Into The Fold
Opening April 3rd 7pm – 9pm
Show Run : April 4th – 19th, 2026
The title Into the Fold reflects the gesture of being welcomed into a chosen family as well as exploring what lies underneath the hidden folds of our histories and genetic ancestral memories. The work challenges and decodes social ideas around adoption, opening up a conversation about topics that have historically been draped in shame and secrecy. Although much of the content and context is personal, visitors will also find connections with broader notions of belonging, identity and attachment. In our current era defined by divisiveness, perhaps we are all seeking to feel connected—to be ‘In thefold’—in our relationships, families, communities, and with the natural world.
About the Artists
The Adoptee Artists Collective was formed in January 2024 on Lekwungen Territory, Victoria BC. It was initiated to explore how each artist’s lived experiences as an adoptee has informed their creative practices. The collective currently consists of Beth Kope, Victoria Edgarr, Jessie Demers and Trudi Lynn Smith. They meet regularly, rotating between each artist’s studio or home, where they share their stories and explore one another’s artistic practices and processes.
Beth Kope has written 3 books of poetry of which Atlas of Roots (2021 Caitlin Press) is on the theme of adoption, identity and loss.
Victoria Edgarr’s art practice spans 50 years and straddles Quebec and British Columbia beginning with her formal art education and training in printmaking in Montreal.
Jessie Demers Raised in Victoria BC, Jessie holds a BFA from NSCAD University and a BEd from UBC. She has worked in the arts for twenty years in a variety of roles including curating, teaching, and directing art education programs. She has returned to her art practice in recent years, exhibiting locally and participating in Canadian and International residencies.
Trudi Lynn Smith holds a PhD in studio art and anthropology and specializes in research-creation. Her research and art practices embrace expressions of belonging, impermanence and change in communities of art, archives, ecology and collections. Trudi focuses on collaborative practices in art making, with humans and within more than human worlds. She also works as a clinical counsellor, focused on somatics, expressive arts therapies and eco-therapy.
You can find more information about the artists at the following links:
Websites:
victoriaedgarr.com
jessiedemers.ca
trudilynnsmith.com
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/adopteeartistscollective/
https://www.instagram.com/victoriaedgarr/
Xchanges gratefully acknowledges the support of the Province of British Columbia and the Capital Regional District for our gallery programs.
