August 4, 2006 Source: :
http://www.capebretonu.ca/capebretonu_main/newsrel/NewsDetail.asp?NewsID=214 CBU art selections part of special Kavanagh Room The Cape Breton University Art Gallery is pleased to partner with Sydney Ports Corporation Inc. to present selections from the Permanent Collection as part of a tribute evening for the late Steve Kavanagh. This is the first time selections from the gallery’s Permanent Collection will be placed in the community. On Monday, August 7 at the Sydney Marine Terminal, the Kavanagh Room will officially be named in honour of Steve Kavanagh for his invaluable contribution to the development of the port facility as chair of the corporation from its inception in April, 2002, to his untimely passing in April, 2006. The room, which is connected to the tourism exhibition centre, will host dignitaries at special events. The seven works on display in the Kavanagh Room were drawn from over 1,600 pieces currently maintained and utilized by the CBU Art Gallery, Cape Breton’s first public, full-time art gallery. "It is an honour to be a part of this dedication to Steve Kavanagh -- remembered fondly as an educator, motivator and source of strength for many people," says university President and Vice-Chancellor John Harker. "Sharing pieces of the university’s permanent art collection for this tribute brings a special part of our university to the community in Steve’s honour." Kavanagh was Dean of the School of Business at CBU for a number of years, and had a passion for teaching, his students and international student growth. His most recent position was Executive Assistant to the President. He was an Aide de Campe with the NS government at one point; a founding member of Sydney Airport Authority remaining actively involved to the end as Chair of the Audit Committee and was very active for years with the local militia and established the Cape Breton Highlanders Scholarship. "The idea to remember Steve with this type of tribute came about very naturally and was well-received throughout our organization," says Gary Corsano, Director, Sydney Ports Corporation who broached the idea of working together to President Harker. "It seems very fitting to bring Steve’s passions together – those of the Ports Authority and Cape Breton University – into one place for the community to enjoy together." Remarks from federal, provincial, and regional representatives will include the Honourable Myra Freeman, ONS, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, CBU President & Vice-Chancellor John Harker and members of the militia. This exhibition - curated by Suzanne A. Crowdis, Art Gallery Coordinator – features a selection of works from a specific period of eight years in the development and progression of abstract art. The centrality of texture and dimension is the most obvious unifier of these works. Each demonstrates a connection to the primal concern of energy - be it elemental or psychological - which is then communicated with explosive colour and shifting planes of visual dimension. Crowdis notes people are dependant on water and the elements for our vitality. In the ports facility, the force of the ocean in particular and the energy it brings forth in the human mind-body is palpable. These pieces communicate a respect and understanding of such symbiotic, energetic relationships and present opportunities for foster further energetic development and interconnectedness if one takes the time to really look and feel the works. The evening will include a special plaque unveiling and another distinctive dedication - The Steve Kavanagh Marine Stage which is the permanent structure on the waterfront for musical and outdoor events. About The CBU Art Gallery:
The Cape Breton University Art Gallery’s mandate is to act as a major cultural resource within the educational and research context of the university as well as the wider community. The Art Gallery works to broaden and enhance knowledge and understanding of contemporary and historical accomplishments in visual arts, in particular Canadian and Atlantic art. The Art Gallery organizes and presents an average of ten exhibitions per year of permanent collection and regional art, leads tours, hosts artist and curator talks, and is engaged in many exciting new educational initiatives. It remains the only art gallery on the Island with a permanent collection and a dedicated research area, the reading room. -30- For more information:
Paula MacNeil
Manager of Fundraising
Cape Breton University
Tel: (902) 563-1848
E-mail: paula_macneil@cbu.ca Derrick Hayes
Treasurer, Sydney Ports Corporation
Cell: (902) 567-5663
Tel: (902) 842-1103
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