Two new exhibits opening at CASA tonight feature clay and queeriosities.
“Transmissions features new works by Southern Alberta artists Jamie Hume, Giselle Peters and Mark Porcina.
“ The three artists all have put their unique interpretations using the medium of clay,” described curator Darcy Logan. There are 20pieces in the exhibit which runs June 27-Sept. 10.
“ 
They are exploring their personal history as well as the mythological world,” he continued.
Artist Jamie Hume explored her family history through her pieces.
“I’ve been exploring my family history,“ she said, noting finding an old photograph of her grandmother, Jessie Martin Hume.
Hume is a first and second generation Canadian as her mother was born in England
and her dad’s mom and dad were both born in Scotland but met and married in Canada.
“ I love history and I never got to talk a lot with my grandmother before she passed on. Her family claimed to be Pictish descendents. They had darker skin and darker hair. they weren’t the stereotypical red haired, fair haired Scottish,” she continued.
She created a clay sculpture of her grandmother, but while exploring the history of Pictish mythology, was inspired to create a couple of larger, more fantastical sculpture.
“ They’re a little more mysterious,” she said.
The second exhibit is Cabinet of Queeriosities III, which has expanded from old cabinets at the old Bowman Arts Centre to an entire room.
“ There are a variety of works. which examine LGBT issues,” said Logan, who also has work in the exhibit under is nomme de plumme Frater Tham.
“The artists are parents of gay people, friends of gay people or who are gay themselves,” he said.
“CASA has a responsibility to stand in solidarity with marginalized groups who face prejudice, he said.
His works feature his face imposed upon people dressed up as girls which play on the stigma put upon men who dress up as women.
“ They’re faux vintage photographs of my face on bodies of girls. My face is on the bodies of little children. Some of them are quite humourous, but when you read the titles they take a more serious tone. They make you uncomfortable,” he said.
“ Sometimes humour is the best way to open up a dialogue,” he continued.
The works are in a variety of styles and utilize a variety of mediums.
Both exhibits run June 27- Sept. 10.
The opening reception is 7 -9 p.m., June 27.
