Queen of Science - 14 The Tremblay Art Centre

On the next day, Fern and Emily go through their routine of attending different lectures in the morning and reuniting for lunch. After the girls have recovered their energy, they find a bus and go to the art gallery.

The Tremblay Art Centre looks like a big white box on the outside, but it houses a fantastically large collection of various art pieces. The centre could easily be mistaken for a museum because of its education programs and historical exhibitions. It would take multiple 8-hour extended visits to see everything that the centre has to offer.

Immediately upon walking into the building, Emily and Fern are dazzled by a colourful and large glass sculpture that doubles as a chandelier. Careful to avoid standing under the sculpture, just in case it falls, the two pick up an informational brochure and map from the greeter.

Looking at the map, Fern is immediately overwhelmed by an onslaught of compelling exhibitions to look at. In contrast, Emily does not bother looking at the map and starts walking towards the first thing she sees. When Fern looks up to ask Emily about her thoughts, Emily has already infiltrated a group of artsy looking people.

Walking up to Emily and poking her shoulder, Fern smiles awkwardly to the strangers and says hello. Turning back to Emily, Fern looks like a mom who is about to scold her kid and asks, “what?”

Like she’s known this group of people her entire life, Emily cheerfully says, “Let me introduce you! Everybody this is my best bud Fern, Fern, this is everybody. We were just talking about what we think the meaning is of this painting.” Leaning into Fern and using her hand to cover her mouth, Emily jokingly says, “Poor Sally said she thinks it means that clowns aren’t scary.” Emily’s new friends laugh like that was peak comedy while Fern lets out of a fake chuckle.

Failing to notice Fern’s awkwardness, Emily wraps her arm around Fern’s shoulders and tells the group, “We’re actually starting a science club that produces a newsletter. Any of ya’ll interested in joining? You guys seem like you’d be good at writing and design.”

Fern’s eyes widen as she is shocked by Emily’s boldness. They might not even be students at Ontario University. Fern continues to be stunned as the strangers actually consider Emily’s proposal. Do absurdly fearless university students with lots of free time all gather at art galleries?

After Emily tells the group more about the club, two of the group members say they might be able to write for the newsletter. Emily trades contact information with the two group members and shows them the club’s Facebook page, so they can follow it. Happy that she’s recruited some more members, Emily cheers and says, “Already got 5 club members! We still need to get a graphic designer for the website, you guys know anyone?”

In response, one of the people offers, “One of our friends does graphic design gigs on the side, but I don’t know if she’d be willing to help. She came to the gallery with us-”

The person stops talking as a young woman walks up to the group. She’s at least 6 feet or 182 cm, has dark brown skin, and very short hair. Complementing her artsy model aesthetic, she’s wearing unique pieces of clothing and graphic makeup that make her look like she jumped out of a fashion magazine. Looking down and making eye contact with Fern and Emily, she says to no one in particular, “Who are these two?”

Perking up, one of the new potential writers for the club says, “Hey, Alina! We were just talking about you. These are our new friends, Emily and Fern. They’re looking someone to do graphic design for their club newsletter.”

Raising her eyebrows, Alina sizes up the due before unceremoniously replying, “Well, good luck with that.”

Off-put by Alina’s bluntness, but unwilling to give up, Emily wears a customer service smile and says, “Thanks. Could we convince you to be our graphic designer?”

Watching Alina’s unamused body language and responses, Fern worries that she and Emily have somehow offended her. Knowing that Emily is stubborn as heck when it comes to apologizing, there is almost no chance of Alina agreeing to help if this continues. Before Alina can respond, Fern jumps into the downward spiralling conversation.

“It can be like a part-time job rather than a volunteering position… We won’t be able to pay you from the get-go, but we can reimburse you later.” Noticing that Alina looks more open and interested, Fern gains confidence and adds, “If you want.”

Crossing her arms and raising her head, Alina says, “I don’t need your money.” In the same breath, she says, “But I have standards and my time is valuable. I expect you’ll pay me at least $15 for every hour that I’m working, not just for the art itself.”

Emily inwardly scoffs at Alina’s ‘I’m better than you act,’ but says nothing. Pleased that she fortunately guessed why Alina was miffed, Fern smiles and says, “Great! Can I see some of your work, and I’ll tell you about the club?”

“Sure.” After standing straighter and getting rosy in the cheeks, Alina says, “A higher up at the gallery is alumni, so it does exhibitions of student works. You can see some of my pieces there.”

“Wow, that’s so cool!.” Tugging on Emily’s shoulder, Fern enthusiastically asks where the exhibition is. Emily, Fern, Alina, and the two writers split off from the rest of the group to look at Alina’s art and discuss club plans.

Eventually, Fern and Emily lost track of time while chatting and looking at intriguing art. Although Emily was averse to the idea of persuading Alina any more, Emily and Fern got verbal promises to join the club from Alina and the two writers. Verbal commitments from university students are not the most reliable, but they are better than nothing. By the time they had seen maybe 40% of everything in the building, they were exhausted, and the sun was starting to set. Not eager to be outside when it is dark out, the two decide to stop by Dr. Martin’s lab and postpone shopping.