Tyrrell Mendis

Photo by Anita Allec

  • has professional qualifications in architecture, applied arts, librarianship
  • is an Associate of the Canadian Association for Photographic Art
  • is an Intermediate, Royal Institute of British Architects
  • is an award-winning photographer and published poet
  • has received awards for graphic design, poetry, prose, editing
  • has a travelling photography exhibition: Testaments of Faith, Manitoba’s Pioneer Churches
  • has had 33 solo photography exhibitions
  • has participated in five 2-person shows and 19 group exhibitions
  • has had photographs in books, magazines, calendars, posters
  • has co-ordinated public events for community organizations
  • has created/co-ordinated public photography exhibitions
  • has volunteered at international, national and local events
  • is working on a photography book: Of Wood and Stone: Manitoba’s 19th Century Churches
  • has published three books of poetry, one illustrated with his photographs
  • has contributed to public art works
  • Tyrrell’s book of poetry, the Canned Think, is with the Rare Books and Special Collections of the University of British Columbia. The book received two merit awards: for cover design: for contents.
  • Tyrrell’s entry was accepted for The Table of Contents, public art in Vimy Ridge Park, sponsored by the Winnipeg Arts Council in 2006.
  • Tyrrell contributed to the mural sponsored by The Manitoba Human Rights Commission in 1990. The mural was unveiled at the Legislative Building on August 13, 1990, was displayed at the Multiculturalism Secretariat and was reproduced on the cover of the commission’s 1990 Annual Report.
  • Tyrrell designed the template for the cover of Arterra, the monthly publication of CARFAC, which he also edited.
  • Tyrrell won Uptown Magazine’s contest for a cover design to commemorate Manitoba’s 125th anniversary in 1985.
  • Tyrrell has photographed in 34 countries on five continents. With his wife he has camped in all Canadian provinces and territories.

 

In the Works

Of Wood and Stone: Manitoba’s 19th Century Churches (tentative title). The first book in a proposed series with 128 photographs.

Testaments of Faith: Manitoba’s Pioneer Churches. This travelling exhibition toured the province in 2004-2006.

 

Photography Awards

  • 1999 Canadian Association for Photographic Art. Kay Elliot Trophy. Photo Essay.
  • 1998 Canadian Association for Photographic Art. Kay Elliot Trophy. Photo Essay.
  • 1997 National Association for Photographic Art. N.A.P.A. Trophy Certificate. Photo Essay.
  • 1997-98 Manitoba Camera Club. 1st Prize, monthly competition. 3rd Prize, Architecture Competition.
  • 1996-97 Manitoba Camera Club. 1st Prize, Executive Theme Award. 1st Prizes, 2nd Prizes and Honourable Mentions, monthly competitions.
  • 1995-96 Manitoba Camera Club. 1st Prize Trophy, Annual Open Competition. Highest Aggregate Points Trophy. Slide of the Month, 1st Prize, 2nd Prize and Honourable Mentions, monthly competitions.
  • 1985 Fort Whyte Centre for Environmental Education. Winter World Slide Competition. Winter Scenery: 1st Prize, 2nd Prize and Honourable Mention. Winter Recreation: 1st Prize and Honourable Mention.
  • 1976 Habitat Conference, Vancouver, B.C. National Competition for Photographs of the Canadian Environment. Honourable Mention.

 

Photography Exhibitions

A. Solo

  • 2020 Testaments of Faith, Manitoba’s Pioneer Churches. Ste.Therese Chapel Museum, Cardinal. (Cancelled)
  • 2017 Testaments of Faith, Manitoba’s Pioneer Churches. Trinity United Church, Winnipeg.
  • 2015 Testaments of Faith, Manitoba’s Pioneer Churches. Bethania Mennonite Personal Care Home, Winnipeg.
  • 2014 Testaments of Faith, Manitoba’s Pioneer Churches. Deer Lodge Centre, Winnipeg.
  • 2009 Testaments of Faith, Manitoba’s Pioneer Churches. Pavilion Gallery Museum, Winnipeg.
  • 2008 Testaments of Faith, Manitoba’s Pioneer Churches. Golden Prairie Arts Council, Carman.

                   Testaments of Faith, Manitoba’s Pioneer Churches. Canadian Pacific Station Gallery, Virden.

                   Testaments of Faith, Manitoba’s Pioneer Churches. Tiger Hills Art Gallery, Holland.

                   Testaments of Faith, Manitoba’s Pioneer Churches. Susan McCharles Gallery, The Pas.

  • 2006 Testaments of Faith, Manitoba’s Pioneer Churches. Hamilton Galleria & Archives, University of Winnipeg.

                 Testaments of Faith, Manitoba’s Pioneer Churches. Manawaka Gallery, Neepawa.

                 Testaments of Faith, Manitoba’s Pioneer Churches. Pembina Hills Arts Council Gallery, Morden.

                 Testaments of Faith, Manitoba’s Pioneer Churches. Dr. Vernon L. Watson Allied Arts Centre, Dauphin.

                 Testaments of Faith, Manitoba’s Pioneer Churches. Gwen Fox Gallery, Selkirk.

    • 2005 Testaments of Faith, Manitoba’s Pioneer Churches. Adelaide McDermot Gallery, Winnipeg.
    • 2000 Selkirk Community Arts Centre, Selkirk
    • 1994 The Fork and Cork Bistro Bar, Winnipeg

Selkirk Community Arts Centre, Selkirk

Trizec Building, Winnipeg

    • 1992 Goodies on Corydon, Winnipeg
    • 1991 Mona Lisa Ristorante, Winnipeg
    • 1990 Cafe Carlo, Winnipeg

Taking Stock: Moments in Time. Parts 1 & 2. The Heritage Gallery, Dugald Costume Museum, Dugald.

The Fork and Cork Bistro Bar, Winnipeg

Piano Nobile, Centennial Concert Hall, Winnipeg

  • 1989 The Fork and Cork Bistro Bar, Winnipeg

Sky Gallery, Winnipeg

                    Taking Stock: Moments in Time. Parts 1 & 2. Portage Arts Centre, Portage la Prairie.

                    Taking Stock: Moments in Time. Part 2. Tiger Hills Art Gallery, Holland.

                    Taking Stock: Moments in Time. Joyce Smedegaard Gallery, Wasagaming Community Arts Centre, Clear Lake.

  • 1988 Piano Nobile, Centennial Concert Hall, Winnipeg.
  • 1987 Mona Lisa Ristorante, Winnipeg.

B. Two-person (with Angela Montanti Schreiber, sculptor)

  • 1993 Earthly Treasures, Earthy Pleasures. Joyce Smedegaard Gallery, Wasagaming Community Arts Centre. Clear Lake.

                  Habitual Perfection. Portage Arts Centre, Portage la Prairie.

  • 1992 Taking Stock: Moments in Time. Part 3. Manitoba Archives, Winnipeg.

                  Nuances. St. John’s College, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg.

  • 1991 Piano Nobile, Centennial Concert Hall, Winnipeg.

C. Group

  • 2006 Platform Centre for Photographic Art, Winnipeg
  • 2001 Selkirk Community Arts Centre, Selkirk

Assiniboine Park Conservatory, Winnipeg

  • 1999 Market Square Mardi Gras, Winnipeg
  • 1997-99 Manitoba Art Expo, Winnipeg.

The Fork and Cork Bistro Bar, Winnipeg

Assiniboine Park Conservatory, Winnipeg

Selkirk Community Arts Centre, Selkirk

  • 1996-98 Visual Arts Shared Exhibition. Meadow & Marsh Wings (Toured Manitoba)
  • 1996 The Fork and Cork Bistro Bar, Winnipeg.
  • 1995-97 Visual Arts Shared Exhibition. Celebration! Contact ¹95 (Toured Manitoba)
  • 1994 Assiniboine Park Conservatory, Winnipeg
  • 1992 Assiniboine Park Conservatory, Winnipeg
  • 1989 Elk Island National Park, Alberta
  • 1988 The Art Network, Winnipeg
  • 1987 Assiniboine Park Conservatory, Winnipeg
  • 1986 Nature and the Silver Print. Lincoln Park Gallery, Winnipeg
  • 1982 Second International Salon of Photography, Red River Exhibition, Winnipeg
  • 1976 Habitat Conference, Vancouver, B.C.

Photography Instruction

  • 2000 St. James – Assiniboia Continuing Education, Winnipeg.
  • 1996 Red River Community College Continuing Education, Starbuck.
  • 1994-1996 St. James – Assiniboia Continuing Education, Winnipeg.

Other Awards

  • 1998 Photographic Society of America. Club Newsletter Contest. 3rd Place, In Focus (Manitoba Camera Club)
  • 1998 Canadian Association for Photographic Art. Club Newsletter Contest.1st Place, In Focus (Manitoba Camera Club)
  • 1997 Canadian Author¹s Association. Animal Short Story Contest. 2nd Place.
  • 1995 Manitoba Association of Community Arts Councils. Volunteer Appreciation Award.
  • 1994 Manitoba Health Organizations. Newsletter Contest. 1st Place for Hospice Companion [Manitoba Hospice Foundation (now Hospice & Palliative Care Manitoba)].
  • 1992 Manitoba Health Organizations. Newsletter Contest. 1st Place for Hospice Companion [Manitoba Hospice Foundation (now Hospice & Palliative Care Manitoba)].
  • 1988 Nominated by Canadian Artists Representation (CARFAC) for Premier’s Volunteer Service Award.

Audio-Visual Presentations

Community Groups

  • Creative Retirement Manitoba
  • Macintosh User Group for Seniors
  • Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council
  • The English Speaking Union of Canada

Photography Associations

  • Brandon Camera Club
  • Camera Canada College, Calgary
  • Camera Canada College, Ottawa
  • Camera Canada College, Moncton
  • Manitoba Camera Club
  • Turtle Mountain Snappers Camera Club
  • Winnipeg South Photo Club

Media Coverage

Radio

  • 2018 CJUM-FM 101.5 FM  University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg

Television

  • 2007 Shaw TV

Print

  • Winnipeg Free Press
  • The Uniter. Sept.28, 2006.  Whitney Light. “From Places of Worship to Portraits of Art”
  • The New Wine Press. Winter 2006. “Testaments of Faith, Manitoba’s Pioneer Churches”
  • Selkirk Journal

Publications

    1. Books
      • 1986 Echoing Voices. Edinburgh: Charles Skilton Ltd. Poems and photographs.
      • 1971 The Canned Think, Yours to Open. Winnipeg: Joel Matthews. Collected poems. (see note below)
      • 1965 Broken Petals. London, England: The Mitre Press. Collected poems.
    2. Photographs in
      • 2018 SeniorScope.“Manitoba churches” Ongoing regular column
      • 2014 International Masters of Photography. Vol. 2 .(World Wide Art Books)
      • 2010 Ghost Towns, Yesterday & Today by Gary B. Speck. (Lincolnwood, Illinois: Publications International Ltd.)
      • 2003 Giant Pandas by Lenore Franzen. (Mankato, Minnesota: Creative Education).
      • 1998 In Focus, January 1998. Manitoba Camera Club. 1st place colour slides: Sports. “Life Hanging by a Thread” Cover.
      • 1996 In Focus, April 1996. Manitoba Camera Club. Slide of the Month: “Savouring the Frosting.” Cover.
      • 1992 Uptown, (Winnipeg), July. (Collage) Cover.
      • 1987 Courier, Vol.1. No.1. Summer 1987. Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association. Cover.

                  Courier, Vol.1. No.2. Autumn 1987. Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association. Cover.

Calendar. Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation

  2. Articles
    • 1999 “Where Do They Go From Here?” Canadian Camera, Fall.
    • 1998 “Do We Need to Gild the Lily?” (Illustrated). Canadian Camera, Summer.
    • 1997 “Selling to the Public. Do Photographers Have a Chance?” (Illustrated). Canadian Camera.
    • 1997 “The Intruder in the Bedroom.” Pentimes, May. Canadian Author¹s Association.
    • 1984 “Winnipeg¹s Living Prairie Museum.” (Illustrated). Garden. (The Garden Society, New York Botanical Garden.)
    • 1982 “Sri Lanka¹s Royal Botanic Gardens.” (Illustrated). Garden, July-August 1982. (The Garden Society, New York Botanical Garden.)

Events Co-ordination

  • 2000-02 Canadian Association for Photographic Art. Manitoba Photography Contest and Exhibition
  • 1997-98 Manitoba Association of Community Arts Councils. Of Faraway Places, A Celebration of Cultures.
  • 1997 Manitoba Association of Community Arts Councils. Photography Contest and Exhibition.
  • 1995 Manitoba Association of Community Arts Councils. Art Auction.

 Affiliations (Current and Former)

Tyrrell Mendis has been affiliated with various organizations.

Canadian Association for Photographic Art (CAPA)

  • Editor Canadian Camera, quarterly magazine
  • Prairie Zone Director
  • participated in Camera Canada College in Ottawa, Moncton, Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, Winnipeg
  • created/edited Prairie Zone News.
  • created/co-ordinated Manitoba Photography Contest and Exhibition.

Canadian Artists Representation (CARFAC)

  • Vice-President
  • resurrected/edited Arterra, CARFAC’s monthly magazine
  • designed cover template for Arterra

Manitoba Association for Community Arts Councils (MACAC)

  • co-ordinated Of Faraway Places: A Celebration of Cultures… multicultural event. 19th April 1997 Lions Place
  • co-ordinated Of Faraway Places: A Celebration of Cultures… multicultural event.1998
  • co-ordinated Manitoba Photography Contest and Exhibition

Folk Arts Council of Winnipeg (FACW)

  • Board member
  • created the Folk Arts News

Manitoba Camera Club (MCC)

  • edited/redesigned newsletter, In Focus
  • In Focus awarded first place by CAPA for newsletter design
  • In Focus placed third in Photographic Society of America International Small Club newsletter design contest

Hospice Foundation

  • edited award-winning newsletter

Winnipeg South Photo Club

  • Manitoba representative for Prairie Region of Photographic Arts (PRPA) (Regina)

Creative Retirement

  • presented slide programs on Thailand, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Egypt, China, Manitoba churches, Yukon & Alaska, Canada

Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council Inc.

  • Art Show and Sale. April 22-24, 2004

Macintosh User Group for Seniors (MUGS)

  • President

Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB)

  • multi-year participant, Eye on the Arts