Tethers by Edmonton Artists Yvonne DuBourdieu and Margaret Witschl

The Art Gallery of St. Albert (part of the Arts and Heritage Foundation) is preparing for the launch of its newest exhibition that gives a voice and order to the chaos of life. Tethers opens to the public on February 2 nd at 5 pm, in the Gallery’s main beautiful exhibition space inside St. Albert’s historic downtown Banque d’Hochelaga building.
Tethers by Edmonton artists Yvonne DuBourdieu and Margaret Witschl drifts and grounds, swaying on the shifting winds of hope and uncertainty. For both artists, painting is a haven – their safe harbour to examine and process their emotions and experiences.
Dreamy and soft, Yvonne DuBourdieu’s paintings show feminine figures suspended in otherworldly pastel landscapes. Tucked among floating shapes and drips of paint are plants and places, small hints to the artist’s past. Throughout, there is an undercurrent of searching – for a sense of place and a feeling of wholeness. DuBourdieu’s work exists in a space that is both beautiful and uncertain, maintained in the delicate balance between floating and falling.
Margaret Witschl uses her acrylic painting practice like a diary. Each canvas is a visual place to park her anxieties. Filled with seemingly unrelated objects, each piece has an underlying grid, granting a sense of order and comfort in the face of an unpredictable world. Witschl keeps her mind well while she paints by giving her fears a physical place to be.
“Yvonne and Margaret’s work is a place to rest and relax for everyone. Tethers craves out a space to help visitors cope with any emotional struggles that they may be facing,” says Art Gallery of St. Albert’s Curator, Emily Baker. “We are thrilled to bring Tethers to the community, to offer this beautiful retreat in dream-like spaces.”
Tethers showcases both artists’ capacity to adapt to changing circumstances, while gently recognizing its limits. In this space of vulnerability and care, they hope to nurture the soul.

Visitors can experience Tethers until March 11.

Artist Talk and reception is scheduled for February 25, from 1:30-3:30 pm
In-person tour with curator is scheduled for February 15 at 12 pm
Virtual tour with curator is scheduled for February 22 at 12 pm
Registrations can be made via the gallery’s exhibition web page.