Pop Up Art exhibits are best seen live, but when you can’t make it or need to see them again, these virtual galleries are the next best thing.
Reflection
Salvage
Salvage exhibition
Pat Thurston, Rust Never Sleeps, Mixed media found objects set in resin
Linda Shulist, The Remains of the Day, Mixed media found objects
Wren Eleanor Crossland, Tim’s “Hello” Trash Hikers, Mixed media found objects (coffee cups, cup holders, trash tabloids, cardboard)
Anne Seck, Re-cycle, The Greener Way to Go, Mixed found objects (bicycle parts, glass)
Cameron Montgomery, Solar Punk Future City Meeting Place, Mixed media found objects (cardboard, tin, recycled plastics)
Bettina Baum, Fast Fashion, Plarn (upcycled plastic)
Layna Lubimiv, Kitchisippi Pimisi, The American Eel, Mixed Media Found Objects (plastics and wire)
James Smith, Truck Load of Scraps and Memories, Wood and found objects
Young Creative: Autumn Willetts, Fun Garbage Chocolate Choo Choo, Mixed Media (household recycling)
Salvage at Fifth Chute Coffee in Eganville
ARTifacts
During the summer of 2021, a group of artists visited some of the more than 20 museums across the Ottawa Valley, with a mission to find historical objects that spark inspiration. They were inspired by tea cups, a washboard, clock mechanisms, tools for mending, a mason jar, a butter churn, and a birch-bark basket. Through contemporary art, ARTifacts honours the intimate and vital role domestic objects play in our everyday lives. The exhibition explores the stories within hand-held domestic objects, and questions what happens to those stories once the objects are no longer in use.
ARTifacts Exhibition
ARTifacts Exhibition
ARTifacts Exhibition
Tanya Lyons.
Taking Care.
Flame-worked glass and found objects.
Inspired by a visit to the Logging Museum in Algonquin Park, Whitney.
Tanya Lyons.
Taking Care.
Flame-worked glass and found objects.
Inspired by a visit to the Logging Museum in Algonquin Park, Whitney.
Kathryn Bossy. Family Socks on the Line. Mixed media mosaic. Inspired by a visit to the Upper Ottawa Valley Heritage Centre, Pembroke and the Waba Cottage Museum, White Lake.
Michael Dombroskie. Washboard Tea Towel.
Acrylic and embossed paper on canvas.Inspired by a visit to the Polish Kashub Heritage Museum, Wilno.
Jennifer Anne Kelly.
Timeless.
Glass, copper, wood.
Inspired by a visit to the Canadian Clock Museum, Deep River.
Kelly MacLeod.
Preserved.
Conte Crayon.
Inspired by a visit to the Madonna House Pioneer Museum, Combermere.
Kathryn Bossy. Family Samplers. Mixed media mosaic. Inspired by a visit to the Upper Ottawa Valley Heritage Centre, Pembroke and the Waba Cottage Museum, White Lake.
Sylvia Tennisco.
The Birch-bark Basket.
Acrylic on Canvas.
Inspired by a visit to Manido Chiman Museum of Pikwàkanagàn.
Kathryn Bossy. Family Socks on the Line. Mixed media mosaic. Inspired by a visit to the Upper Ottawa Valley Heritage Centre, Pembroke and the Waba Cottage Museum, White Lake.
Heather MacMillan.
Spring Pasture, Transformed.
Wet and Needle Felting.
Inspired by a visit to the McDougall Mill Museum, Renfrew.
Kathryn Bossy. Family Socks on the Line. Mixed media mosaic. Inspired by a visit to the Upper Ottawa Valley Heritage Centre, Pembroke and the Waba Cottage Museum, White Lake.
Honouring Seniors
What is captured in the moment when a photograph is taken? Starting in the spring of 2020 and moving with the waves of the pandemic, photographic artist Maureen MacMillan created 50 portraits each capturing a moment in the diverse experiences of seniors living in the western Ottawa Valley.
Honouring Seniors Photographic Portraits is accompanied by a sound art compilation by Kathy Blomquist and Tristan Whiston .
Anastasia “Tessie” Whelan, Round Lake Centre, age 103. Tessie is sitting at home in Round Lake Centre. She was living on her own, in her own home, at 102 years of age.
Andrew “Della”
Dombroskie, Barry’s Bay, age 67 (1954-2022). Della at his homestead/farm
outside of Barry’s Bay. He passed away in January of 2022. He will be remembered for his big laugh, wide smile and kind, open heart.
Ann Pohl, Killaloe, age 71. A long-time activist, Ann is pictured here with some of the signs that
showcase the causes she’s been involved with over the years.
Betty Shalla, Barrys Bay, age 100. Sitting in her living room, Betty, a long-time lover of dancing and music, pulls out her fiddle to play us a tune.
Carl Kuehl, Killaloe, age 74. Carl sits with his son Jeff and grandson Dylan at the family hunt camp near Killaloe. Hunting is a long-standing family
tradition, passed down from generation to generation.
Cathy Lyons and Phil Godon, Golden Lake. Ages: Cathy 66, Phil 77. Photo taken in their wedding attire at
Shaw Woods. Phil and Cathy retired to this
area and spend their time volunteering for many community organizations.
Dan Harrington, Killaloe, age 73. Dan has lived in Killaloe all his life and once owned the Killaloe Hardware Store. Now retired, he spends his time volunteering in the
community he loves. This photo was taken on the bridge in Station Park.
Donnie Palubeskie, Barry’s Bay, age 75. Donnie is a long-time Barry’s Bay business owner, fiddle player and music teacher.
Doris Marquardt, Palmer Rapids, age 85. Doris is an active member of the local senior community in “downtown” Palmer Rapids.
Betty (Stewart) Hazelton, Killaloe, age 74. Betty stands in the doorway of the house where she first lived when she came to the area.
Ethel LaValley, Whitney, age 71. Ethel stands on the bridge that she crossed every day as a child in Whitney.
Frank Tettemer, Killaloe, age 73. Frank spent many years building and perfecting this garden and pond at his home in the Killaloe hills.
Joanna Yandernoll, Barry’s Bay, age 89 (1932-2021). Joanna was living in Barry’s Bay at the time of this photo. Joanna passed away in 2021. She was beloved by her family and all who knew her.
Carol and Joseph Van
Massenhoven, Brudenell. Ages: Carol 75, Joseph 83. Carol and Joseph at the farm and homestead they built from the ground up.
Linda Shulist, Wilno, age 66. Linda is outside of the Valley Manor, where she worked for many years before recently retiring. She is loving the freedom to pursue her many passions, like quilting.
Linda Sorensen, Wilno, age 69. Linda is at the Rockingham Church, which has long been a source of artistic inspiration for her.
Lynne Postill and Bruce Burnett, Killaloe. Ages: Lynne 80, Bruce 75. Lynne and Bruce met playing darts at the Wilno Tavern. Both are proud members and supporters of the Killaloe Lion’s Hall, where this photo was taken.
Marcella Kuehl, Killaloe, age 95. Marcella is at home crocheting a blanket, one of hundreds she has made for people in need. As well, many will attest that she makes the best pies in Killaloe.
Merita Etmanskie, Barry’s Bay, age 84. Merita had a career as a nurse, teaching and caring for others. She is currently retired and lives in Barry’s Bay.
Mary Margaret Kelly, Barry’s Bay, age 91. Once a nurse, always a nurse. Mary Margaret spent a lifetime as a nurse and was well respected in the nursing community.
Pat Foran, Killaloe, age 75. “I am an artist,” says Pat, at her home studio outside of Killaloe.
Pat Thurston, Killaloe, age 74. Pat, a local artist, is pictured here with one of her textile creations outside of her home and studio.
Red Hats: Pearl Smith, Shirley Davis, Liz Beasley and Donna Smith. The wild Red Hat women photographed in Barry’s Bay at Lakeshore Park.
Roberta Della-Pica, Eganville, age 66. Roberta, in the woods outside of her home at Lake Clear.
Joan and Robert
Archambault, Barry’s Bay. Ages: Joan 77, Robert 86. Joan and Robert sit together in the backyard of their apartment building in Barry’s Bay.
Sylvia Anne Hinrichsen, Wilno, age 73. Sylvia is known locally as a master gardener. She is pictured here in her Wilno gardens.
Glen Ford and Theresa Leandre, Barry’s Bay. Ages: Glen 71, Theresa 68. Theresa and Glen are the founders of the Hasanville Community, located outside of Barry’s Bay.
Terry and Patrice Walsh, Killaloe. Ages: Terry 74, Patrice 69. Terry and Patrice are at the homestead where they raised their family.
Yvonne Della-Pica, Eganville, age 93 (1928-2022). Yvonne at her home by Lake Clear. Yvonne passed away in January 2022. She will be long remembered for her adventurous spirit and love of life.
Dawn and Peter Cruchet, Palmer Rapids. Ages: Dawn 74, Peter 74. Dawn and Peter paddle along the Madawaska River in Palmer Rapids.
Corrine Groskleg, Golden Lake, age 77. Corrine works on a quilt. Each of her grandchilden has their own quilt, made with love by Corrine.
Dieter and Klaus Botz, Barry’s Bay and Killaoe. Ages: Dieter 67, Klaus 87
Two generations. Dieter and Klaus stand on Klaus’s property
in the hills of Killaloe.
Donna Smith, Barry’s Bay, age 82. Donna is a proud Red Hatter from Barry’s Bay. “A hat is an expression of a woman’s soul.” — Lily Doche
Ellen Musclow, Palmer Rapids, age 72. Ellen stands at the river that winds by her home in Palmer Rapids.
Ferne and Roger McElhinney, Killaloe. Ages: Ferne 77, Roger 79. Ferne and Roger, at Roger’s family homestead.
Fran Pinkerton, Killaloe, age 66. Fran stands in the water at Wadsworth Beach, a place that holds many fond memories of catching up with old friends.
Garnet Foster, Barry’s Bay, age 88. Garnet stands outside of Metro in Barry’s Bay. He took it upon himself to pick up garbage for many years in the downtown core. He’s known for his efforts to keep Barry’s Bay beautiful.
Johanna Zomers, Eganville, age 68. Johanna sits at Lake Dore and enjoys some quiet time writing. Joanna is a local author and also writes for the Eganville Leader.
Joyce Burkholder, Wilno, age 69. Joyce mid-bike ride in the Wilno hills.
Liz Beasley, Barrys Bay, age 74. Liz is a proud Red Hatter from Barry’s Bay. “Beneath every great hat is a great woman.” —?Red Hat Society.
Pearl Smith, Barry’s Bay, age 83. Pearl is a proud Red Hatter from Barry’s Bay. “Leave a little sparkle wherever you go.” — Red Hat Society
Raymond D. Nicholls
and Linda Splaine, Killaloe. Ages: Raymond 84, Linda 73. Raymond and Linda at home with their beloved pets, Babe the dog and Boo the cat.
Charles Belair, Barry’s Bay, age 77. Charles brings the Christmas
spirit to his Barry’s Bay community every day of the year.
Gloria Marrujo, Barry’s Bay, age 70. Gloria, a designer by trade, helped
design bomb suits, and later worked at Black Water Designs in Foymont. She now lives in Barry’s Bay.
Lloyd and Irene Tennant, Palmer Rapids. Ages: Lloyd 81, Irene 81. Lloyd and Irene in their home. Lloyd says when he first laid eyes on Irene, “She was the most beautiful girl in the room.”
Lesley MacDonald and
Peter Ritchie, Combermere. Ages: Ledley 69 , Peter 67. Peter and Lesley sit in the stone garden (complete with stone oven), that Peter built.
Shirley Davis, Combermere, age 83. Shirley is a proud Red Hatter from Combermere.
Here she is photographed at the lakeshore in Barry’s Bay. “Good friends and a Red Hat, life don’t get much better than that!” —Anon
Aurelia Skebo and Betty
Mullin, Killaloe. Ages: Aurelia 93, Betty 85. Sisters Aurelia and Betty sit outside of their family homestead, where Betty was born.
Ursula R. Golka, golden Lake, age 86. Ursula is on a swing outside of her
apartment. She originally wanted the photo taken with her husband, but he passed away shortly before we had a chance to get together. This photo represents her love for her husband and family.
William “Billy” O’Malley, Brudenell, age 74. William standing on his family farm outside of Brudenell.
The Story Behind The Portraits
A Picture Is Worth 1,000 Words
Split Second
People and Place
In collaboration with 51 creative people from across the Ottawa Valley, artist Genevieve Townsend has created a mixed media tapestry exploring the intersection between people and place in the Ottawa Valley.
The quilt as a whole. Fifty-one Ottawa Valley creative people collaborated to create this quilt, designed and coordinate by Genevieve Townsend.
Names of people who created each square.
Arlene Goldie, fabric
Emma Manchester, needle felting
Amanda Urbanski, embroidery
Tamara Gibson, needle felting
Genevieve Townsend, embroidery
Mary Crnkovich, leather
Lesley MacDonald, wool knitting
Arlene Goldie, fabric
Sarah Tamosetis, fabric
Anya Gansterer, embroidery
Kristen Callaghan, needle felting with beads
Linda Shulist, fabric and buttons
Lianne Shea, embroidery
Fran Murphy, embroidery
Tanya Lyons, fabric with glass
Michelle Robichaud, fabric and embroidery
Roberta Della Picca, needle felting
Heather McMillan, needle felting
Grady Franey, needle felting
Val and Chris Hinsperger, embroidery, buttons, felt and sea glass
Genevieve Townsend and Michelle Robichaud, embroidery
Jane Corbett, fabric with embroidery and buttons
Catherine Timm, fabric
Stephanie Keon, embroidery with felt
Roberta Della Picca, felt with ribbons, crochet and buttons
Suzanne Dunford, fabric
Linda Archibald, embroidery
Alexa Fretz, embroidery
Meg Wallace, fabric
Val Hinsperger, embroidery with fabric and buttons • Eric Saumur, embroidery • Roberta Della Picca, embroidery
Gwen Stewart, embroidery
Jo-anne Caldwell, embroidery
Genevieve Townsend, needle felting and embroidery
Joanne Sharp, wet and needle felting
Cheryl Kauffeldt, needle felting
Gwen Stewart, needle felting
Christine Luckasavich, beadwork
Shirley Hill, embroidery
Shannon Zehr, fabric with crochet, paint, buttons and ribbon
Kathryn Spooner Bossy, embroidery with beadwork
Ashley Prince, embroidery
Anna MacDonald, needle felting
Catharine Colotelo, wet felting
Peggy Bridgland, needle felting
Cameron Montgomery, needle felting
Bev Swrjeski, needle and wet felting
Genevieve Townsend, needle felting with embroidery
Belinda Gilman, embroidery with felt
Donna Wikkens, mixed media
Patricia Thurston, fabric
Wendy Milne,
wet and needle felting
Megan Spencer, embroidery
Michelle Parsons, embroidery
Jana Tamosetis, embroidery and buttons
People and Place activity, part of the installation
People and Place activity, part of the installation
People and Place book, created by Genevieve Townsend
People and Place book, created by Genevieve Townsend
People and Place book, created by Genevieve Townsend
Tree Story
Ottawa Valley Artists were invited to explore human relationships with trees and imagine the stories they might share.
Wish You Were Here
Postal art. All of these postcards came through the mail. You can still contribute! Click here for details.
Miss Wanda Foster, For Ma
Anne Seck, Wish you were here in April
Anne Seck, Wish you were here in January
Anne Seck, Wish you were here in March
Anne Seck, Wish you were here in February
Anne Seck, Wish you were here in December
Anne Seck, Wish you were here in November
Anne Seck, Wish you were here in October
Anne Seck, Wish you were here in September
Anne Seck, Wish you were here in August
Anne Seck, Wish you were here in July
Anne Seck, Wish you were here in June
Anne Seck, Wish you were here in May
Linda Archibald, Wish You Were Here! Internal Landscape 1 "Go, go, go, said the bird: human kind cannot bear very much reality" TS Eliot, Burnt Norton, Ink + watercolour on rice paper, collaged
Linda Archibald, Internal Landscape II: Wish You Were Here January 2021, Month 10 of the pandemic "... a lull is not just an occupational problem. It is an emotional, intellectual and existential one as well." Kyo MacLear, Birds, Art, Life
Jo-anne Caldwell, Meet me in the meadow below the mountains and we will swim in the river
Anna Camilleri
Anna Camilleri
Anna Camilleri
Cedar
Abigail Clapper
Catharine Colotelo, Wet felted piece made with merino wool. Dragonfly — the dragonflies emerge in the spring hungry for mosquitos. Wish you were here: In the spring, especially one with lots of rain, I wish for dragonflies to show up early. When the dragonflies come then the number of pesky mosquitos is greatly reduced making being outdoors much more pleasant.
Jane Corbett, Golden Lake Swimming - My favourite summer pastime
Jane Corbett, We Are Here - Remember to share the beauty with other creatures
Jane Corbett, He's a good fellow - Celebrating a Canadian outdoorsman
Cora Pope-Townsend, Aug 4, 2021, age 7
Clem Cristoff, A pencil sketch of a beautiful woman I have shared 40 years of my life with
Clem Cristoff, The last verse of my poem "My River, My Love"
Tattyjannah Dashney, Narwhal jumping out of the ocean - Wish you were here
Tattyjannah Dashney, In my tree house
TJ Dashney, Wish you were here in the ocean
TJ Dashney, In the mountains
TJ Dashney, In the water
TJ Dashney, In the water
TJ Dashney, Drinking a milk shake
Emmara
Emmara
Emmara
Beth Goddard, "Miss You" Post offices don't stamp any more. They just scribble
Chelsea Gunner, Wish you were here in Canada
Maya Heringa, Wish you were here. This Safari is magical, animals are free to roam and folks are very friendly. Love and courage from Maya
Maya Heringa, Wish you were here! The need to meditate is very strong after a hectic journey to reach this tranquil spot.
Maya Heringa, Wish you were here. This part of America is so very wonderful to discover! Love from Maya
Maya Heringa
Maya Heringa, Wish you were here. Canada is so diverse, interesting and peaceful. A vast and
Maya Heringa, Wish you were here! The great wall of china is...GREAT! Very exciting trip so far. Food is very tasty. Hugs from Maya
Maya Heringa, Wish you were here... Peace, love, serenity. All are within — Namaste, Maya (open your heart)
Maya Heringa, Wish you were here.. The pyramids, desert, culture, the Nile, food, music, sents, and tranquility of free heart. Magnificent. From Maya
Maya Heringa, Wish you were here! The flute playing in the Andes are magnificent! Whew! Your friend Maya
Maya Heringa, Wish you were here, magnificent mountians, water falls, climbing the rocks to serenity. Hush from Maya
Maya Heringa, Wish you were here at the North Pole! Filled with angles, snowflakes and polar bears. Warm hugs from Maya
Shirley Hill, I ? rainbows!
Shirley Hill, Junk mail makes a good medium.
Chris Hinsperger, The back of my head shaved and painted for a Movember fundraiser! (Aritist Kayla Weeks)
Chris Hinsperger, Art Mural: a collaboration between the Bonnechere Cawest and Artist Chris Pettzer.
Tracy Joyce, Peaceful Forest
Tracy Joyce, Hills in the Distance
Tracy Joyce, A Day at the Beach
Tracy Joyce, Watchful Lighthouse
Tracy Joyce, Italian Strolling
Tracy Joyce, Missing Mykonos
Tracy Joyce, Beneath the Surface
Tracy Joyce, Sunny Meadows
Tracy Joyce, Strolling in St. Johns
Eva Kaczkowski
Eva Kaczkowski
Ada Langer, Holiday Sunrise First
Brenna Leamen, My best friend is moving away this is like us holding onto each other.
Tanya Lyons, Aug 5, 2021 Beach Dreaming... Wish You Were Here
Joanne Mitchell, The former chicken coop is my favourite outbuilding on our waba creek farm and represents all the family and friends that we wish we could visit — some departed, some far away, and all of those alive subject to pandemic restrictions. Hope to see them soon!
Manon Myers
Manon Myers
Manon Myers
Manon Myers
Kristen Myra, I thought that a cat would be a good fit for this because cats are never alone.
Nathaniel Pope, Aug 4, 2021, Airplane
Mina Pope-Townsend, "The Woods" Mina is thinking of Auntie and wanting to go to Canada. Age 5
Lynne Postall, Sorry you missed this year. Hope you can come next year to the Wilno Chicken Supper.
Lynne Postall, Aug 5, 2021 Missing you! Love Lynne
Lynne Postall, My family couldn't come to my birthday owing to COVID. Wish you were here! Love Mam
Lynne Postall, Aug 5, 2021, Wish you were here ... Lynne
Nancy Quinlan, On The Madawaska
Nancy Quinlan, Through the Village
Nancy Quinlan, At the Lake
Madison Reinert
Carol Robertson, Wish you were here
Carol Robertson
Carol Robertson
Carol Robertson
Carol Robertson
Carol Robertson
Roxy Sipes
Micheal Seguin
L. Shea
L. Shea
Jenna Shewen
Linda Shulist, Postcard created using paper scraps and ephemera left on my work table at the end of a day of crafting, collaging and card-making.
T.M Smith, Feb 10, 1955 Hello Ellen, I'm hosting a quilting bee to quilt a wedding ring quilt pattern quilt for George and Emily for thier wedding present. Everyone is coming to help neighbours, friends, cousins, granny, aunties, and others. Wish you were here to help. Love as always Mom - Mrs Ellen Brawley, RR#3 Alice Springs, Australia S89675
Megan Spencer & Cedar Martyn
Bee Rock Steady, An homage to those lost, in everyway.
Sharolyn Townsend, Sitting in my rainbow hammock, looking at peach blossoms, wishing the pandemic were over so Genevieve (my sister) can visit.
Frank Tettemer, Bloodroot Flower and Leaves
Frank Tettemer, "Trout Lily" From the rocky hill of maples
Frank Tettemer, This early spring flower makes me happy!
Frank Tettemer, "Spring Beauties" I accidentally sent the drawing to my granddaughter. This is a home-made photo copy. The original is in Toronto.
Frank Tettemer, "Wild Plum Fantacy"
Frank Tettemer, "Winter Spruce Bog" After drawing this bog least week, with Autumn colour I brought the scene up to date
Frank Tettemer, "Purdy Hills and Tom's Lookout"
Frank Tettemer, "Red Water Lily" from a pond near Combermere
Frank Tettemer, "Blue Flag", A wild iris from the pond
Frank Tettemer, "Schulist Lake Bog Opulent October"
Pat Thurston, In the Birch Woods
Pat Thurston, Dear Love — Just gorgeous scenery - Such Beauty - Wish you were here - See you soon P. The Magical Hills
Pat Thurston, Dear Loves — we are having a lovely holiday. Everything is so beautiful here. Wish you were here. See you soon - P Along the Opeongo Line
Pat Thurston, Sending Ravens - Urgent!
Genevieve Townsend, My sister and little nieces live in Northern California so I've been unable to go visit for two years now. I'd never before missed a year since they were born.
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Violet
B. Waite
Duncan Wilson
Wren, Wish you, wind in my sails, were here.
Wren, You. High in the sky with clouds floating by, and ME
Wren, Peace on the pond. Wish You Were Here
Good Ancestor
To hide/show captions, click anywhere on the image. Artist: Battina Baum
To hide/show captions, click anywhere on the image. Artist: Roberta Della Picca
To hide/show captions, click anywhere on the image. Artist: Lesley MacDonald
To hide/show captions, click anywhere on the image. Artist: Tamara Gibson
To hide/show captions, click anywhere on the image. Artist: Mary Anne Harrison
To hide/show captions, click anywhere on the image. Artist: Jessie Vaive
To hide/show captions, click anywhere on the image. Artist: Tanya Lyons
To hide/show captions, click anywhere on the image. Artist: Jim Smith
To hide/show captions, click anywhere on the image. Artist: Megan Spencer
To hide/show captions, click anywhere on the image. Artist: Jeanette Desorges-Pyoli
To hide/show captions, click anywhere on the image. Artist: Catharine Colotello
To hide/show captions, click anywhere on the image. Artist: Jane Christie
To hide/show captions, click anywhere on the image. Artist: Catherine Timm
To hide/show captions, click anywhere on the image. Artist: Steph Park
Welcome To My World
To hide/show captions, click anywhere on the image. Shanti McPhee, Killaloe. Hidden Hearth: The world I retreat to when faced with the unknown is a place where I feel the darkness, uncertainty and isolation together with the comforts and connection that carry me through my challenges. I dwell in a cave surrounded by thorn and bramble. Deep in the heart of the cave there is the light and warmth of my own fire. Everything I need is here.
To hide/show captions, click anywhere on the image. Debbie Montgomery, Pembroke, Past Life Present
To hide/show captions, click anywhere on the image. Eppo Van Houten, Deep River. Paperclip People: When I was sent home this spring I spent a lot of time in my studio working on all sorts of creative things, from sewing to working on my boat, drawing, writing and hanging out with paperclip people. The paperclip people first entered my life a few years ago when I started a job that left me feeling devoid of creative stimulation. I worked the nightshift and started making little paperclip people in different situations for people to find the next day. Now they have found their way into an art exhibition!
To hide/show captions, click anywhere on the image. Eppo Van Houten, Deep River, Paperclip People
To hide/show captions, click anywhere on the image. Debbie Montgomery, Pembroke. Past Life Present: Early memories, beloved people, creating hands, laughter, love! Past and present lives, woven together… Creative inspiration, Soul soothing, Spirit building, Feeling their love once more by re-imagining, reusing, remaking, recreating… Seeing their talents, listening to their voices, hearing their stories one more time.
A moment and place of peace; Embracing nature, arts, love, identity, memories in the cabin on the water, MYSELF! Bathing in the past, Longing, dancing, flowing, Feeling their warmth and light surrounding my soul… As abstract passions, Marry textures, colours, rhythms, time and light, They join together, Creating hope in my inner space — welcome to my world!
To hide/show captions, click anywhere on the image. Stephanie Keon-Pinkerton, Eganville. Hearth Keeper: My dual roles of mother and teacher require me to keep an eye on the emotional well-being of all the young people in my life. This vigilance requires time to rest, cry and process. I hold their worries and tears. I whisper reassurance, remind them of joy and create a safe place for them to rest in the midst of this pandemic. For me, living “in isolation” is a desire for actual isolation. I escape to an inner world where I am all alone with enough time for my thoughts to quieten, where being is more important than having or doing. It’s not a place to stay forever, but is always available when I want to deeply rest and dream, and refill the well from which I draw love.
To hide/show captions, click anywhere on the image. Stephanie Keon-Pinkerton, Eganville, Hearth Keeper
To hide/show captions, click anywhere on the image. Sylvia Tennisco, Pikwakanagan. Tennisco Studio: Welcome to Tennisco Studio, named after my grandpa Billy Tennisco, whose land I live on.
During this time of uncertainty, I have spent countless hours at my
kitchen table painting and creating art objects. A creative person’s
journey can start anywhere and end up in the most interesting spaces. I imagine a world where the artwork I create in my kitchen is exhibited in a beautiful Algonquin art gallery located here on Algonquin Territory. My little gallery, Tennisco Studio, presents my Algonquin culture and its unique contribution to art history. Spending time at Tennisco Studio gives me peace of mind and a warm feeling in hanging around with some of my ancestors.
To hide/show captions, click anywhere on the image. Sylvia Tennisco, Pikwakanagan, Tennisco Studio
To hide/show captions, click anywhere on the image. Bridget Haworth, Brudenell, Lasting at Home
To hide/show captions, click anywhere on the image. Bridget Haworth, Brudenell. Lasting at Home: It is said that our inner world is reflected onto the outer world and that the only thing we have the power to change is within our own selves. This concept has led me to the question, “What must I accomplish within myself that will reflect as heaven outside of me?” The butterfly shows the accomplishment of inner change as it emerges from a torus. The torus, a donut shaped pattern, shows that the direction of change is from the inside to the outside and brings validity to why the inner world must be heaven before it can be recognized on the outside. The arrangement of items and images reflects the building of heaven on this tiny piece of earth that I call home.
To hide/show captions, click anywhere on the image. Wren Crossland, Killaloe, Embraced
To hide/show captions, click anywhere on the image. Wren Crossland, Killaloe. Embraced: When faced with the unknown I ‘go to ground’. I snuggle down in a secure place that warms my soul and helps me reconnect with Mother Earth. Sometimes I find this place in my hammock, or snuggling with a cherished pet, surrounded by the soothing sounds of laughing water, rustling leaves, birdsong. Other times I find this place while digging in the garden, moving rocks, witnessing new green growth; or deep in the woods as I soak up heady scents of cedar, birch and pine with my face to the sun and whispering wind. And always. Always. This place lives deep in a childhood memory: nestled down in my small, rustic, self-made, higgledy-piggledy treehouse. Feeling cocooned and protected by strong limbs of ancient trees.
To hide/show captions, click anywhere on the image. Genevieve Townsend, Eganville. Haven: Since March of 2020, I found my mind obsessing about three main things: food security, hugging folks again, and creating art as an antidote to fear. Through gardening and art-making, I calmed myself to a place where I knew we were all still connected even in our physical isolation.
The mediums I chose for this piece are ones I use to relax and be creative, especially when feeling anxiety and depression. Creating art is my way of calming my mind and working through strong emotions.
Haven is a depiction of my inner mind - dreaming up movement and creating things to play with, explore, and ultimately help to personally comprehend the reality of the pandemic.
To hide/show captions, click anywhere on the image. Paula La Pierre, Pembroke. Your Life as a Chapter in a Long Living Story: When I face the unknown, I rely on my knowledge of my intergenerational family experience, especially how women in my heritage found strength and courage. I know that as a biological being I am a product of previous generations and a series of combined experiences, decisions and impacts. I try to look at my current circumstances through a lens remembering the challenges of the past, and what we overcame, to bring us to this place, this time, this lesson. Central to that survival has always been a celebration of life and its relationship to our natural waterways. The Ottawa River in Pembroke holds special significance to me.
To hide/show captions, click anywhere on the image. Paula La Pierre, Pembroke, Your Life as a Chapter in a Long Living Story
