Art on the Street – February 2013

We share February love with works from Esther Vincent, a new antique store called "Circus" and the "Selah" show at Gallery in the Attic

Esther Vincent's photos are on display at The Ritz Deli North until February 25th
Esther Vincent's photos are on display at The Ritz Deli North until February 25th

“Within The Limits: Photographs of Peterborough” by Esther Vincent

If you know the work of Esther Vincent, then you know that skies, clouds and light — all found in the immediate countryside — have been a central theme in her work as a photographer over the past few years.

Even beyond that, I think it’s also widely known that Esther is what you might even call a storm chaser. If there’s a slightest chance of dramatic skies, you’d find Esther standing in a field off Brealey Drive, looking west, camera in hand.

While skies are still a component of the new work she has collected and displayed at The Ritz Deli North, the city is the main partner to the sky. It’s a dance. A lovely one.

I’m partial to images that make you look at the city in which you live in a new light. These images do that. Well worth a visit to Ritz Deli North this month.

The show runs from January 29 to February 25 at the Ritz Deli North (641 George St N., Peterborough).


Antiques and curiosities at Circus

Circus is new to the Peterborough retail scene. This lovely small space at the northwest corner of Aylmer and Murray Streets houses a compact treasure trove of antiques and curiosities. Curated by co-owners Chris Norgan and Sarah O’Sullivan, the selection of interesting pieces pull you in from the street. It helps that the big and bright front window is always rotating new pieces.

Chris’s weekly trips though Northumberland, Quinte and Peterborough counties seems to result in some pretty special items. The revolving collection includes beautiful cabinets, quirky accent pieces, upbeat accessories and wall décor — all with a classic touch. Some of the pieces are artfully adjusted and cleaned up, leaving the original as it was found and allowing its full character to shine.

Circus is a studio shop located at 481 Aylmer Street in Peterborough
Circus is a studio shop located at 481 Aylmer Street in Peterborough
The collection at Circus includes quirky accent pieces
The collection at Circus includes quirky accent pieces
Circus houses a compact treasure trove of antiques and curiosities
Circus houses a compact treasure trove of antiques and curiosities

So far, Chris and Sarah have found the neighbourhood to be very welcoming. Students and passers-by are stopping in to say hello on a regular basis. It’s no wonder. The space and these two lovely owners are very welcoming.

If you’re hunting for a piece, drop in and have a chat. Chris is often out searching for great finds and he might happen to find exactly what you’re looking for. Just for kicks, stop by the next time you’re downtown. Do it often, as the selection and sights are constantly changing.

Circus is a studio shop located at 481 Aylmer Street in Peterborough. Hours are 11 am to 5 pm Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5 pm on Sunday (the shop is closed on Monday). Check out their blog at circusshop.blogspot.ca.


“Selah: Pause to Find Perspective” by Crestwood Senior Art Students

A culmination of the work of art students at Crestwood Secondary School is titled “Selah: Pause to Find Perspective”.

This wide-ranging show is certainly progressive. Each student’s take on the theme of perspective is vastly different from the others. The Brick Room at Gallery in the Attic is warm and, with the combination of natural light from the south and the installed gallery light, it gives these installations a positive glow.

Works by Crestwood senior art students are on display at Gallery in the Attic until February 25th
Works by Crestwood senior art students are on display at Gallery in the Attic until February 25th
Each student's take on the theme of perspective is vastly different from the others
Each student's take on the theme of perspective is vastly different from the others
The warmth of the gallery's Brick Room gives these installations a positive glow
The warmth of the gallery's Brick Room gives these installations a positive glow

You will want time to explore throughout the room — there’s a lot to see in “Selah”.

The show runs until February 25 in the Brick Room at the Gallery in the Attic (140 1/2 Hunter St. W., Apt. C). Gallery hours are noon to 5 pm from Tuesday to Saturday.

All photos by Jeff Macklin