Almonte’s Sivarulrasa Gallery is delighted to present three shows in August. The exhibitions run August 1 to September 4. Everyone is invited to two receptions: an Artists Reception for Michael Pittman and Barbara Gamble on August 1 from 2–4pm, and an Opening Reception for the Noreen Young Exhibition on August 2 from 3–5pm.
Michael Pittman: Dark Lands and Distant Shores will run in Gallery I. The exhibition features a new body of work by the Newfoundland-based artist, inspired by his recent residency at a former military installation in Donegal, Ireland. “Much of my work for the past two decades has been informed by a relationship with the physical environment and culture of Newfoundland and Labrador,” he says. “This preoccupation, in fact, began during my studies in Ireland nearly twenty years ago.” The artist draws many parallels between the harsh coastal environment in both locations, and the resilience of residents in the face of adversity. While acknowledging his status as a “visitor”, his explorations delve into regional folklore and economic hardships, uncovering the secret narratives and hidden histories which inform regional identity.
Barbara Gamble: Enchantment will run in Gallery III, featuring 8 works in oil and wax by the Ottawa-based artist. “During the evolution of a painting, I become enchanted when the synergy of subject, imagination, and materials align,” she explains. “The intense spell of creation continues until ultimately, the image exists as a unique presence.” Barbara Gamble has made interpretive landscape paintings for over 45 years. Her works are influenced by experience, actions, and concerns related to the natural world. Her oil painting process involves the multi-layering of coloured waxes to create luminous surfaces. The resulting dimensional surfaces enhance the light and contrast found in nature.
Noreen Young: Drawings and Illustrations will run in Gallery II. This is a special fundraiser exhibition presented by Sivarulrasa Gallery and Puppets Up! in support of the Noreen Young Award for the Arts. The exhibition presents a curated selection of 38 works on paper, created by the late artist Noreen Young (b. 1939, Ottawa, Ontario; d. 2025) during her formative explorations in art, when she was known as Noreen Brathwaite, attending Glebe High School in Ottawa and then the Ontario College of Art in Toronto from 1959–60. Four works from the 1960s to 1980s are also included in the show. The estate of Noreen Young has donated the works for sale and Sivarulrasa Gallery is donating its time and services, so that all proceeds (other than sales tax) from the sale of these works will go to the Noreen Young Award for the Arts. The exhibition celebrates Noreen Young’s enduring legacy.
Sivarulrasa Gallery is located at 34 Mill Street in Almonte. For more information, please call 256–8033 or visit sivarulrasa.com.
