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Friday, August 21, 2009

Check out the neighbourhood!

We have been seeing a dramatic increase in the number of out-of-towners coming to see the gallery. Often people will drive down from Toronto for the day but we are also seeing people from Europe and all over North America. If you are considering making a trip to see th egallery maybe you'll also be interested in seeing some of my neighbours. The Innuit Gallery, now in their 26th year, is just around the corner. A great gallery still run by the original owners it is a pleasure to drop in and see their selection Currently they have a wonderful selection of wall hangings that is not to be missed. A gallery that  has been around so long that they still use the original spelling of Innuit with two n's! So often people interested in art are also interested in books and a few doors away is Attic Books, probably Ontario's largest antiquarian bookstore located in a wonderful period building. Three floors to tempt any bibliophile. For the Ian Fleming fan they have just acquired a first edition that uses the now-famous phrase 'shaken not stirred' for the first time. Anyone planning to stay over can contact me and get my code for the lovely London Delta Armouries and you'll receive a special rate. London has many wonderful restaurants but you can't beat cheap and cheerful at Scot's Corner for a good home cooked meal and a choice of 26 beers on tap. So when you come to London be prepared to do a few things. It's a nice place, you'll enjoy it....it is often thought of as Halifax without the water!

London's "SCENE MAGAZINE" gets it right!!!

I was more than thrilled to open up the August 13th-26th issue of SCENE magazine and find the "Art Beat" review by Amie Ronald-Morgan. Amie, from realms of notes, has distilled the essence of the current exhibitions and I would like you to see what she said.

HISTORY IN THE MAKING

Attention art lovers! Now is the time to pop into Jonathon Bancroft-Snell Gallery to experience one of the most significant exhibitions to come to London this year. Jonathon's is currently hosting two shows, the 25th Anniversary Exhibition of "Fired Up - Contemporary Works in Clay" and "In Memoria", an award winning collection of vessels never before seen outside of New Brunswick.

"Fired Up" showcases the work of 20 leading ceramic artists from British Colombia. It's an exciting chance to see and touch some wonderful pieces," explained Jonathon Bancroft-Snell. Participating artists includee Walter Dexter and Laurie Rolland. both members of the Royal canadian Academy. In Memoria consists of seven vessels by Brigitte Clavette. "The show was born out of the death of Brigitte's partner, " said Bancroft-Snell. "The pieces are associated with a love affair and the end of the journey through life."

The majority of the exhibition's featured artists were in attendance at the show's gala opening on August 6. The eevent was documented on video by Drew Stitt, host and producer of the TV show London Calling.

"Drew is passioante about London. I felt he would bring to the project the energy, enthusiasm, and talent needed to capture the event. So often we get excited about artists after they're gone: it's important historically and socially to document these people while they're alive and producing." said Bancroft-Snell. The project parks a first in a series of filmed artists interviews to be archived by the gallery.

Jonathon's has the distinction of having more Canadian comtemporary ceramics on display than any gallery - public or private - in the country. And there's never been a better time to collect, remarked Bancroft-Snell. " The avant garde in Canadian ceramics is only 50 years old and most of the late career artists are still alive, producing very accesible work." he said. "You are not just purchasing a bowl, a vase, a mug. You are purchasing the story of that piece's maker. For the collector, this exhibition is extraordinary, for the novice; this is the most amazing opportunity to see the finest work in Canada in one place."

As you can see Amie has done a great job capturing the essence of the exhibitions. Scene Magazine is a great place to check out what is happening in London in the arts. Particularly London's vibrant music scene. Check them out at http://www.scenemagazine.com

Thursday, August 20, 2009

"The Arctic" is coming to London!!!

Watch for details and perhaps some tantalizing glimpses of the new paintings that Jamie is working on for this year's blockbuster show "That Arctic". Jamie has just returned from Iqaluit and had an amazing time. He was overwhelmed with the warmth of the people and the hotbed of artistry he discovered in Nunavut. This is going to be an amazing show. We are working on a few surprises to really bring the north alive. Jamie's enthusiasm for the north has also sparked a long smouldering desire of mine to visit the north and we are planning a return visit in th espring. Stay tuned for lots of details about that as well!

Watch for The Arctic Show opening November 19th 2009

Jamie Jardine has just returned from Iqaluit, Nunavut filled with enthusiasm and inspiration for this year's exhibition. previous exhibitions have resulted in exhibitions featuring England, France, Italy, Saskatchewan, the Boreal Forest, Algonquin and, of course London, Ontario. Jamie is particularly excited about his recent trip to the north and has returned filled with enthusiasm and inspiration. November 19th will be the gala opening and it will be an exciting show. If past show are an indicator then this one should be a blockbuster!!!!