Why Aaron and I tried out for Amazing Race Canada – AGAIN

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It is that time of year again – yes, Christmas but also casting time for Amazing Race Canada.

The casting call for Amazing Race Canada is out and they are accepting team applications and videos until December 26, 2013 at 11:59pm ET. What a way to say “Happy Boxing Day!”

People often ask me, “Did you and Aaron apply again?”

The answer is a resounding, “YES! Of course!”

When I heard about the casting call my heart sped up and my feet itched to hit the mat. I’m a competitive person by nature, determined and persistent to a fault. Of course I applied and will continue to apply until the producers realize that I was made for the Amazing Race and it for me.

I have some friends who scoff at reality TV but as silly as it sounds, being a participant is a huge dream of mine. My fingers are crossed that this is my time.

So why exactly did Aaron and I apply again? There are lots of reasons:

  • We love traveling.
  • We love each other.
  • We love being competitive.
  • We know there is nothing we cannot achieve together.

After our son Zachary died in 2010, our marriage faced the greatest test. The statistics for couples that divorce after child loss are extremely high. Yet we have made it through. This is not to say that everything is roses and rainbows but we have grown stronger because of what we have been through and I truly know that no obstacle could ever compare. To run the race with my husband would be so special.

We also want to run the race for Zachary and our two living children. I would love to show our kids how strong their mom is and for Zachary, I want to experience as many adventures as I can on his behalf.

Hopefully this year we will get good news come decision time!

Has anyone else submitted their video?

“The Quiet Rebuild” at Exposure Photography Festival

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I loved being the Artist-in-Residence at Harcourt House Gallery and Artist Run Centre and my solo exhibition there, “The Quiet Rebuild,” touched at the very heart of who I am as an artist. I’m so thankful I visited the exhibition on its very last day with a dear family member and our kids. The youngsters ran around the gallery and laughed and played. It always warms my heart to see children stimulated and comfortable in a space full of art. Teach children to love art and they will hopefully love it as adults as well. That’s the goal.

The Quiet Rebuild Wall copyright Alexis Marie Chute

My exhibition at Harcourt may be over but the show must go on!

One of the photos in “The Quiet Rebuild” will be exhibited in Scottsdale Arizona at Method Art Gallery opening this week, but after that the whole collection will be shown in a solo exhibition in Calgary as a part of Exposure Photography Festival. I will also be giving two talks during the festival, sharing the stories of the portraits as well as discussing art’s ability to heal. February 2014 will be an exciting month!

 

Here is the info about “The Quiet Rebuild” at Exposure Photography Festival.

 

“The Quiet Rebuild”

Exposure Photography Festival

February 1 – 28, 2014

Opening Reception: Friday, February 7, 2013, 6 – 10 pm

Art Central, 100-7th Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta, CAN

 

The Stories behind the Portraits of The Quiet Rebuild
Join Alexis Marie Chute as she shares the harrowing yet inspiring stories of her volunteer models. From infidelity, heart attack and loss, her portraits tell tales of resiliency to overcome any obstacle. Alexis Marie will also reveal her own experience which was the impetus behind it all.

Where: The Quiet Rebuild exhibition, Art Central, 100 – 7th Avenue S.W. Calgary, AB, CAN

When: 11:00 am, Saturday, February 15, 2013

Cost: Free

 

Healing through Creative Arts
After the death of her son, Alexis Marie Chute realized that photography, art and writing were powerful tools to express grief. Join Alexis Marie as she discusses creative personal expression and ways that photography can be used to find healing and self-fulfillment. Examples of photographic image making will be presented.
Where: The Quiet Rebuild exhibition, Art Central, 100 – 7th Avenue S.W. Calgary, AB, CAN

When: 11:00 am, Saturday, February 22, 2013

Cost: Free

 

I am truly looking forward to connecting with the Calgary art community! Join me!

The Quiet Rebuild gallery copyright Alexis Marie Chute

First Place Photo at Method Art Gallery

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Yesterday was the opening reception for “The Ultimate Composition” exhibition and competition at Method Art Gallery in Scottsdale Arizona. I have one photograph in the exhibit and another which made the honorable mention list.

Fine Art Photograph copyright Alexis Marie Chute

Fine Art Photograph copyright Alexis Marie Chute

I called the owner at Method Art Gallery last night, returning a message on my cell phone. Unfortunately I could not be State-side to attend the opening, but the owner informed me that my photograph in the exhibition, “Healing 5” from my body of art entitled “The Quiet Rebuild,” had just won first place in the competition.

First place. I was not expecting this news and thanked the owner, Davin, about a million times.

A little bit about the photo: I created this portrait and others in the collection with the aim of capturing people rebuilding their lives after hardship. The woman in this photograph overcame a post-partum heart attack and worked hard to find happiness and health afterwards, both for herself and for her family. She told me she feared having another heart attack yet she pressed on.

In the end, I want to inspire viewers to never give up, even in difficult times. Life is worth living and every day is a gift.

I am honored to win the photo competition and am very grateful to the jury at Method Art for believing in my work.

“The Ultimate Composition” will be showing at Method Art Gallery until February 1st.

scottsdale arts district Alexis Marie Chute Art Walk the Line Scottsdale Arizona

I also want to thank my mom for taking these photos!

Alexis Marie Blog shortlisted for the Canadian Weblog Awards in Two Categories

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The Shortlist has been announced for the Canadian Weblog Awards. I was kindly notified by a twitter connection of my blog’s inclusion. Out of 34 categories my blog has made the top five in both:

Art, Crafting and Photography

Writing and Literature

Thank you to those that nominated my blog and thank you to those that read every post. It means the world to me. The first, second and third place winners will be announced in two days, on December 7th, 2013. No matter the outcome, I am honoured to be included on this list of some truly amazing blogs and dedicated bloggers.

When I started blogging I had no idea the enjoyment I would derive from online journaling, sharing stories and updates on my work. It has been a pleasure.