Two new temporary exhibitions will open at Touchstones Nelson Museum of Art and History this Friday night. Happening in conjunction with the city-wide Blue Night event, you can expect an evening full of culture and entertainment.
This year is the 60th anniversary of Touchstones Nelson, which began in 1955 as the Nelson Museum Association. Curator Rod Taylor’s exhibition 60 Years/60 Objects: A Diamond Anniversary Exhibition will share 60 notable or unusual objects from the archives and collections that help tell the story of our community. Did you know that in 1949 all bikes in Nelson required a license? Or that the first taxi service of horse drawn carriages was located across from what is now Oso Negro? From a pickle jar to an antique wooden rowing skull, this will be a diverse and rollicking exhibition that has something for everyone. Visitors are invited to add their own stories to the exhibition, and can make an appointment to have their photos or objects documented and added to the display.
Gallery B will feature Nelson artist Katherine Hofmann’s exhibition Domiciled. Hoffmann’s collection of raw, ambiguous sculptural forms surprise, delight and confound. Her work is process-driven, and she celebrates the mistakes made along the way. Finger marks, cracks and patches are part of the finished pieces. Many have rounded shapes and fleshy tones are reminiscent of the human body, while other pieces reflect plant forms and architecture.
Everyone is welcome to the opening receptions for free. Make sure you stop in as part of your Blue Night circuit.