An unexpectedly nostalgic event is occurring at Emily Carr Institute. Formerly Emily Carr Institute of Art & Design. Formerly Emily Carr College of Art and Design. Formerly the Vancouver School of Art. Originally the Vancouver School of Decorative and Applied Arts, founded in 1925. The nostalgic event is Evolution: 80 Years of Emily Carr Institute Alumni, an exhibition of some 195 works spanning multiple generations, cultures, and media.

“This is the first-ever comprehensive show of alumni work,” says Wynne Palmer, alumni- society board member and Evolution curator. (In 1994, Sam Carter curated 64-94: Contemporary Decades, which surveyed 30 of the school’s then 69 years.) And, she adds, there’s never been a formal reunion of former VSA/ECI students. “It’s not only the 80th anniversary of the school but it’s also a homecoming of sorts for the alumni.

Read the whole article by art critic Robin Laurence in the Georgia Straight.

The opening is happening as I write this, and I’m sad that I’m not there as planned to see many artist friends and note the many big-name artists and admire their work. I had a medical appointment and errands in town this morning, and this afternoon I began to feel unwell and very tired, partly from the heat. Even a nap did not restore my enthusiasm to drive back and join the large crowds that I’m sure will be there. I have to comfort myself with the thought that I will later see all the work better without the bodies! I may even blog on the show after I’ve seen it.

If you are in Vancouver, this is a must-see exhibition, it continues to Aug 27, 2005 at Emily Carr Institute on Granville Island, Vancouver. Hours: 10:00am – 6:00pm

Update Aug.5.05: Howard Pennings, an ECI alumnus, attended the opening and took several photos – have a look.