 1958 with the intent of encouraging, coordinating, and promoting the arts in Lethbridge and area. The AAC continues this mission to this day.
The original 16 Allied Members of the AAC were the: Alberta Association of Architects, Alberta Teacher’s Association, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Black & White Photography Club, Classical Record Club, Colour Camera Club, Lethbridge Ballet Auxiliary, Lethbridge Handicraft Guild, Lethbridge Jazz Society, Lethbridge Philosophical Society, Lethbridge Public Library Board, Lethbridge Registered Music Teachers Association, Lethbridge Women’s Music Club, Playgoers of Lethbridge, Quota Club, and University Women’s Club.
In 1964, the City of Lethbridge tasked the AAC with the management of the Bowman Arts Centre. AAC staff provided support to local arts organizations, created multi-disciplinary arts education programming, coordinated the gallery program, and provided a central hub for the arts community.
Throughout the years, the AAC has provided input and advocacy on arts issues including civic arts and culture facilities, the formation of the Southern Alberta Art Gallery, the City of Lethbridge Public Art Policy, the City of Lethbridge Municipal Development Plan, and the City of Lethbridge Recreation and Culture Plan. The organization also programs community events like Arts Days and the Mayor’s Luncheon for Business and the Arts.
In 2009 the administrative staff moved out of the Bowman and into the current administrative offices on 7th Street in downtown Lethbridge. In 2013, the programming staff moved out of the Bowman and into the newly built Casa community arts centre. This purpose-built facility was part of the AAC’s Arts Re: Building Together Campaign, which included advocacy for the renovation of the Southern Alberta Art Gallery facility and a new performing arts centre.
The Allied Arts Council continues to work to advance and enhance the arts at all levels of government and brings support to Lethbridge’s incredibly vibrant arts community.
Casa opened in May of 2013 and has embraced core concepts of experimentation, incubation, learning, and growing. Serving a multi-generational community, with varying art skill sets and interests in all disciplines of the arts, Casa is a busy space. The building far surpasses the original vision for expansion and sets a new standard for interdisciplinary arts centres.
Designing the building was a comprehensive and collaborative process led by Pendergast Nyhoff Collaborative Architecture (PNCA) working in conjunction with the local architectural firm of Ferrari Westwood Babits. The architectural team visited numerous arts education institutions and also met with members of the local arts community to define requirements for a truly functional 42,000 square foot art centre. The resulting building design is truly impressive. Funding for the project were provided by the Federal Build Canada Fund ($6,000,000.), the Provincial MSI Fund ($14,900,000.), and the City of Lethbridge ($200,000).
The Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge manages Casa on behalf of the City of Lethbridge. Learn more about visitor numbers, events and programs in the previous year by reading the Allied Arts Council’s Annual Report.
