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Simon Fraser University will open the Marianne and Edward Gibson Art Museum, its first purpose-built art museum, on September 20. The 12,100-square-foot space brings together SFU’s existing art collections under one roof. Designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects with Iredale Architecture, the building draws in natural light and frames views of the surrounding landscape.
The Gibson’s design emphasises accessibility, with entrances on both the campus side and the SFU Transit Exchange. Locally sourced mass timber beams, flexible gathering spaces, and LEED Gold certification speak to sustainability.
The opening exhibition, Edge Effects, takes its name from the ecological term describing the richness that occurs where two different environments meet. For the Gibson, that “edge” is where academia and the public connect, creating a space for exchange between disciplines, histories and materials.
The show features 15 Canadian artists, including 10 commissioned works. Highlights include Liz Magor’s Blue Students/Alumnos en azul, first installed on both sides of the San Diego and Tijuana border, and (former Straight cover star) Cindy Mochizuki’s Arboreal Time, a constellation of more than 40 porcelain kodama (Japanese tree spirits) displayed above the museum’s central hearth. The exhibition also draws from SFU’s collection of more than 5,900 works documenting the Canadian West Coast’s social and artistic history.
Opening weekend programming will include welcoming remarks, a performance by Lucien Durey, children’s art activities and an artist talk with Cruz, Farooq and Stanley. Events in the months ahead include weaving workshops, dance and sound performances, and a clay kodama-making session with Mochizuki.
The Gibson Art Museum will be located at 8888 University Drive on SFU campus in Burnaby.
