Hey! David here again. Thanks for subscribing, and welcome back to The Corner! Each month, we’ll bring you the latest updates on what’s happening at the gallery, along with highlights from the vibrant arts scene in Haliburton County and the big wide world. Whether it’s upcoming exhibitions, local events, or noteworthy trends in the artscape, we’ve got you cornered. I mean, covered.
“And where’s your work?” people often ask when they visit me here at the gallery. I realize that I lie to most of them by saying that I don’t have any. Well, a friend of mine recently pointed out that, though my work my not be visible *in* the gallery, it’s now visible on Google Maps. Yep. Check it out. Right there in the window on the right. And, check it out next time you’re driving by. But, pull over, okay? This corner causes enough screaming-out-of-open-windows-at-people-who-don’t-know-it’s-not-a-four-way-stop already.
With how infrequently Maps gets updated, my painting might be there forever. Wow. Immortalized.
Stay cool, cats. And come visit.
David Partridge Curator Corner Gallery, Haliburton
INSIDE THIS MONTH
unPROMPTed
Artist of the Month
In the Highlands This Month
Work of the Month
Get Interested!
Go Ahead, Inspire Me
unPROMPTed!
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!
You folks are ridiculous. And I love you for it. I tell you this section is leaving us forever because no one is participating and you come out in droves, pitchforks in hand, to burn the witch who’s taking it from you. Well, fine. You win. I’m burnt. It stays. And honestly, I’m glad for it! It always seemed like a fun idea to me! And I love getting personal and artsy emails, so we all win here.
This month, your word is Capacity.
Got the capacity for it? With your busy summer schedule? Poor thing. Do I need to threaten to take this section away again?!
Check out last months entries below for the word End.
END
Alex Isbister:
End right now means sobriety, an end to gaiety, frivolity. It’s an end to democracy, an end to convenience and presumptuousness. It’s an end to, “Of course”.
End means the start of work, of wanting to but having to pay attention, be aware, step carefully. It means making it normal to unpack the normal, to decode convention.
End means the beginning of art, a reaching with uncertainty to connect dots that are not quite seen, only suggest themselves in the eye of the mind, get clarified only as they are marked with each note or stroke or word or beat of the drum.
End is the launching point of each moment into what’s up now.
Theresa Godin (who asked a very good question: Can we submit older work that still fits the description of the prompt? YES! Absolutely.)
Gaia Orion (photo right):
I am writing on the last day of a road trip to Lake Superior. For your theme END, I am submitting this photo I took a few days ago. The horizon, where water and sky meet, seems to glow. I get the sense that this is how the END of life will feel like: a serene transition to new adventures.
Holly Hutchison (photo right):
When apathy control doubt danger disconnection frustration lassitude palter end Connection determination hope gratitude pride recognition safety success begins.
ARTIST OF THE MONTH: BARBARA HART
Barbara is a powerhouse. A very skilled musician, a brilliant painter, a hilarious firecracker. She’s got it all. I can’t help but notice how many artists come into the gallery and choose her works as their favourites. Whatever it is you got, the people want it, Barbara! Check her out.
Arts & Labour: Garrett Gilbart: Hosted at Rails End Gallery: Exhibition dates: June 20 – August 28. Arts & Labour brings together Garrett Gilbart’s deep respect for metalwork with a keen awareness of how making has changed in the age of machines.Through his use of found metal objects (in this exhibition car body parts) —a material often associated with strength, permanence, and machinery—Gilbart invites us to think about the value of labour, both past and present. His hand cut motifs resonate with the spirit of the Arts and Crafts Movement, which championed the handmade in response to industrialization, and connects to the craft movement across Canada.
Guided Tours of the Sculpture Forest: Every Tuesday in July and August at 10 a.m. you can gather at the kiosk in the Fleming College parking lot and join a guided tour of the forest. Wear comfortable walking shoes or regret not to have. Tours are held rain or shine and can take up to 2 hours. Tours are free but donations are greatly appreciated.
Artist Talks at HSAD: Every Wednesday from 4:45 to 6pm. Get inspired by thought-provoking presentations from instructors, alumni, and guest speakers. Free and open to all, these weekly sessions bring insight into the creative process and contemporary practice. It’s also in the coolest building in the county. So, you know. Just go.
Art on the Dock: Hop on over to Kenissis Lake and check out the art on July 19th+20th. Artists display on their docks, outdoor spaces, decks, often inside cottages, in lofts or in their garage. If you can attend by boat, it’s the most fun. Get yourself a friend on that lake if you don’t have one already. Just make sure they’re not busy on July 19th, so the effort isn’t wasted.
Haliburton Arts and Crafts Festival: July 25th, 26th + 27th. A three day open air Art Festival in Head Lake Park. Featuring 80 Artists and Artisan who come from across the region and other parts of Ontario and Quebec; ceramics, glass, wood, home and cottage decor, fashion and accessories, garden art and more! Bring sunscreen and dollars, people!
Don’t see your event here? No problem! Email me next time, silly.
WORK OF THE MONTH:
Mindful by Marissa Sweet
Marissa brought this painting in and before she could even describe it as a “departure” from her recognizable style, a few of us here had already tagged it as our favourite of her collection. Never stop exploring! It’s incredible what’s hiding in there!
I know…it’s challenging to find the right piece for your home. What looks great in the gallery might not look so good at home. The colour, the size, the subject matter, the style; it all needs to be taken into account, and that can be a lot.
Well, that’s where I come in!
I’d be delighted to stop by with a selection of paintings for you to look at – as well as ideas about other artworks we have access to that might be perfect. We can discuss what works for you, and why. Think of it like your own personal art shopper.
There’s no obligation to buy anything – and people say I’m very relaxed and friendly. I just love the art that we have here in the gallery and want to share it.
Respond to this email and let’s chat!
GET INTERESTED!
The author of this article used AI several years ago to publish an essay called Ghosts. It was anthologized in Best American Essays and was adapted for This American Life. It’s the most celebrated writing the author has ever produced…and now, she’s torn about it. I think this topic is truly fascinating. Where do you land? Read the article about it here!
What does humanity have in common with the White Ibis? Is it maybe that they’re now known as the Dumpster Chicken? Anyway, very cool lesson in this 10 minute video. Do the same thing, over and over. Get great at it. Is that a new concept? Not one bit. What might be interesting, however, is what the artist discovers in the process. What started as excited momentum quickly changed to absolute boredom, which lead to a discovery that changed the artist’s life forever. Worth a watch!
12-2pm! There’s a seat for you. Maybe. It’s getting pretty crowded. Bring comfortable crocs just in case.
GO AHEAD, INSPIRE ME
I’ll take music, joy, soul, creative work, passion and home, thanks.
If you’re so inclined, read a Hermann Hesse boy, folks. Siddhartha, Demian or Steppenwolf. Those are my recommendations. If you do, let’s talk about them. Holler at me!
