Guitars – The Sophomore Album – an Evening of Art and Activism

Join artist Wendy Friesen for a talk and tour of her Guitars – The Sophomore Album in the Brandon University Library Curve Gallery. This sequel exhibit continues to explore themes of music, community, inclusivity, celebration, healing, and Pride through pop art sculpture. Building upon on her 2024 works, this new series continues to showcase detailed, hand-constructed miniature guitars, both replicas and original conceptions, crafted from recycled materials. Friesen’s visual work evokes a euphoric rock and roll frenzy, formative to identities of so many!

Friesen will also speak to her recent activism work, including a parliamentary petition to ensure greater protections of 2SLGBTQIA+ rights in Canada, including a challenge to Section 33 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the “notwithstanding clause”) in allowing provincial legislatures to override human rights.

Following Friesen’s presentation, Leila Praznik, Director of the Westman Empowerment Fund will speak to work of the Fund, how it supports gender-diverse people in the Westman community, and how people can help.

Then please join Brandon University Library Assistant, PENT Instructor, and BU Queer Committee member Marian Ramage, in the Convergys Lab. Marian will provide a walkthrough of the BU Queer LibGuide: 2SLGBTQIA+ and Gender Diverse Resources. She will share information about resources available in the library’s physical collection, as well as publicly available information sources, and will provide guidance on library searching. Following the discussion, a tour of the library collection will be provided.

Light refreshments will be served at this event, sponsored by the BU Queer Committee.