The Greatest Show on Earth - Aug 22 - Sep 10, 2023

VICTORIA, BC -- Exuberant sculpture show raises awareness and funds to address homelessness The Greatest Show on Earth, a free, circus-themed art exhibit featuring dozens of driftwood, cardboard, and wire sculptures by artist Tanya Bub, seeks to raise awareness of prejudices faced by Victoria's un-housed community, and funds for Our Place Society, who support them. The show, indoors and out at the Gage Gallery in Bastion Square, runs August 22 to September 10, with an all-welcome, free, meet-the-artist reception night on August 22nd from 5-8. "My goal is to give people an emotional experience with the hope of creating a bridge of empathy that changes the way they feel about people in our community who are experiencing homelessness.", said Bub One of the central pieces in the show, Sitting with Grace, is a large, fascinating sculpture made from paper, wire and up-cycled garbage, of an unusual human figure that takes the form of a throne. Bub took the sculpture to various locations where people in the un-housed community congregate, with a focus on Pandora Street. The sculpture served as an ice breaker and conversation starter. People were encouraged to sit on the throne, ask questions and contribute to the piece with a message or drawing. The resulting sculpture includes contributions from tens of people in the un-housed community. "I was deeply moved by the openness and generosity of the community. There are so many artists and poets among them. I was made to feel welcome and appreciated for who I am and what I have to offer. My wish is that the larger community in Victoria extend the same courtesy to them.", said Bub The project is a collaboration with Our Place Society with Director of Communications, Grant Mackenzie, acting as liaison, and Haus of Owl creatives Ross Welan and Eric Hinch, creating a documentary about the process. The final day of filming takes place in Centennial Square on July 10th from 1pm to 5pm where Bub will be doing an impromptu pop-up show and pizza party for members of the un-housed community. The Sitting with Grace sculpture will be on view at the Gage Gallery from August 22 to September 10, with a by-donation screening of the documentary on September 9th. Other show attractions include a driftwood foot archer and two trapeze artists suspended from the gallery ceiling, a life-sized giraffe and 9 foot tall giant made entirely from found cardboard, driftwood animals including a tiger, lion and baby elephant, a time machine in which visitors are invited to send a message to their past selves, wire acrobats, a flea circus, and a K9 act with depicting performing miniature driftwood dogs, to name a few. Entry to this all-welcome, family-friendly show is free with 100% of donations and 25% of sales going to Our Place Society. Follow Tanya on Instagram @VictoriaDrifter to stay tuned as events regarding the exhibit unfold. ABOUT OUR PLACE SOCIETY Our Place Society has grown from a unique inner-city community centre to nine locations serving Greater Victoria's most vulnerable, including people struggling with homelessness, mental health challenges, substance use issues, the working poor, and impoverished elderly. ABOUT HAUS OF OWL Designed as a Coworking Club for Creators, Haus of Owl exists to support the creative spirit, hunger, and process of artists in the world of music, film, fashion, photography and dance. This curated community consists of Membership options that span from Drop-In Artist to Dedicated Creator with in-house recording and film studios supported by a collective of industry pros. ABOUT ARTIST TANYA BUB Tanya Bub is an eco-artist who creates sculptures of animals and people from found wood and recycled materials. A signature feature of her work is making inanimate objects appear to be so alive that is it almost impossible to resist the feeling that there is a living being present. For inquiries contact Tanya Bub tanyabub@gmail.com 250-507-8588