Local artists are part of a national exhibition opening Saturday in Kingston, ON.
Connecting Canadians: Freshwater, celebrating freshwater and the way it connects us, showcases the the work of neurodiverse artists.
From the largest glaciers to the small tributaries that flow into tranquil freshwater lakes, colourful details come alive while you explore original work from inclusive art studios and allied arts organizations from across Canada, including Owen Sound's REACH Centre.
There will be over 50 canvases and sculptures from artists representing: REACH Centre (Owen Sound, ON), H’art Studio (Kingston,ON), New Leaf Link (Harrowsmith, ON), Being Studio (Ottawa, ON), The Space (Vanier, ON), Creating Alternatives (Vaughan, ON), L’Arche Toronto's-Sol Express (Toronto, ON), Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts (Edmonton, AB), The National AccessArts Centre (Calgary, AB), Alternative Creations Studio (Vancouver, BC), and Cool Arts Society (Kelowna, BC).
The exhibit launches at a private opening this Saturday at The Mix in Kingston. Connecting Canadians: Freshwater will be open for public tours every Friday from October 28 to December 2 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Individuals and groups can schedule a tour through the organization’s website or by calling 613-545-1392.
The exhibit is sponsored by Bill and Nancy Gray. We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Ontario Arts Council for this project. It is also made possible by the many donors who recently supported H’art Centre’s expansion into The Mix. It will be the first public exhibit to be held in The Mix, Kingston's new 4,000-square-foot community outreach and gallery space adjacent to H’art Centre’s 237 Wellington Street location.
This national exhibit marks the culmination of a 2022 partnership with the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes at Kingston to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement and to connect Canadians with the environment, inclusive arts, and our shared resources. For more information about the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes at Kingston and this partnership, visit their website.
The REACH Centre Grey/Bruce provides a programming for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We are focused on skill acquisition to foster independence in whatever form that looks like for our participants. We offer a stimulating and fun program that is both educational and recreational. We provide a place where participants can experience true community and supportive friendships, while engaging in life-long learning to achieve their full potential.
The REACH Centre is a registered charitable organization and we have our own facility in the heart of downtown Owen Sound so destinations like the library, theatre, art gallery, coffee shops, and the YMCA are all within walking distance!
Kingston's H’art Centre is an award-winning registered not-for-profit, charitable community arts hub that provides artists with disabilities and those facing barriers with opportunities to create, study and produce works in the arts and collaborate with qualified, trained community artists. We do this to nurture a vibrant, exciting and supportive culture that encourages artists, staff, volunteers and audiences to reach beyond limiting beliefs and expectations. To value and recognize artists individually for their abilities, and to share this understanding with the world.
source: media release, REACH Centre Grey/Bruce
