AGSM’s Absolute Zero Panel to discuss homelessness, consequences of tenuous housing

On Thursday, May 13, 2021 at 5:00 PM, the AGSM will host a panel discussion with professionals who work directly with people of Brandon who experience homelessness and the consequences of tenuous housing. Artist and sober living supervisor Chris Reid will be joined by Clearing the Path supervisor and counsellor Heather Bolech, Ask Auntie founder Florence Halcrow, and Sandy Trudel, the Director of Economic Development for the city of Brandon.

With their decades of combined experience, the panelists will approach the idea of “home” from many angles: as residence, structure, emotional security, and freedom. This event supplements Nothing Smells in Absolute Zero, an exhibition of new artwork by Chris Reid that was inspired by
her search for an answer to the question, “How do you know when you’re home?” Every work on display in the Main Gallery depicts a specific Brandon location and story, and are the culmination of years of working with individuals experiencing homelessness in the city. Persistently
unanswered questions drove Reid to create this body of work, informed by interviews and observations. Reid and the AGSM invite you to take advantage of the experience and insight of four professionals in conversation, leading perhaps to a greater understanding of the issues
through personal testimonies.

The panel will be held virtually on the AGSM’s Youtube, Facebook, and Twitter channels. The audience will be able to direct questions to the panelists via the comment section.

The research, exhibition, and associated events are possible because of the support of the Manitoba Arts Council, the Canada Council for the Arts, The City of Brandon, New Systems Store, Sutton-Harrison Realty, and Dr. Derry Dector. Nothing Smells in Absolute Zero is open for visits in the Main Gallery until May 29, 2021. For more information, visit agsm.ca.