Pictorial Puns: Rebus Plates for Our Times with Dr. Jennifer E. Salahub

Wednesday, October 29, 2025, 7:00PM via Zoom.

As collectors, we engage with the objects that feed our passion and to us there is no doubt that each has a story to tell, stories that go well beyond aesthetic preferences. This talk is about Talking Plates, in particular, rebus plates. Rebuses have historically served as a fascinating blend of art and linguistic puzzles, providing entertainment and intellectual engagement. With the advancement of printing technologies, rebuses gained cultural prominence across a variety of media, including ceramics. More recently, Calgary artist Mireille Perron, inspired by an antique plate, set out to reimagine the rebus tradition. Dr. Salahub will discuss how Perron's engaging plates led her down a rabbit hole, one which saw her husband gifting her an antique plate for her birthday. The talk will explore the history of rebus plates, but Dr. Salahub's secret hope is that you will be able to help her unravel the final clue on her plate.

Not sure you can attend live? We've got you covered! A video recording of this presentation will be made available to all those who reserve/purchase tickets.

BIOGRAPHY:

Dr. Jennifer E. Salahub is Professor Emerita Art and Craft History, AUArts. (Alberta University of the Arts). Her interest in the decorative arts is long standing and is reflected in her professional and personal life. She continues to be fascinated by the unexplored (neglected and lost) history of craft and craft education in Alberta.