Artist’s talk will close fantastic creatures display at Arbor Gallery this Sunday, October 23

On the last day of her show Chimerical Creatures: How We See Each Other and Other Myths, visual artist Barb Lougheed will share her thoughts and process with the audience, this Sunday, October 23.

“For this talk, we have opted for an interview circle, which allows a more intimate connection with people present and a fluid, interactive conversation with the artist,” explains Sylvie Bouchard, gallery director.

Seasoned artist Barb Lougheed studied at the Ottawa School of Art, the Montreal Visual Center, Algonquin College and the Haliburton School of the Arts. She started making art in 2001 and since 2012, has shown her artwork in numerous solo and group shows, including at the City of Ottawa’s public galleries.

“The creatures in these bright portraits are almost completely abstracted,” notes Lougheed, “with their ‘personalities’ communicated through line, colour and texture.”

“By using imaginary creatures, I have removed the usual biases we tend to bring to our appraisals of our fellow humans so that the assessment process is unmoored,” she continues. “We must work harder to arrive at conclusions instead of making snap judgments.”

People who wish to attend this conversation can sign up at the gallery or just walk in. The talk is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 23. Light refreshments will be served.

Photo contest winners, and marionettes

• Until Sunday, October 23, the best pictures and winners of the BMA Photography Contest are on display at the gallery.
• Returning to the gallery, the Mueller sisters, visual artists, will display their artwork under the title The 4-Sisters, with a vernissage on October 29.
• On Sunday, November 6, at 3 p.m., artist Mary Vuorela will present Table Top Stories, a marionette theater show that is sure to please children of all ages. Admission is free. The show runs about 25 minutes, and will be followed with Q&A. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Christmas shopping is in the air

Starting November 12-13, Pop Up Shops are back at the gallery, with talented artists/artisans offering their creations during weekends.

“We still have some availability for vendors, including for Saturday, November 19 – when we are part of the BMA Christmas Porch Tour,” says Bouchard. “This is prime time, as a lot of out-of-town visitors are expected to come to Vankleek Hill to do their Christmas shopping.”

Exceptionally, November 19 is rented as a one-day pop up, allowing for artist talk with 4-Sisters on Sunday, November 20.

Arbor Gallery is located at 36 Home Avenue, in the heart of Vankleek Hill. The gallery is open Wednesday to Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Find out more about programming and events on Arbor Gallery’s Facebook page, website or Twitter, or by subscribing to the gallery’s newsletter at www.arborgallery.org or by email at [email protected].