Fall in Love with Local Art! - theHumm February 2019

By Miss Cellaneous

FIGURE in Almonte

From February 8 to March 24, Almonte’s Sivarulrasa Gallery presents FIGURE, a trio show featuring figurative paintings, drawings and sculpture by artists Adrienne Dagg (Edmonton), Caroline Ji (Toronto), and Sue Adams (Almonte).

In her new series of paintings, Adrienne Dagg obscures space and figure. Incorporating mirrors and reflections into works such as Tumble, Reflection, and Figure with Mirror, she presents fractured environments that are divided and warped by mirrors and painted shapes. These divisions are then re-joined to explore new configurations. The works mark a new exploration for this artist, as she deepens her practice in portraiture and narrative figure painting.

Caroline Ji’s paintings are evocative and intimate depictions of people she has met, re-lived conversations, and memories. Bookshelf and E, two of the most recent works, highlight her highly skilled exploration of her subjects’ psychological states. Emotion is palpable in her works, inviting viewers to attach their own narratives to each one. With a striking colour palette and careful attention to lighting choices, mood and atmosphere become the storytellers in her paintings.

Sue Adams explores themes of passion, pain, frailty and grace in her sculptures and drawings. Her newest drawing Cupid depicts an innocent, ethereal being. Atlas and My Blue-Toed God of Love, like her other sculptures, draw inspiration from historical movements in Classicism and Humanism, with her figures often combining outward formality with inner turmoil.

Everyone is invited to the Vernissage/Artists Reception on Saturday, February 16 from 3–6pm. Artists Caroline Ji and Sue Adams will be in attendance. Sivarulrasa Gallery is located at 34 Mill Street in Almonte. For more information, please visit sivarulrasa.com .

Richard Hutton & Barb Sohn at MERA

McDonalds Corners Elphin Recreation & Arts (MERA) is proud to display works by Richard Hutton and Barb Sohn for their February Art Exhibition in Dean Hall. A vernissage will be held on Sunday, February 3 from 2–4pm, and everyone is welcome.

Richard Hutton’s art richardjameshutton.com is as multi-faceted as the man’s mind. In fact, the depth and breadth of the mind itself, and everything it conjures up in this world, is the constant underlying theme in all his works. The subject matter can be still and re?ective, at other times turbulent or playful, but is always enquiring and often provocative. Richard is accomplished in acrylics, watercolour, drawing and oils, but the latter remains a favourite. He prides himself in not being a slave to any particular style or technique.

Barb Sohn barbsohnart.ca works with acrylics on canvas, creating images from local areas such as Murphy’s Point Provincial Park, Lanark County, and from her recent trip to the Yukon. Her work is an ongoing process of discovery — that is, the observation of some aspect of nature that she has noticed and brought to life through her interpretation.

Please visit meraschoolhouse.org for more information, directions and hours of operation.

Call for Participants 2019

Are you a practicing artist or artisan interested in joining a dynamic tour? If so, you are invited to apply for the 23rd annual Crown and Pumpkin Studio Tour on Thanksgiving weekend in Almonte, Clayton and area. The 2018 tour was a resounding success as the public responded enthusiastically to the variety and quality of fine art, craft and food and drink.

Organizers are looking to broaden the variety of offerings, and are interested in professional-quality, innovative work. New types of three-dimensional work will receive particular consideration. To apply, submit digital images of recent work, and include a brief biography and artist’s statement. Work is judged on originality of expression, concept, and quality of execution. Applications open April 1 and the deadline for submissions is May 1. Send your application, including photos and a link to your website/Facebook page to barbara.mullally@gmail.com . For more information, please call 256–3647.

The Mix by The Six at Strévé Gallery

One of the area’s newest textile art groups, The Six, will be presenting its first group show at the Strévé Gallery from January 29 to March 31, with a vernissage on February 3 from 2–4pm. Six experienced and innovative artists have come together in the past year to share skills, to learn from experimenting, and to support each other in creating and promoting their art. The six members are Meredith Filshie, Nancy Garrard, Garrie Bea Joyce, Rita Rottman, Karen Samanski and Wendo Van Essen. Among other venues, these artists have shown their art as part of the Colour Unboxed show at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum and at the annual Fibre Fling shows presented by the Out of the Box Fibre Art group.

The artists will also be available on March 3 (2–4pm) to talk about their creative journeys and demonstrate some work in progress. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to strevedesign@gmail.com or 267–0230 as seating is limited. The Strévé Gallery is located in the upper level of Strévé Design Studio and Boutique, at 64 Gore St. E. in Perth.

Save the Date for Maple Run!

Mark the weekend of April 6 and 7 for the 17th Annual Pakenham Maple Run Tour. Revel in spectacular spring landscapes while experiencing the art, fine craft and delicious food and drink of 33 exceptional artists, artisans and producers on this self-guided your. The Maple Run Tour wanders through scenic, historic Pakenham village and area to ten fascinating stops, where you can indulge your senses in beautiful painting, pottery, pewter, glass, jewellery, photography, textile art, delicious locally-produced food and drink, and much more. The tour coincides with Maple Weekend, so be sure to visit Fulton’s Sugar Bush and Pancake House too. Brochures are available online, at Fulton’s, the Pakenham General Store, throughout the village and beyond, and at any tour stop. Studios will be open from 10am to 5pm each day.

And the Award Goes to… Don Wiles! - theHumm February 2019

By Sally Hansen

Art… and Soul

theHumm is celebrating this awards season by commending Almonte’s beloved and esteemed Don Wiles for his interest in his community and the contributions he continues to make that enrich its cultural and intellectual life.

Journalists should never miss a chance to invite a nonagenarian to share their most treasured piece of advice. Soon to be 94, Dr. Wiles was momentarily surprised at my invitation, and then counseled, “Be interested.” He is a persuasive example of the wis......

Fall in Love with Local Art! - theHumm February 2019