It's highly likely that art isn't the first thing you think of when discussing the Strathmore Motor Products Sports Centre, but it's about to get considerably more artsy next week with the "Never Ending Poetry" exhibit coming to town!

The exhibit features abstract art from six Alberta artists who engage abstraction as a form of coded language. From November 10 to December 7, you'll have the chance to reflect on this art while you're going for a jog! If you don't want to exercise, you can also just show up to see the art, although you'll still have to pay the $2.25 fee to use the track.

artKatie Ohe: My Sore Crow Silkscreen, 1998

Associate Principal at George Freeman School Jill McDonald is looking forward to adding some culture to a sports centre.

"It's a facility that's all about some physical activity, but it's nice to bring in some art as well and display it throughout our community. It's nice to have another reason to go for a walk," she said. 

A press release for "Never Ending Poetry" explains the work can be approached in a similar way to a book of poems. However, instead of words, this exhibit uses visual cues like colours, textures, compositions, and materials with embedded meanings. The materials have a wide variety, ranging from delicate bead work to industrial steel.

The main connection to poetry comes through what the release calls a "poetic charge," which is when one learns to decode the meaning behind a poem, or find deeper meaning in something that may seem obvious. The exhibit hopes to deliver a similar experience for people working through the meaning of abstract art.

"Through patient encounters with these artworks, it is my hope that audiences will walk away more comfortable with the unknown and more joyous in the felt after-effects of a poetic charge," the release says.

artKim McCollum, Overshot III

While the art can be appreciated by everyone, McDonald is particularly excited to have the students at George Freeman school enjoy the exhibit.

"For us specifically being connected to the school, exposing students to an appreciation for art, which is something that they can continue to grow and enjoy throughout their lives, is important. Also, to see that people do that as part of their life, they make art and they may even make a living at it, that kind of exposure to professional art is exciting for us to have in the school," she said.

The catalog that comes with the exhibit also has 5 different workshops you can do on your own to create your own abstract art! McDonald said George Freeman School students will be creating their own art, which will be in the sports centre after the exhibit is over. McDonald noted it's possible other venues could offer these workshops for anyone else that is interested, but she can't confirm that as she only speaks for her own school.

This is the second time the sports centre brought in art, and we can expect a third exhibit on the way in April.

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artSvea Ferguson: See you Through, 2019