Farewell to Trinket by Denise Richard

Cover Photo Credit: Alex Prong.

From July 12th, 2025 to February 19th, 2026, the Beaverbrook Art Gallery in Fredericton was home to Denise Richard’s beaded ocean-inspired art objects that comprised the exhibit Trinket. Those who had a chance to see the artworks before they left the gallery will remember a feeling of wonder at the intricate detail Richard spun out of cheap dollar store trinkets. 

Upon walking into the Beaverbrook alcove that held Trinket, the gallery attendee would have first seen a mannequin head covered in colourful growths made of tiny beads pinned and sewn all over the form. The growths seemed almost fungal, yet they were made of cheap plastic materials that were far from organic. Though this head-become-pin-cushion was only one of a series of fascinating objects. If the attendee were to turn around, they would see a whole bright blue wall, covered with more of Richard’s pieces, each unique yet similar in their spiky barnacle protrusions. 

Richard’s artist statement on the collection described how the piece was meant to bring attention to the devastating impact of fast-fashion and mass production on ocean life. She used cheap materials to highlight the disposability of mass produced objects, and the impact consumerism has on vulnerable ocean inhabitants. 

Denise Richard is from the Acadian Peninsula of New Brunswick, and Trinket was organized by the Marion McCain Institute for Atlantic Canadian Art. The exhibit was curated by John Leroux.