Artswatch
Allison Collins
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Mud Flap Girl Skeleton by Kate Barry (ink on paper, 21" x 26")
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Applauding Hintonburg's burgeoning art scene
Rather than comparing Hintonburg's burgeoning arts scene to any other place in the city, I'll simply applaud it. This weekend saw two more leaps of faith (a.k.a. new art galleries) open to welcoming crowds, with all the expected pizzazz and people at their parties. The first to open its doors was Gallery 7A, conveniently located next door to the expanding presence of Cube Gallery. Drawing in a decent sized crowd for its first event, the gallery features a variety of works from many of Ottawa's fresh talents, giving an under-exhibited group something it greatly needs - a place where their work can grow and be seen. Among the artists at the opening were painters Olaf Krassnitzky, Marcia Lea and Sean Hyatt, and with so much creative talent in town looking for space, surely there will be more to come.
A short walk takes you to the Engine Room, a recently converted mechanic's garage, where the second space to open is located. Formerly part of proprietor Julia von Hahn's home, Pukka Gallery slid open its doors this weekend to a boisterous group of artists and art lovers, and, of course, some gals dressed up as cakes. Not simply there to strut their stuff, the icing laden lasses (Karina Bergmans and Jenny McMaster) performed for happy gawkers who nibbled on the sweet rewards of a fun night while taking in the sights of the artists adorning Pukka's three walls.
Among the works on display is the sensitively feminine painting of Sharon VanStarkenburg, well shown in the
intimate space. Other artists included Gary Goodacre, Petra Halkes, Meaghan Haughian, Patti Normand, Howie Tsui and Kate Barry, whose Mud flap Girl Skeleton will reunite with other scantily clad buxom symbols at her upcoming solo show on October 13. But before you get on your bike, Pukka is only open weekends. Not to be forgotten, Cube Gallery's upcoming weekend will feature a glittering light show by light art group Candela. Anticipate art pieces exploring the potential of light, for four days only, beginning with parties on September 21 and 22, and free entry throughout weekend.
Cube Gallery also gets kudos for being instrumental in getting me to Hintonburg in the first place. Being a lazy downtown resident, I was intrigued by the West End Studio Tour, organized with Cube, which took place as a walking tour all over Hintonburg. Unbeknownst to me, a serious community of creative types has long been rooted here, including a personal favourite of mine, Derek Aylen, who has been making colourful woodcuts for many years. The tour itself is over, but don`t let that stop you. Go west my friends, go west.
Gallery A (7A Hamilton Ave. N)
Pukka Gallery (430 Parkdale Avenue)
The Engine Room (430 Parkdale Avenue)
Cube Gallery (7 Hamilton Ave. N)
