The best visual art in Glengarry was on display on Friday, April 11 and Saturday, April 12, and the fan favourite featured a timely subject.
The 2025 edition of The Big Show, presented by members of the Collectif d’artistes Glengarry Artist’s Collective (CAGAC) featured 122 works by 34 artists who live in both North and South Glengarry.
The numerous paintings and sculptures using a variety of media and subject matter showcased the broad range of creativity among the community of local artists.
Visitors to the event had the opportunity to vote by secret ballot for the artwork to receive the People’s Choice Award. The winner was a painting of the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Artist Olga Harhaj was born in Canada but is of Ukrainian heritage. She moved from Lachine to South Lancaster in 2020. Harhaj was inspired to paint a portrait of Zelenskyy after witnessing the argumentative meeting the Ukrainian leader had with Donald Trump and J.D. Vance at the White House on February 28. Harhaj said she thought Zelenskyy deserved respect after the ordeal and decided to paint a portrait of him. She used a news photograph and changed the background.
The result is an exceptionally vivid and defined portrait of Zelenskyy that shows his determination as the leader of a country at war, and the mental and physical effects of leadership through conflict. Harhaj completed the oil painting just three weeks before The Big Show.
CAGAC Secretary-Treasurer Yvonne Callaway remarked how the diversity and quality of the art on display at The Big Show had evolved for the 2025 event.
The Big Show was held at the Community Living Glengarry building in Alexandria. The show also included about 20 artworks created by individuals who benefit from Community Living Glengarry’s services.
Photos: James Morgan
