By: Sarah Carlin-Ball
All doors were open to the warm evening air for last Friday's Downtown Gallery Hop. Folks were enjoying the longer days with a stroll through beautiful downtown and its unique art galleries. The Hop saw regular arts patrons, curious shoppers, some Hop newbies and art-lovers, alike. Thank you to all who made it another enjoyable evening! If May long weekend activities interfered with your usual venture out to the Gallery Hop, here's a taste of what you missed.
Ferneyhough Contemporary held the opening reception for Colour in the Abstract: A group exhibition of member and guest artists featuring Susan Farquhar, Judy Gouin, Manon Labrosse, Ian-Patrick McAllister, Rob O'Flanagan, Cheryl Ruddock, Valerie Senyk, Pete Smith, Alice Teichert and Arnold Zageris. See the exhibition at 157 First Avenue East – it’s up until July 13.
K. Bros. Maroosis Art Centre features selected work of different artists from the past at every Gallery Hop. Artists have included Tom Cummings, Ernest Taylor, Gordon Dufoe, and Jim Lindsay. At an earlier Hop, K Bros displayed the painting presented to the people of France by Bradly Dreamwalker MacDonald. A selection of quality artists materials is available alongside this heritage of northern artists at 232 Algonquin Avenue.
You won’t want to miss Arlie Hoffman's exhibition, Seeking Zen. It opened Gallery Hop night at The Westlake Gallery, Suite 4 – 374 Fraser Street. Westlake Gallery is excited to exhibit this large collection of watercolour work. Come by and enjoy Arlie's incredible realistic and figurative paintings.
Art on Main featured the work of a former member, Kritsana Naowahkun. He and his family – wife Heather, Jasmine, 4 and 12 day old baby Manon – were evacuated twice from the fires in Fort McMurray. They are in North Bay with Heather's parents until they can return home. Art on Main will forego its usual commission on Kritsana's work to help him and his family get back on their feet. Don’t miss these energetic landscapes.
The exhibit at Michelle’s Framemaker & Gallery was of new works from the painting group "Different Strokes” including Marg Gaiser, Sheila Dufresne, Ann Mary Hill, Carolyn Fink, Margaret Louko, Susanne Carr, Bridget van Brussel, Nancy Coupland, Carolyn Cole, Marilyn Buchanan, Patricia Marshall, Alice Farlinger and June Jones. Pencil crayon artist, Diane Turgeon, also displayed her work and demonstrated her techniques during the Hop. The Framemaker’s muralist, Chelsea Bourget presented a large-scale piece with Conor McNeilly, Marcus Fessler, Gerry McComb and Thaila Sarazin.
The Farm was very excited to feature work by the talented local artist, Imogen Wilson, a new graduate of Nipissing University's Bachelor of Fine Arts Program. Her work will be on display until July 11th. Make this lovely boutique and studio at 154 Main Street West a regular stop on gallery hop night or anytime. You’ll be amazed by the unique clothing and incredible variety of handmade creations.
150 West is so pleased to have been showing work from some of North Bay’s amazing artist's including Arlington Hoffman, Lori Burns, Glenda Mikawa, Kristin Armstrong, David Carlin, Ashley Couchie, Jamie Board, Marty Pridham, Norma Sanders, Pat Kirton-Bailey, Judith Ingwerson, Geoff Mayne, Burt Weir, Jack Smallboy, June Stewart and Don Wright. They also promote and run a variety of workshops and feature a few fine retailers at 150 Oak Street West.
Dreaming at White Water Gallery… Members and friends of the gallery were Northern Arts Conference dreamscaping during the day on Friday and invited members of the public and attendees to offer feedback on those big dreams. White Water Gallery is a not-for-profit Artist-Run Centre committed to supporting artistic practices that are innovative and relevant. Visit WWG next Hop or anytime for a perspective-shifting experience. 122 Main Street East.
The popular Mining Week installation received such a great reception, it was held over for Friday’s Gallery Hop at the WKP Kennedy Public Art Gallery. This gallery presents the finest in historical and contemporary Northern, Canadian and International visual artists. In their two gallery spaces, through public arts activities, through programming with the Capitol Theatre and in touring exhibition projects, the WKP Kennedy showcases art of all forms and media.
The next Downtown Gallery Hop is Friday, July 15th starting at 7 pm. Come visit some of North Bay and area’s multifaceted and remarkable artisans. See our amazing creations and get inspired by the creative energy downtown!
