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Story and Photography by Ashleigh Barry
The Oakville Art Society (OAS) is celebrating their 60th anniversary with “Connections”, a collaborative exhibition with the Oakville Museum that pays tribute to the friendships and shared experiences that have shaped and inspired our artistic community.
The theme of connections “brings together the past, present, and beyond. The artwork celebrates the theme in landscape, still life, portraiture, photography, and abstract form,” said Judy McAuley, OAS Gallery Coordinator.
Through garments on loan from Oakville Museum, visitors are invited to see how historical fashion and craftsmanship compliment and deepen the themes explored within the artwork.
In preparation for the exhibition, the selected artwork was given to the Oakville Museum for pairing. Chris Selman, the museum’s curator and collections coordinator and his staff selected garments and artifacts based on colour, shape, and looks, with a mix of materials from fur and feathers and even a dress made of paper as well as a mix of ages with garments ranging from Victorian to mid-century.
The opening reception was attended by OAC members and staff along with members of the general public. Also in attendance was Sima Acan, the MPP for Oakville West and Oakville mayor Rob Burton.
“For six decades you have built more than a studio space, you have built belonging. This show “connections,” pairs Oakville Art Society members’ work with historic costumes and textile pieces asking us to look twice. It connects past and present along with histories we incurred and the futures we imagine. I see the difference this makes everyday. A thriving arts community enriches our lives, supports small businesses, draws visitors and helps people put down roots. When we support artists we support value, youth engagement and love of learning across our nature” said Sima Acan, the MPP for Oakville West.
The OAS has maintained its sense of connection over the decades through the passion of its members. Technology has made it easier to communicate and coordinate with our members and the community in order to foster both education and love for the arts. The organization started out of the artists’ homes in 1965 and since 1980 they have been in their current location at 560 Bronte Road.
In looking to the future, the organization has recently received a capital expenditures grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation which will go to fixing up the parking lot to make it safer and more functional. The grant will also make their doors more accessible and improve the gallery space for the public and extended community.
“We are custodians of history and it's important for us to preserve that history and also set it up for the future” remarked Barbara Chapman, President of the OAS.
She aims to maintain the sense of community and identity of the society through a stable base of communications and activities such as the Community Outreach Art Programs and Community Art programs for Seniors.
“Connections” runs in the Main Gallery of QEPCCC at 2302 Bridge Road until November 14th.
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