Opening Reception

Date: February 16, 2024
Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm *Opening remarks at 7:00pm
Cost: Free!

Join us at the MacLaren Art Centre for an Inspiring Evening of Art and Celebration!

We are excited to invite you to an inspiring showcase of four distinct exhibitions, each offering a profound insight into different cultural and artistic perspectives.

Labours of Love: This exhibition features the intricate beadwork of artists Barry Ace, Catherine Blackburn, and Justine Woods. Their beaded garments and adornments, rich in cultural knowledge and history, blend traditional practices with personal narratives. Each piece is a testament to the enduring art of beadwork and its evolving language across generations.

Utopian Aesthetic: This exhibition addresses the process by which different cultures approach each other as a result of travel and communication. Sidestepping identity to focus on transnational experiences and aesthetics, the work relates the ways in which culture is exported and diffused into nations. The possibilities and limitations of the exchanging of ideas, meanings and values is centered while questioning concepts of authenticity and authorship.

Canvas for Change: This group exhibition, under the guidance of Toronto-based artist Ashante Blackwood, showcases the creativity of regional Black youth. Organized in partnership with Making Change, Shak’s World Community Centre, and Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library, it’s a vibrant reflection of young artistic talent and vision.

Andrew Trudeau: Drawing Georgian Bay: Discover the unique world of Andrew Trudeau through his drawings, which range from hand-crafted boats to intricate environmental and animal relationships. Trudeau’s work, rooted in his Métis heritage and life experiences in Georgian Bay, offers a rare glimpse into a life intimately connected with nature and tradition.

Come immerse yourself in the vibrant art community, engage with the artists, and enjoy an evening filled with creativity and inspiration. The opening promises to be an unforgettable experience for art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.