When the Chapel Gallery might be fully re-opened was one of the topics before North Battleford council on Monday night.
City Manager Randy Patrick told council July 1 was always the target date for the Chapel Gallery reopening, but he said that if he鈥檇 been asked a week ago he would have responded 鈥渓ikely it would have been to September. But we鈥檙e not sure what the new rules are and I think that would be part of the conversation.鈥�
The facility has been closed to the public since March 2020 during the pandemic, with the space recently being used to host City Council meetings.
The intention is to re-open the gallery to exhibitions again later this year. Money has been set aside in the budget for a re-opening in July, but there is still uncertainty about whether they can reopen then or have to wait a couple of months. Public health measures might still be in place that would prevent a move back to council chambers, where there is not enough space for social distancing.
If council meetings have to stay put at Chapel Gallery for a little longer, it will constrain the space within the gallery for potential exhibitions.
鈥淭he issue is how much space will be available in July,鈥� said Director of Parks and Recreation Cheryl DeNeire. 鈥淚t may be all or some depending upon the public health restrictions.鈥�
Council meetings moved to Chapel Gallery in November following the municipal election, mainly because the venue provides the space needed to keep everyone socially distanced and safe.
That was important, noted Patrick. He said there was one incident in which 鈥渟omeone in this council chamber had COVID-19 and everyone was safe.鈥�
More information is to come back to council once the deadline gets closer.
There are plans for the Chapel Gallery to host a number of exhibitions in 2021 once it does open to the public. According to a memo from Director of Galleries Leah Garven, the plans include featuring work from the Hazee Youth Art Competition, a Gallery Members exhibition and an exhibition by local professional artists called Confluent Dreams featuring works from Holly Hildebrand, Sherron Burns, Oriol Dancer, and Birgit Lessing. An exhibition by Charley Farrero is also planned.
鈥淭he programming鈥檚 in place, but it really rests on how soon the restrictions are lifted,鈥� said DeNeire.
The other thing administration is looking to do over the next year is add a mobile display system that can enhance display options for exhibits at the Chapel Gallery.
