A Full Circle - Acceptance & Relaunch
- Jordan L Miller
- Jul 23
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 12
As a university student on summer break in May 1999, I was employed at a gardening nursery centre working in a greenhouse. I discovered an art gallery job advertisement for Wasagaming Community Arts instructing their children's program. I applied. I met a woman named Mary Louise Perkins from Brandon. We conducted a job interview at a gas station diner in Portage la Prairie. I didn't drive back then. My mom drove me. I didn't have a cabin. I knew it was what I wanted to do. I knew I'd figure it out. A few days after I arrived, I convinced all of my co-workers that we should live together in a cabin for the rest of the summer to save money, as it would be significantly cheaper. We stayed in Johnson's Cabin immediately behind the art centre. There were four of us. Their names were Jamie (curator), Cassandra (administrator), and Cari (dancer).
When I knew I was going to leave my gallery business after 18 years at Cre8ery, 23 years in total, I knew I had to line up shows and opportunities for myself.
During my recovery from surgery in December 2024, I came across a call for submissions for artists with ties to Wasagaming Community Arts, much like unexpectedly finding a job advertisement. I was thrilled because I adore Riding Mountain National Park. With limited ability to do anything but rest, my partner assisted by bringing my artwork upstairs. Over several days, I photographed my pieces and prepared a statement and bio. I completed the application using the work from my show that I had finished that month. In January, I received an email that I had been accepted into the 55th anniversary show from August 15 to September 18 with five other artists: Kathleen Baleja, Karen Clark, Jordan Miller, Brooke Piche, Robin Rice, and Karen Holden. I was so excited.
In the application, I noted that these pieces were intended for an exhibition, though they might sell. I was able to create more works similarly.
The art poured out of me, as it had been months since I was physically able to produce art as an artist. It was exciting and refreshing to no longer be on a tight timeline. It's been an adjustment. You can visit my shop page on the website and purchase those pieces directly. The works in the exhibition (and in Brandon) are not on my website..
I see this exhibition as a soft launch of my next chapter as an artist and a continuation of my exhibition "Beyond the Green".
It feels like a full circle as Wasagaming was my very first job in the arts with an actual pay stub! It was the catalyst for my career as my first step into thinking I could become a gallery owner. That job gave me the confidence that I could do something with my fine arts degree.
I will be in attendance at the opening reception on August 16th, 7 pm to approximately 8:30 pm. Speeches are at 7:30 pm. The exhibition runs from August 15 through to October 6th.
At the exhibition, you can find 10 original landscape-like paintings, 5 designs of printed art cards, and original art painted cards.
You can also find more of my art in other places. Be sure to check out my exhibition page.
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