July 1 celebration for new Grand Coteau Centre exhibition

Posted on July 6, 2026 by Ryan Dahlman

Shaunavon Standard

Raising a glass to community art at the Grand Coteau Centre A full house turned out for the opening of two concurrent art exhibitions at the Grand Coteau Centre last week, celebrating both self portraits and the intricate craft of master glassmaking.

The evening celebration, which took place Wednesday, July 1, featured a short program with artist presentations, live musical entertainment, refreshments and plenty of socializing and discussion.

The first exhibition, titled “From Selfies to Art,” explores the intersection of everyday digital photography and fine art, showcasing portrait work from several participating regional artists.

Sharing the gallery space is “Raise Your Glass,” an OSAC sponsored solo exhibition by Patrik Vrolyk, a master lampworker based in Eastend.

Vrolyk’s display celebrates the utility and beauty of hand-made glass drinkware. During a short presentation, Vrolyk detailed the methods used to manipulate molten glass, including the complex process of welding separate glass pieces together to form a finished product.

“I always considered myself more of an artisan than an artist,” Vrolyk told the crowd. “I have had a period of time where I made work that I didn’t care if it sold, and that was an extremely liberating point of my life.”

Vrolyk has been active in the art of glassmaking since 1997.

“I’ve had a lot of fun making glass,” he stated. “It’s almost 30 years I’ve been doing this and I’ve really enjoyed it.”

Vrolyk’s show at the Grand Coteau Centre  will include a glass blowing demonstration at the local cultural facility later this summer.

Both “Raise Your Glass” and “From Selfies to Art” will remain on display at the Grand Coteau Centre’s art gallery until August 31.

Check out next week’s Shaunavon Standard for more about the “From Selfies to Art” exhibition.