Local photographer's work to appear in international exhibition

YORKTON – Local photographic artist, Shannon Erickson, will have two of her photos on display at InFocus.

"InFocus Photo is an International Photo Exhibition that is celebrating it's 10th Anniversary this year. It showcases photographic work from artists around the world and it takes place in the Edmonton area," Erickson told Yorkton This Week through an e-mail correspondence.

"Two of the photos I have submitted were selected to be part of an exhibition being held at the Calder Gallery at the Calder Branch with the Edmonton Public Library. The exhibition is called 'Flourishing Forms: The Mysterious Personality of Plants.' This group exhibition will take place Feb. 2 to 29, 2024, and is free admission," added Erickson.

Erickson said it is an honour to have her photos displayed at InFocus as it is the first curated event where her photos have been selected for exhibition and noted her submission is part of a People's Choice award consideration.

"People can vote every day. It is exciting to see that my photo is in the running. It is encouraging to not only get recognition at an international photography event, but also have so many people voting for my art," said Erickson.

Erickson said that the support of the community along with local and community arts organization's have helped to keep her motivated when it comes to her art.

"I have been so thankful for the arts community in Yorkton and Sask. and the ways I have been encouraged to pursue my photography. I do work full-time, and I wish I could spend more time working on my photography, however I find it to be that much more important to use the time well when I do work on it," said Erickson, adding, "I like to keep an eye on open calls for artwork. Yorkton Arts Council, SaskCulture, SK Arts, and CARFAC SK are organizations that have been so valuable in finding opportunities."

In Jan and Feb of 2023, Erickson was part of an artist-lead residency at the Godfrey Dean Art Gallery.  It was during that time where she would take the photos to be featured at InFocus.

"The Artist Led Residency 'GROW' that I participated in at the GDAG with the support of SK Arts was such a wonderful catalyst for my work. The images selected as part of InFocus Photo came from that residency," said Erickson.

To add to that, one of Erickon's photos from the residency will also be used by the City of Regina in an effort to decorate the city's service boxes.

"I also have had one of my photos selected by the City of Regina as part of an initiative to bring artistic work to parks and green spaces by covering water service boxes in vinyl art wraps. I expect to see one of my images rolling out in the coming years," said Erickson, later adding, "I expect I will continue to find ways to share the stories and images from that residency in various ways."

Erickson said her family has been supportive of her artistic endeavours and have inspired her in more ways than one.

"I am also very thankful for my supportive family. In fact, it's a wonderful bonding experience as my kids often like to get involved. I love seeing their creativity being inspired, and seeing their artistic eye develop. In fact, during my residency my kids inspired a series of photos that will be showcased this summer in partnership with the Yorkton Arts Council's Community pArtner's gallery. Stay tuned for more details on that," said Erickson.

Those wishing to vote for Erickson's photograph in the 2024 InFocus People's Choice Award can do so on InFocus's website.