"Jonathon Bancroft-Snell Gallery in London, Ontario, is like no other I have been to.It is filled with work from the top Canadian Ceramic Artists from across Canada.
I am always inspired every time I visit, and try to get there as often as I can.
Exhibition openings are not to be missed!
Yesterday a new shipment of my thin bowls arrived there, just in time for the holidays. My new satin turquoise and bronze-glazed pieces have been very popular. I am very pleased with my new matte charcoal pierced bowls with red accents. (See above photo)
Trust me...you want to see this place!"
Shane Norrie - visit his site here
6 comments:
Whether you are a professional artist, collector, or enthusiast, I would definitely recommend a visit to Jonathon's. My welcome to this scene was at the opening of the metalsmithing "Celebration" show, and what I was struck by (beyond the stellar metalwork) was the vibrant energy in the room at the opening-- the interplay of the artists and the public. Jonathon's is a dynamic gallery, a place where he assures us that we should all be proud to participate in the life of art. His openings are not to be missed.
Sara Washbush
Metalsmith and Eastern Regional Coordinator of the Ontario Crafts Council
What a great three days I spent in London to attend Jonathon’s two openings of “Celebration.” I especially enjoyed the style with which Jonathon helped us to celebrate Lois Betteridge’s birthday show. Instead of sterling silver behind glass, it was sterling silver to be viewed closely and with the help of white gloved ladies.
When not partying, I enjoyed the Delta London Armouries hotel with its historic restoration. Dinner at Fork in Museum London was also memorable for a beautiful cheese soufflé with greens. A visit to the Unversity of Western Ontario’s spacious campus and a walk through an elegant 19th century downtown neighbourhood completed the visit. It was a good change from the traffic of Toronto.
Anne Barros, Silversmith
WOW, what an opening, so many people! Jonathon and his team did an amazing job putting together the exhibitiion "Celebration". It was a brilliant touch to have white gloved models showing pieces up close to prospective collectors. Jonathon himself was kept hopping introducing the artists to his clientele. I was so impressed by his philosophy of creator-connector-collector and how he has instilled this concept in his patrons. I felt a special resonance with his idea that collectors enable artists to make a living while at the same time acting as conservators of the work! The Delta hotel was lovely and I really enjoyed strolling around downtown viewing the architecture. Visiting Nash's Jewellery store was a highlight with its interesting history and varied collection of estate jewellery shown by a staff that was knowledgeable and helpful. I had a great time seeing all the other metalsmiths, Thank You for making me feel embraced!
Charles Funnell, Silversmith
Jonathon!
A gem of a man, a gem of a place, a gem of a concept!
I arrived from Fredericton with the anticipation of a regular opening evening for the show I am involved in, "Celebration". I was glad that I would get to see my "metal mates" from all across Canada and most especially, Lois Etherington Betteridge my mentor.
What I hadn't anticipated was the gracious welcome that Jonathon and his staff would bestow upon us. Details for our visit were well looked after. We stayed at the Delta in very comfy beds and where the food is great. A suite was reserved so our group could get together and catch up on each others careers and plan other projects together.
The gallery is chock full of some of the most interesting pottery seen anywhere. Both Brian and Jonathon have a vast knowledge of the field both in historic and in contemporary context.
The central gallery where the silver show is hung has been painted a deep charcoal gray that showcases the dramatic qualities of the work. The room feels like a sacred place. The opening receptions were well attended by people and patrons who made us feel welcome by showing interest and curiosity about our work. I felt engaged and appreciated. This is one important step in the maker's cycle.
After three days in London in Jonathon's company felt a little sad to say goodbye to my friends old and new. I am looking forward to an ongoing connection with Jonathon. Both the man and the gallery.
When in London, make a point of visiting this amazing gallery.
The Delta is a half a block away. The restaurant I would highly recommend is MINT. This was a culinary treat. The owner is working the room with his staff. The menu is very original, well balanced and generous. The place and staff is not pretentious for a change. I had one of the finest meals of the year.
Try the calamari and black spaghetti. YUM
Brigitte Clavette-Silversmith, Fredericton, NB
Hello everybody
Brian here...
I would like to take some time to thank the following people for such a fabulous 3 days....
First and foremost on the list are the artists who have created such amazing work.
Second I'd like to thank the collectors who came to the see the show to show their support and interest in metal arts in Canada.
Third I'd like to than Jonathon for everything he does for the arts in Canada, no wonder I look up to him so much :)
Thanks Brian
Dear Jonathan and Brian thanks so much for the wonderful presentation of "Celebration", it was spectacular! The gracious hospitality to all the artists and guest was most appreciated. I quite enjoyed the tour of Nash's Jewellery, which brought back some fond memories for me as I worked in a similar store in my youth. I was very impressed with their contemporary collections, the family and staff were quite knowledgeable and welcoming. Kingsmill's vintage department store was also of great interest. Thanks for being such great hosts and spokesmen for the arts in Canada. Cheers Ken
Post a Comment